Why don't americans tip when they're overseas?

Question

I know that tipping is practically obligatory in America, but I have never been tipped by an American (I live in Australia, and work in a restaurant), I have been tipped by Aussies, kiwi's and anyone else you care to mention, but never by Americans, which strikes me as weird because they tip everywhere in America. I don't mean any disrespect at all, I am just curious.
Oh, and before you say that it's because I don't deserve a tip, I assure you that is not true, I am a fine waitress, and my restaurant serves good food.

Answer 1

I always tip wherever I travel, and I have been to quite a few other countries (I'm American). The only time I do not is if a) the gratuity is already included in the price of something, or b) I am told it would be considered inappropriate. For example, when you travel to some resorts, they will tell you not to tip, because they have already accounted for gratuity in your costs. Otherwise, I leave a tip - regardless of whether someone makes wait staff wage (like they do here in the USA, which is usually around 2-3$ USD per hour before their tips) or "full" wage, they deserve a "thank you" for waiting on you and doing a good job at it. It is hard to serve people, regardless of what you're paid, because sometimes people, and particularly Americans, can be demanding.

Answer 2

It's probably not all Americans - maybe just the ones you've met. It may be that they are new to the monetary system. It may be that they are ignorant of the custom of tipping in other countries. Also, in many restaurants in America, you add the gratuity in on the receipt when you pay by credit card, and in some restaurants, the gratuity is added in BY the restaurant.
If the travelers are as UNwealthy as I, it may be that they spent ALL their money just getting overseas - which is why I will likely never go overseas (nowhere near enough money).

Answer 3

When I was in Australia, I was told that tipping was not practiced in Australia. So I did not tip while I was there. Americans tip waitresses in America, because they are only paid half of the normal wage everyone else receives. I was told in Australia they do not tip because the waitresses there are paid a full wage, just like everyone else.

Answer 4

Not sure about Australia, but my brother-in-law lived in London while he was going to school. He said that people don't tip there, and it's not really expected. Maybe other people have heard this theory, so they don't want to offend you by tipping you? I don't know. I've never been fortunate enough to travel to Australia, but if I do, I would certainly tip my server. It might be tacky and make me look like a dumb American tourist, but I'd ask my server if tipping is expected in Australia, and if so, is the standard 15 to 20% acceptable.

Answer 5

Americans tip in the UK. I expect that similar to when Brits go to america and understand tipping is to be expected and so they do. The Americans realise its a personal choice and so they don't.

I have found thought (through years of waiting on myself) that they either tip very well or not at all.

Answer 6

Because those Americans are not truly representative of this country. Let me assure you, no matter where I go, no matter what I eat or don't, I tip and I tip handsomely. People in the service industry DESERVE to know that they are appreciated, no matter what country I'm in. On behalf of ALL Americans, I truly and humbly apologize for my fellow so-called country men and women.

Answer 7

I usually ask a local wherever I go whether or not it's customary to tip. I always tip if the locals do.

Answer 8

I heard the same same about foreigners not tipping when they visit the U.S. Have you seen the movie "Waiting"? It's funny and it gives us a clip of that example.

Answer 9

well we do, atleast i do .