Americans tipping in the UK?

Question

I'm a private hire driver in Scotland and usualy Americans tip the best as it is customary over there, however, some of them seem to think that just because it isnt customary here they dont have to. I can understand my native scots not tipping as most of them are grippy and wont pay a penny more than what is due. but, I lose all respect for any American that does that. I cant make my mind up if they are just stingy or they they are just insulting my intelligence. If I let slip I've been to America four times they always tip me. If I stay quiet, I get nothing. I'm lucky if it gets rounded up to the nearest quid. This seems to have nothing to do with my driving or any other aspect of the service. I am widely regarded as one of the best drivers in my fleet. I take it as an insult every time this happens. I get better tips from local scum than I do from some of these fools. personally I wouldnt dream of demanding exact change from anyone, especially a driver. is this just ignorance?

I certainly wont be tipping next time I visit the states. I must confess it made me feel good in the past, if it was deserved I'd give a wee bit more. I liked doing it, i got something back from it. attitude I've seen since, in the field of work and on here made me change my mind. although I reckon this particular arena of debate might be lacking in pubes/brain cells/intelligence. It's a sad fact, but only stingy worthless wee scrat-ends dont give tips. that applies to the whole globe. take your useless fifty pence. dont spend it all in one place. losers

Usually I can tell the minute they get in the car. most of them are great fun I love the american sense of humour, but theres a select few, they think they are wordly wise, so full of themselves. I just know I'm getting **** all as a tip before the car even moves. It's not about the money. It's about not being appreciated.

Answer 1

You get paid to do a job,just do it!If i was a bit short of the fare,would you be ok with that?Unlike waitresses,hotel staff etc.you do not rely on tips to survive.I use taxis regularly,none of them are cheap,so just stop bleating,or change jobs.Btw.I DO tip,but that's MY decision,not yours.

Answer 2

I consider myself a good tipper, 15 to 20 percent of total bill, more if bill is quite small must be at least 2 dollar tip. Why? Because I worked for tips when I was younger and poorer like many if not most American kids. Waitresses also tend to be generous tippers (I caddied on golf courses for rich f''''ks) Don't know what your tourist guides are doing telling me what to do with my money. Most American kids work for tips at least for awhile in high school. Makes a difference don't you think? PS. I still tip the "right" amount even when the server screws up royally. Give em the tip but rank on them for the screw up as I'm leaving, and then I never go back where I had to holler at wait staff.

Answer 3

When I go to your country, I follow your customs. I expect the same when you come to mine. I think it's the responsibility of the traveler to find out what is proper etiquette in the land they are visiting.

Americans aren't the only ones who screw up on this- after many years of waitressing and tending bar, I've learned that most visiting Europeans are very poor tippers. At an American restaurant, 15-20% of the total bill is considered a proper tip- I'm lucky to get 5-10% from a European traveler.

Answer 4

I guess that assumes that you are due some reward over and above the service that you provide on behalf of your employer.

The americans seem to know a lot more about customer service than we brits do too, so I guess the tipping culture pays dividends.

The only person I tip is my hairdresser, as she only charges three pounds fifty for about 20 minutes work and I know she could charge a woman more.

Answer 5

Well, normally I'd be all in your favour (being an American. . . And yes, I realize I use English spelling, that's because Charles Dodson is my favourite and most influential author), except you have to consider that maybe SOME of these Americans are aware that it is not customary to tip in Scotland, and as such are practicing the local social dynamics. Others of them really may just be stingy arsewipes.

Answer 6

The only scum as you put it is you!!!!!
Do not expect just do your job. Tipping is not compulsory and with an attitude of yours I am surprised you have any passengers.
Ignorance is not being honest and trying to hold on to the change instead of showing respect and offering it before anything else.
Just when you think there are some decent taxi drivers self praising morons come along.

Answer 7

I just returned from London and I made a point to tip like my American self. Yes, excessive by UK standards; however, so what. I was on vacation, might as well share the wealth.

Is it ignorance? Perhaps. However, realize most US purchased tour books tell us not to tip much if any in the UK. We are advised it is considered flaunting our wealth or being a show off.

Answer 8

Interesting point you raise.

In the US, I tip 20 percent.
In the UK, I only tip 10 percent.

Try not to take it personally. It's more like, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." So, if people in the UK tip less than us Yanks, why shouldn't we follow suit?

And, conversely, just so you know, my waitress friends never get anywhere near a 20 percent tip from tourists from the UK. It just isn't your custom, I guess.

Answer 9

Let me see if I have this straight. You have a double standard for Americans and are complaining about their double standard for you vs. how they would tip in America.

The solution is to either accept not getting much, if any, of a tip, or to challenge what you are accustomed to among your fellow Scots and ask them to give you a tip, that way everyone will know you expect a tip.

Answer 10

a lot of americans in the food industry live off tips. and everybody knows that it is just like that in america. you should not get offended when an american does not tip you in scotland. they just try to do whats customary in your country.