How much should I tip the waiters in Japan? I'll be going there in 2 weeks.?

Question

Is it 15% like in the US? Is the bank in the US the best place to go to convert to yens before I go? Thanks.

Answer 1

Mrsjvb is exactly right. No tips anywhere. And her reasons are correct too.
I was at the hotel where I normally stay a few years ago and there was a hint by the bell boy about a tip. I ignored it but checked with the front desk later. They confirmed the hotel's no tip policy. Then they asked if anyone requested a tip. I gave them a reluctant yes. The manager was summoned. He escorted me to his office and apologized profusely. Not only was the employee fired on the spot, but I was upgraded to a suite as an apology for the insult. What's the point? That is an example of how seriously the Japanese feel about tipping.

As for exchanging dollars for yen, your bank wil likely give you the best deal. You can probably do it at the airport where you depart the U.S. But those are private companies who will likely charge you a premium for the service. You can also do the exchange at the airport where you land. The fee isn't too bad as I recall. But the place where you bank is probably going to give you the best rate. Check ahead of time.

Answer 2

As many answerers have already written, DO NOT TIP is the general rule.
If you leave small change on the table at a coffee shop, chances are the waitress will run after you with the money, assuming you left it inadvertently, so you'll actually be doing them disservice.

There are some situations where tipping is welcomed; such as a very high-end traditional inns (the sort where a lady in nice kimono visits your room every evening just to draw a bath), very high-end Japanese restaurants (where business tycoons entertain politicians), or when you're moving and the movers really have a hard time because your fridge is too big for you door, etc. But as a foreign tourist, you will not encounter these situations.

Answer 3

Flemming is correct...only tip at ryokans but only in cases where they performed something out of the ordinary. In that case do not just leave cash or hand it to her. You should put in a gift envelope or even wrapped in tissue paper will do if you do not have any envelopes. However please be very careful that the woman you tip is the maid and not the lady of the house in that case all the rules about being implied as rude comes crashing back. You will be telling her, "Here your place looks like it doesn't make enough, or here is some more money, have someone teach you to run a ryokan better."

As for converting money try Citibank as mentioned or HSBC. However the most useful financial instituton for a foreigner to get money from with over 20,000 ATMs nation wide is the Japanese post office. The Japanese post office has ATMs that accept, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus, Visa, Master Card, AMEX, etc Also the menu has an English option. Just keep this in mind though Japanese ATMs do not usually operate 24 hrs. Exceptions places like some of the major post offices.

Although you will likely be charged a fee from your bank ATMs offer better exchange rate since you get a whole sale rate. However since those fees can add up take out larger sums out.

Answer 4

simple..it is not customary.. just check out the service fee on other receipt..that doesn't mean you don't give at all. It depends on how generous you are, if you stay on the hotel, some working students do partime or foreigners for cleaning..they would appreciate it, if you left it and you're gone, they won't make it a big deal unless the staff asked for it intentionally it is not good for the hotel management.. or just don't leave anything if you have any doubt. In other places, like restaurant, the food charge is too much that you don't even think of tipping.
I used to leave thank you notes on the table if I don't have enough money, what are notes and ballpen for that they place in your room.?If you have no comment, simple notes saying thank you is more than a tip.

If you arrive, at the airport there are many counters that you can exchange your currency.

Answer 5

Don't tip in Japan, as explained by everyone else. It's considered an insult.

As for currency conversion, you will actually get the best rate by using your ATM card in Japan. Most, if not all, Japanese post offices will allow you to use international ATM cards (Japanese bank ATMs probably won't work). If your bank doens't charge an arm and a leg for out-of-country ATM usage, then that's your best bet. It's usually within 1% or so of the daily rate you see on the internet, not including fees.

Second-best rate is if you convert traveller's checks at a bank in Japan. That's usually about 2-3% off the daily rate. Currency conversions at US banks are usually about 4-5%, after fees, depending on the bank.

Answer 6

Don't tip. It's just not part of the culture and waitresses and waiters get paid better in Japan than the States so they don't need the tips.

Answer 7

Tipping in Japan is not expected. It is one of the things that we love about living here - and the service is fantastic everywhere!

You can change your dollars to yen at your bank or at the airport. Also, most ATMs in Japan do not have an English option, but all Citibank ATMS do - so if you are near a Citibank (see their website for locations in Japan) you can get cash out as you need it. Japan is more of a cash society than the US, so do bring plenty of the paper stuff!

Enjoy your time here!

Answer 8

DO NOT TIP!! It's considered rude to tip in Japan. They believe service is important and that it is their job to give you the best service they can.

About converting money, Travelex isn't a bad place to convert money. They don't charge a bunch of money to make the conversion. However, make sure you know your conversion rate, because they don't always give you the correct rate. Also, Wells Fargo converts currency and doesn't charge that much.

Answer 9

The first time i went to Japan i tried to give a tip but they didn't want it, so i decided to leave the tip on the table (like in France). When i left the bar the waitress ran after me to bring me the money that i had "forgotten" on the table.

As already mentioned: Don't tip...

Answer 10

Dont tip in resturants its rude. You can tip in cafes but there isnt really a set amount.