Prev...
In the United States, UK, Canada, most other Western countries and the Middle East, it is customary for customers to pay tip to a server after a meal. In many U.S. states, waiting staff, like other "tipped" employees, can be paid a lower minimum wage than other occupations. For example, waiting staff in Georgia are generally paid around $2.13 an hour. Tips are commonly between 10% and 20% of the total bill, depending on the level and quality of service. In the UK around 10% is a standard tip and 15% - 20% is considered standard in the U.S. In restaurants where a ‘service charge,’ also called a gratuity, is automatically applied (18% for most US restaurants) an additional voluntary tip is not usually given. Service charges are normally optional and often only apply to large parties.

In contrast, waiters and waitresses in Japan refuse tips, which are sometimes even considered an insult. It is believed there that leaving a tip implies that the staff are not being paid enough by their employer, or that the customer believes the server must be paid extra to deliver a proper service.

Tipping is not customary in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and is not factored into wages of staff. However, tips are appreciated especially if the customer or party has been unusually difficult or has left a mess. For example, parents of small children may leave a small tip.

Also See:

Keyword Category Index