Why are tips for waiting staff so poor - Page 2

There was me thinking everywhere in Europe expected a tip! I have always left 10% wherever I have been.

You learn something every day.

Pete.

Hi Pete

What have you learnt?

KR

Andy 

That a tip is not expected in Spain.

I certainly agree that if service is substandard then you are within your rights to leave no tip. I personally would not go as far as paying below the listed price unless the meal was ruined or inedible. 

I've also heard that it is not customary to tip in Spain.

We always do though as would feel a cheapskate if we didn't.

Will always leave a tip for good service, won’t if it’s bad. 

Hi John56. I totally agree. If I receive good service, I’m happy to put down 10% + for a meal in a restaurant. If it’s a quick coffee, I’ll usually leave the coppers

When shopping, if it’s going to be 5/10 cents change, I’ll leave that as well, I’m not filling my purse with all that shrapnel 

Whilst I generally pay my restaurant bills by card, I leave the tip in cash. I understand (could be wrong) that tips added to card payments are taxable. My choice to tip and certainly don’t want the staff to have to pay tax on It.

We have friends who have had a home in Spain for many years and rarely, of ever, tip, regardless of the quality of the service. They say the Spanish don’t expect or leave tips. Has caused a few uncomfortable moments when it’s come to paying the bill when we’ve been together 🤪🥂

Hi Pete,

I'm with you, we always leave at least 10% for good food and service.  We've only been out for dinner twice since lockdown lifted and left 15% tips, delighted that our favourite restaurants are still trying to make a living, despite the new regulations to which they have to adhere, adding further cost to their already stricken businesses.

However, when we go out for dinner with Spanish friends, the husband tells us off for leaving a tip.  If we insist, he takes it off the table and puts it in his own pocket - he says it's the only way we'll learn, LOL!

Kind regards,

Kim

I respect that Spanish people may not tip but if someone tried that with my tip I would break their arm, they should show the same respect to a different culture's customs. 

Breaking someone's arm who is in their own country trying to inform you (the foreigner) of local customs?

Respect. Really?

Pete.