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Tip calculator

In many establishments today it is customary to give a tip: in restaurants, cafes, hotels, inns. On the one hand, this is a way to thank the staff for good service, and on the other hand, to pay tribute to centuries-old traditions that originated more than 500 years ago. How did the practice of tipping appear, and is it worth following it today?

How tips appeared

Like many other customs of modern civilized countries, the practice of tipping originated in England. Historians cannot name the exact year/decade, but it is known for certain that the tradition arose in the 16th century - after the British became addicted to a new "foreign" drink - tea. It is interesting that at first it was customary to give “for tea” not to the staff (in pubs and hotels), but to the owners of the houses who arranged receptions and guest parties. So, after sitting at the table in a pleasant company, the guests left some money to cover the host's expenses for the exotic drink of the same name.

Later, this practice was transferred to taverns and pubs, where they began to install special metal boxes with slots for coins. At the entrance to the institution, a wealthy visitor threw a coin, which, when it fell, made a characteristic ringing. Hearing it, the staff began to work with increased diligence, and a generous guest could count on the highest quality and fastest service out of turn.

Why people leave tips

Paying for service in excess of the designated amount is a dubious pleasure, but, nevertheless, this practice exists in almost the entire civilized world, and is widespread. In many Western countries, not giving a tip is a sign of bad taste, and a reason for censure from others. Moreover, the size of the tip reaches 18 & ndash; 25% of the order amount, and this is tacitly considered a "fixed" fee.

It is difficult to say why this tradition has taken root, and why it is followed by hundreds of millions of people around the world. If we consider this issue from the point of view of psychology and sociology, then there may be several reasons:

  • The desire to thank the staff for the good and fast service. The feeling of gratitude is inherent in most people, and the best way to express it is to pay a little more than the due amount.
  • The desire to reduce the class distance between the customer and the contractor. Many are sickened by the idea of class inequality, and they seek to compensate for it in all available ways.
  • The desire to elicit approval from society. A person who gives a “tip” always looks dignified, and thus declares his financial solvency and generosity.
  • The opportunity to improve the attitude of the staff in order to subsequently count on an individual approach and the highest quality of services in this institution.
  • Striving for charity. Having extra money is a pleasure to share with others, and tips are one of the best and most unobtrusive ways to fulfill this desire.

Thus, no one forces a person to pay beyond measure, and he does it completely voluntarily. The only exceptions are those cases when tips are initially included in the cost of services, and it is impossible to refuse them.

Facts about tips

The history of tipping has more than five centuries, and during this time many legends and documentary facts about this tradition have arisen. The latter are especially interesting - they reliably transmit information without distortion and exaggeration:

  • The biggest tip was $3 million. The visitor invited the waitress to pick numbers for the lottery together, and after winning he shared the jackpot with her.
  • In Monte Carlo, Monaco, the entire casino staff once received a tip of approximately $1 million. A visitor gave it away in chips after winning $15 million.
  • Pizza Hut waitress Jessica Osbourne received a fairly substantial amount (albeit without the ability to spend on other needs). One of the visitors gave her a “tip” of 10 thousand dollars - on the condition that she spend them on education.
  • It's a big mistake to tip in places in Japan and New Zealand. There, it may be perceived as an insult and disparaging treatment.
  • In some periods of history, tips were the only source of income for waiters. For example, this practice existed in Russia in the 19th century. If the visitors didn't tip, the staff could work for free all day.

The custom of tipping arose many centuries ago, has withstood the test of time and continues to exist even in the informational 21st century. In each country, it is implemented in its own way, but always implies the same thing - an additional fee for service personnel for quality services. If the quality is low, no one will blame you for refusing to pay a tip.

How much to tip? How to calculate a tip?

How much to tip? How to calculate a tip?

Initially, the tradition of tipping originated in England in the XVI century, but today it is widespread in almost all civilized countries. USA, France, Great Britain, Turkey, Russia, Southeast Asian countries and the Middle East, it is implemented in different ways everywhere. What are the differences, and what do you need to remember when going abroad, so as not to get into awkward situations?

  • United States of America. A country in which tips are always given and everywhere. If in inexpensive catering establishments you can leave up to 5% of the order amount at the checkout, then in expensive restaurants 15-20% is the lower limit. If you don't pay a tip at all, you will definitely be asked what didn't you like about the service? The attitude towards such visitors is becoming cool, and the quality and speed of the service are noticeably deteriorating.
  • France. Here tips are initially included in the bills, as required by French tax law. The French themselves rarely give the waiters «tea », and   if  they give, then  a trifle (amounts up to  1–2 euros). Generous tips are more likely to cause irritation than gratitude, so you should pay strictly according to the bill.
  • Great Britain. In the homeland of tipping, the tradition has long been nominal. «On tea » is given at  desire, and  small amounts: 1 2 pounds. It is considered good form to leave up to 10% of the order amount in the restaurant, but this is not necessary, and no one will condemn you if you refuse to pay extra. In individual establishments, as in France, tips are initially included in the cost of services.
  • Switzerland and the Netherlands. These countries are among the most expensive in the world, and it is not surprising that tips are treated rather coolly here. The price tags and bills are so high enough to leave extra tips. In a restaurant or hotel, they will understand the refusal of an additional payment for services, and they will not expect it from you, as, for example, in the USA. But if you like the quality of the service, you can leave up to 5 10% of the amount, or round the bill to an even value — without fear that you will be misunderstood (as in most Asian countries).
  • Italy, Spain and Portugal. In these European countries, tipping is not perceived as a tradition, but as an ordinary everyday norm. It is customary to give maids 1 5 euros (depending on the respectability of the hotel), porters 1 2 euros for each piece of luggage, and waitersup to 10% of the order value. Such prices have long been fixed, and they do not cause anyone any surprise or special gratitude. But not paying is a sign of bad taste, especially in Italy, where tips may initially be included in bills.
  • Turkey. A popular world resort pleases visitors with oriental hospitality, and it is customary to pay generously for it. So, in cafes and eateries here give «tea » up to 15% of the check, and  in expensive restaurants — up to 20%. For an additional fee, you can get a special location from the staff, individual recommendations and the highest quality of service.
  • Japan, China and South Korea. Countries in which it is not customary to tip at all: neither locals nor visitors. An attempt to pay extra money here in the best case will be perceived as a misunderstanding (accidentally forgot the money), and in the worst case as an insult. Giving «tea », you offend the waiter, pointing out his low salary, this opinion is shared by both Chinese,  Japanese, and Koreans.
  • Thailand. One of the most popular resorts in Southeast Asia, on the territory of which tips are treated in two ways. For locals, this tradition is incomprehensible and unacceptable, but foreigners take tips almost everywhere, considering it a fair additional income. They leave tips not only in cafes, restaurants and hotels, but even in minibus taxis, on amusement rides and in safari parks.

The practice of leaving tips is especially strongly developed in Western countries, most strongly in the United States. In Europe, it is implemented«at desire», and in many Asian countries — is censured and condemned. The nuances of service in a particular country need to be clarified in advance so as not to get into an awkward situation and not to leave a negative opinion about yourself.

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Metainformation
Created by
Marcus Davenport
Reviewed by
Valentina Moretti
Last updated 01/11/2025
The provided information is for reference purposes only and does not constitute professional advice