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America is notorious for tipping. Whatever you spend on a meal, especially, in the States is inflated by a tip. And while it used to be around 15 per cent, closer to 20 is now widely expected. But the USA is not the only country which has a gratuity culture.
Muizenberg Beach in False Bay, Cape Town iStock
It’s not widely known, but workers in South Africa also expect tips.
When I visited a safari lodge recently, a letter in the room advised on the expected gratuities.
It was suggested I pay $26 (R300) to the guide per day, and the same amount for general hotel staff like waiters.
That’s for each person, so over $50 per employee.
It was also suggested to give half that, around $13 per guest per day, to the tracker, who helps the guide find animals.
I mean the service was amazing, but for three days for two people, that added up to hundreds of dollars of holiday money we had not considered.
(You can pay it on your credit card though at the end, or in rand and sometimes even in American dollars).
Expect to tip heavily on a South African safari. Sarah Swain
In a nation where a high percentage of people live in poverty and the minimum wage is just over $2.50, it’s not a problem for most travellers lucky enough to visit.
In fact, locals in the village we visited near the resort didn’t have running water; they had to collect it daily from the pump the hotel had paid for.
But you do need to take it into account when planning a holiday.
On a horse riding holiday in the county too, we were told by the manager that tips of “what we could afford” were expected.
It went to the guides, cleaners, and kitchen staff.
Tipping is expected in South Africa. iStock
The advised amount for a week for two was around $450.
If you’re driving in the country, you’ll also need to tip petrol attendants who fill your car up a few dollars. And ten per cent on a restaurant bill is normal.
South Africa Tourism offered a helpful guide that also said hotel porters and drivers should be handed $1 (R10 rand) a go.
It advised to keep handy $9 (R100) for game lodge staff and $18 (R200) for trackers, per day, when on safari.
Make sure to tip your safari guides and trackers. iStock
Meanwhile, do watch out for airport porters in South African airports.
Either be ready with some cash or quickly tell them you don’t need help, or you could be stung. I was caught out by simple baggage con.
Tipping culture around the world
Another country which expects tipping from travellers is Canada. It’s similar to America, with 15 per cent either added or expected.
And while added restaurant service charges are increasingly common in places such as London and some places in Europe, there’s no expected tips on top of that usually.
Free walking tours are also not free, as the guides will expect a tip. Just make sure you check your bill before paying.
Mexican restaurant workers also expect a tip.
However, in some places you can safely put that money away. In China and Japan it’s even considered a bit rude to tip.
Meanwhile, if you’re going on a cruise anywhere outside Australia, tips are expected. You can even pay them in advance to save the hassle.
