July 2018 - Scoot In-flight Magazine

HACKABLES
SINGAPORE
Tipping taxis, tour guides, and
spas is not customary in Singapore.
It is also dissuaded in hotels except
for bellhops that may receive
around S$1 to S$2 per bag.
When dining out, your bill would
often include a ten percent service
charge. But this goes to the
restaurant and not to the staff
attending to you so if you want to tip
extra, give it directly to the waiter.
HONG KONG
Restaurants already include ten
percent service charge, but you may
spare some cash as a gratuity if you
feel the wait staff deserves it.
JAPAN
Good service is standard in Japan,
so tipping is quite uncommon. Waiters
and hotel staff may even refuse the tip.
INDIA
Baksheesh (Indian translation
for tipping) is not compulsory but
appreciated. Be discreet so as not
to gain attention, especially of
beggars who would ask for
baksheesh, which has a different
connotation altogether.
When dining out, check if the
restaurant bill already covers service
charge. If not, offer a tip equal to ten
percent of the total cost.
Hotel bellmen may expect a
gratuity of at least 20 Rupees per
suitcase. Do not allow anyone to
carry your bags if you do not wish
to tip them.
CHINA
In general, China has a nontipping
culture. Some locals may
even find it offensive, as it insinuates
that employers do not value their
workers. Be that as it may, you may
give your independent tour guide a
tip. Ask your group to contribute at
least 65 Yuan per person.
If staying at luxury hotels, gratuity
is not required, but you may leave
the porter with 65 Yuan for each
piece of luggage.
When checked in a ryokan
(upscale Japanese-style inn), you may
leave something like 1,000 Yen
enclosed in an envelope or wrapped
in paper. Handing out cash directly is
considered rude.
AUSTRALIA
Workers in the Land Down Under
typically earn good wages and do not
expect tips from customers.
If you feel offering a dollar or two as
a reward for exceptional service, you
are free to do so.
RULE OF THUMB
There is no template when
giving gratuity, but it’s best
also to keep these in mind
during your travels.
Money talks
US dollars are accepted
internationally. But some
countries prefer tips in their
currency. Upon arrival,
withdraw from the ATM or
visit a local bank for the
best exchange rates.
Subtle gratitude
Whipping out large
denominations from your
pocket can garner
unwarranted stares. Keep
tip money in a separate
wallet and hand it
discreetly to the bellman or
waiter.
Cash is best
Tips via credit card usually
go to the hotel or
restaurant management.
To ensure the gratuity goes
to a specific individual,
offer the banknotes straight
to him or her.
PHOTOGRAPHY SAM TRUONG DAN ON UNSPLASH, DREAMSTIME
20 SCOOT