BOSTON, MA–(Marketwire – July 21, 2010) –  Cheapflights.com, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, saves travelers time, confusion and money with its latest How-to Guide for Tipping Around The World. Knowing how much to tip or even whether to tip is often a frustrating part of any vacation. Cheapflights.com’s guide offers insider tips on tipping that will ease stress and in turn save on the wallet drain that comes with the confusion of not knowing how much to leave.

“Many people seem to have forgotten that the word ‘tip’ is an acronym for “To Insure Promptness,” says Andrea Mooney, Cheapflights site editor. “Tipping has become an everyday occurrence and, in some cultures, a cornerstone of the economy. However, each part of the world has its own practices, which can often lead to confusion and embarrassment if you’re not familiar with the destination’s customs. Cheapflights.com’s Tipping guide offers advice on which situations require tipping and how much to leave whether you are traveling in North or South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Australia or Asia.”

Having explored the tipping practices in many of the world’s most popular travel destinations, Cheapflights travel experts compiled an easy-to-follow guide to local customs broken down into 10 regions. The guide covers how much to tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis, for tours etc. Below we highlight some of the tips that stood out from these destinations. 

• Canada — In Canada, tipping is standard. At a restaurant, plan to pay 15-20 percent (on the before-tax amount) and 10-20 percent at a bar. At hotels, tip maids $1-2 a day (or a lump sum at the end), tip hotel room service 15 percent if not included, and a concierge a few dollars for helpful service.

• United States — In the U.S., tipping is not only appreciated, but expected. For places that serve food and drink, expect to tip 20 percent at a sit-down restaurant, $1 per drink or 20 percent of the tab at a bar, pocket change at a coffee shop, and a few dollars for hostesses who arrange take-out food. For car service, like cabs, tip 20 percent, and $5 for valet.

• Mexico — Tipping is common in Mexico, but for lesser amounts than in the United States or Canada. If a sit-down restaurant doesn’t include a service change, tip 10-15 percent. At a bar, give $1-2 per round of drinks or 10 percent of a total tab. Tip a tour guide 10 percent of the total cost.

• Caribbean — Many all-inclusive hotels and resorts in the Caribbean discourage tipping. In general, the accommodation rate includes all tipping and service charges. All-inclusive can mean different things at different hotels however. If you’re unsure what to tip, check with the concierge. Give valets a few dollars and cabs drivers $1-2 for in-town fares, and more for nights, holidays, and Sundays.

• Asia — Some parts of Asia — China, Japan, and Singapore — do not have a tipping culture. Others do. Hospitality workers in Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok will all appreciate tips. If your destination is westernized, tip accordingly. If you’re going local, just round up your bill to the nearest dollar.

• Australia — Australia is not a tipping culture and some parts of the region actively discourage tipping. These include Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa and Vanuatu. However, if you receive service that you consider to be exemplary, a small tip is a good way of showing your appreciation.

• Africa — Tipping is standard practice in many parts of Africa. If you’re in South Africa, 10 percent is standard but considered generous in Morocco. For game rangers, budget $10 per guest per day if in a shared vehicle, double that (at least) if you’re in a private vehicle. Trackers, butlers and valets should receive $5 per guest per day, and $5 per guest per day should go into the general staff fund.

• Middle East — Tipping is customary in the Middle East. Visitors will find that many countries in the region operate on a system of baksheesh. Have a roll of small bills ready to tip everyone. In destinations such as Dubai, Israel and Jordan, a service charge is included in the bill, but you are encouraged to tip the waiter on top of that. Be discreet with the tips. Work in the tip with your handshake.

• South America — Ten percent is standard in bars or restaurants. Check your bill before you tip. In Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, a service charge will be included in your bill, but add 10 percent for good service. For porters, tip a dollar per bag.

• Europe — Tipping is not expected in many European countries. In France, the UK and Ireland, the service will be included but if you are impressed, add a little extra. In Italy, Spain or Portugal, tipping is not expected, but if the waiter was friendly, then a 10 percent tip left on the table will be a nice surprise.

To read Cheapflights.com’s complete ‘How-to Guide for Tipping Around the World,’ with more details on the tipping customs for the above regions, visit http://news.cheapflights.com/2010/07/top-10-tips-on-tipping-around-the-world/

About Cheapflights Media
The trusted partner in flights, Cheapflights Media is a global Internet media network that has been delivering great deals since 1996. Headquartered in London with offices in Boston and Toronto, Cheapflights Media serves advertisers and consumers through its vast portfolio of websites and services. Packed with travel guides, tips and the latest news and information, the Cheapflights sites are online shopping comparison engines that make it easy for consumers in local markets to research, compare and save on domestic and international trips. With brand-name deals on airline tickets from more than 250 partners and 600 airlines and a team of travel experts hand picking the best offerings, Cheapflights offers visitors a mix of deals they can’t find anywhere else. There are currently Cheapflights-branded sites for the U.K., U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, France, Italy and Spain. For more information visit www.cheapflights.com

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