British and North American culture might have many things in common, but one thing that is quite different is tipping in restaurants.
In Britain, it is quite acceptable to tip 10% on a restaurant bill and although many people would feel uncomfortable not leaving a tip after a meal, in theory tipping is seen as a reward for good service, and not obligatory.
However in the United States, it is normal to tip 15-20% on a meal in a restaurant. The reason for this is the tip is the main source of income for waiters, who are paid only a subsistence wage by their employers.
Having grown up in the UK, I often have to contain my outrage at the thought of hardworking restaurant workers who are not even paid the minimum wage. But that’s how it works over there.
Photo: Server Lounge
The Guardian writes about the mean reputation of low-tipping Brits visiting the USA.
For more behind-the-scenes New York restaurant stories check out the entertaining archives of Waiter Rant, a blog written by the ex-waiter author of the article, Steve Dublanica (aka The Waiter).
