World Cup fans in U.S. confused by tipping, questioning tips for water. Servers earn $2/hr, 20% standard, owners suggest 10-20%. A $30 meal adds $6.
Tags:
World Cup Fans Shocked by U.S. Tipping Culture: “Why Am I Tipping for Water?”
As the World Cup enters the knockout stage, fans from around the world have been traveling to U.S. host cities to watch the matches. But outside the stadiums, another topic has sparked debate:America’s tipping culture.
According to Chinese media reports citing the BBC, many international visitors have expressed frustration with the cost and confusion of tipping in the United States, while some local restaurant and bar workers have complained that foreign fans are not tipping enough.
Some England fans said they understood the idea of paying extra for good service, but found it “strange” to be asked for a tip even when buying just a bottle of water, because the staff “didn’t really do anything.”
Australian fans also described the experience as a culture shock. One fan said that in Australia, customers usually pay the price shown on the bill, while in the U.S., tips are often expected and visitors may not always know how much to give. Another Australian fan said adding around $5 in tips for every drink was difficult to understand, especially after already spending heavily on match tickets.
Fans from Asia also expressed similar frustration. One fan from Tokyo said there is no tipping culture in Japan, and that prices in the U.S. already felt expensive before tips were added. Another said even a basic meal could cost around $30, and adding a tip of nearly 20% felt like enough money to buy another meal.
Check our latest video on China Visa and foreign-related knowledge!
Follow our channel for updates 👇
In the U.S., tipping is closely tied to the wage system in the service industry. Some restaurant and bar workers earn only a little over $2 per hour before tips, and many rely on tips of around 20% to make a living. If wages plus tips do not reach the legal minimum, employers are required to make up the difference.
Still, some foreign visitors argue that paying staff fairly should be the responsibility of businesses, not customers.
Some U.S. restaurant and bar workers have also complained that some foreign fans and tourists are very stingy when it comes to tipping. A bar owner in Brooklyn said some tourists “either don’t tip at all, or pretend they don’t know how tipping works.”
A restaurant owner in New York said Europeans do not tip the way Americans do, calling it a cultural difference. In the U.S., when customers spend hundreds of dollars but leave no tip, servers sometimes have to awkwardly explain that service is not included. In Europe, by contrast, service charges are often already included in the listed price.
The owner of a German-style restaurant in downtown Los Angeles said some businesses now suggest tip options of 20%, 25%, or even 30%, which he considered “too high.” He suggested keeping tips between 10% and 20%, adding that tips are shared with team members who help create a good dining experience, including dishwashers, cooks, bartenders, and servers.
Source: 九派新闻
Get daily news, tips, and events in Shanghai
Connect with expat communities and industry experts
For the latest jobs&policy updates, scan the code below to follow AnyJob!
If you have any questions about China visa applications (work visa, company registration and more), please contact our visa consultant Freya.
Click "Wow" if you like this article
No comments:
Post a Comment