Tipping

[BDIAS]

I am from the U.S. where we tip for everything, but here they say you don't have to tip for anything? So, will that mean you do not tip your hair dresser or when you go to get a facial?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Why do you tip in the US?

The only reason I ask is that should also govern your actions here as well. Most tip for good service and not because it is expected (although I know the US service industry is a different kettle of fish). While not generally expected from the locals, it is done often and it is appreciated. While I don't use hairdressers/facials I do usually tip my local barber. He's never refused it yet!

And yes, you will become a VIP to that person in the future.

The reason that local tipping is not often done is because in restaurants there service charge is added to your bill whether you like it or not. And you can be sure that the person serving you will not get the amount as the owners tend to keep it for themselves. This is why it is hard to get decent service personnel here. So, If you want to tip A SPECIFIC PERSON be sure not to include the tip in the bill or Credit Card. Make sure you give it directly to him/her in cash otherwise they'll not get it (or only a small portion of it at best). The next time you eat in a restaurant look at your bill for the 10% Service that has been added.

[BDIAS]

Usually, in the U.S. you are expected to tip, or at least the person giving you service is expecting a tip. Like in the U.S. we tip 20% of the total bill. How much do you usually tip your barber?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Two bucks. Course he only charges me $8 for the haircut. I give him a tenner. Guess that works out to about 25% doesn't it.

I am well aware of the tipping policies in the US hence my comments about it being a different kettle of fish. I am, after all, a Yank as well.

[BDIAS]

Thanks for the info!!

[Nailah]

I tip in the west because that's usually the money which the tax department can't touch and the service staff needs.

People don't usually tip in Singapore because we pay a mandatory 10% service charge at many nice F&B outlets. However, I do tip sometimes, especially if I like the service. Tipping is not mandatory but always appreciated.



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[sundaymorningstaple]

I tip in the west because that's usually the money which the tax department can't touch and the service staff needs.

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That is patently not true if you were referring to the U.S. If you are in a service industry and your occupation is that of a front-line service personnel that is usually tipped the IRS will add a proportionate amount of income to your reported taxes if you do not report within a range that is generally received by those in your industry and locale. This I know as a fact as I used to be a tax specialist in Washington DC and attended audits regularly at the IRS with the company's clients.

[Nailah]

I tip in the west because that's usually the money which the tax department can't touch and the service staff needs.

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That is patently not true if you were referring to the U.S. If you are in a service industry and your occupation is that of a front-line service personnel that is usually tipped the IRS will add a proportionate amount of income to your reported taxes if you do not report within a range that is generally received by those in your industry and locale. This I know as a fact as I used to be a tax specialist in Washington DC and attended audits regularly at the IRS with the company's clients.

No not US.



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[4Kix]

You guys realise that the 10% service charge is not sacrosanct. If the service you receive is totally crap, you get the manager to remove it from your bill and refuse to pay it! I've done it and they do remove it albeit disgruntly, but I've made my point.

But generally, Singaporean mentality is if I can get away from it and not be penalised, I'll get away from it. I've tipped the uncles who fill the petrol tank for me and some workshop guys who've provided excellent service - never thinking they'd get monetary gratitude - it's such a lift for these folks.... and yeah, you'd be royalty to them.

Then this begs the debate - they start to expect it and we've 'spoilt' the market and they become 'demanding' like in the US. It's a downward spiral. Is this a reflection of our society? That you'll only get service if you are a tipper? Dunno ... but you DO see the angmohs being slightly better treated in some circumstances than the locals.

[ascq]

I tip the hairdresser, hair washer, manicurist, facialist, etc.

[aadvark]

I usually tip the delivery guys, cos i used to do delivery when schooling

[judaspriest]

I personally hate the tipping system they follow in the US. Free shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel? Tip the driver a few bucks. Coffee at starbucks? A tip jar right near the counter. Charge more if you want, but charge appropriately and pay your staff properly - is it that hard?

Charge us a flat rate and be done with it. This is what I like about Singapore. However I do tip cabbies almost every time - those poor chaps work so hard and have to fork out $94 onwards every day for cab rental.

[Nico888]

I also do tip the hairdresser (of course if I am happy;)

[sundaymorningstaple]

Coffee at starbucks? A tip jar right near the counter. Charge more if you want, but charge appropriately and pay your staff properly - is it that hard?

Have you ever bothered to ask them how much they are paid per hour? There is not a minimum wage in Singapore and without a tipping culture this is why service, for the most part, is abysmal to say the least. The tipping jar is generally kept by the owner and doled out as "he/she" sees fit and if it is doled out, then everybody including the lousiest staff all receive the same. Doesn't give much encouragement to being a outstanding service personnel.

[Tom28]

I am from the U.S. where we tip for everything, but here they say you don't have to tip for anything? So, will that mean you do not tip your hair dresser or when you go to get a facial?

in Singapore, we do not give tips usually unless in restaurants but that is factored into the bills mostly.