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Tipping Point
Nothing justifies your appreciation of a service better
than a bonus for the server, in simpler words a tip. But tipping
can be a tricky affair – giving away too much might make you
feel somewhat cheated, and too little may leave the server rather
unhappy. In countries like India, it’s important to figure out
the right amount to tip because there are no set standards. Here
are some guidelines that will help you determine an appropriate
tipping amount, irrespective of where you are
Airports
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When paying porters, limit the amount to R20 for one bag, and
R10 for every additional bag.
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If you have hired a taxi from the airport, you can pay the driver
R10 for each bag loaded in the boot. In case you’re renting the
taxi for an entire (or half ) day, an appropriate tipping amount
for the driver is R50 to R150, depending on the distance you
have travelled.
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If you spot a friend or a business acquaintance and would like to sit with them, wait for take-off formalities to be completed first. This ensures that the cabin crew can issue instructions quickly once everyone takes their assigned seats.
Hotels
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Tipping amounts expected at hotels vary, depending on the
quality of the hotel. If the hotel is a three- or five-star, this is
what you can pay –
- Bellboys can be paid R10 to R20 per bag, depending on the size
and weight. Paying housekeeping staff is an optional practice.
An amount of R20 is suitable if they bring in extra towels,
ironing boards or toiletries.
- Though the bill is usually signed to be settled during check-out,
you may pay 10% of the bill’s value in cash to the waiter. In many cases, service charge is included in the bill, so check the fine
print on the room service menu.
- The valet can be tipped each time he brings your car to the porch of
the hotel. Pay anything between R20 and R50, depending on the
quality of the establishment and the type of car you drive.
Restaurants
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Waiting staff is usually tipped 10% of the bill or 15% in case of
exceptional service or if the group being served consists of more
than eight people. Some establishments automatically add a
service charge to their bills and need not be tipped. Remember,
the tipping amount is a percentage of the total bill, before you
take coupons or gift certificates into account.
- It’s not mandatory to offer the sommelier a tip, but you may offer
five per cent of the wine charge for an especially helpful wine steward.
- If the food tastes bad, speak to the manager about it but do
reward the waiters. However if the service is rude and spoils your
meal, leave no tip no matter how delicious the food!
Clubs and bars
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Tip the bartender between 10 and 15%, depending on the nature
of the drink. If you’ve placed a large order, this figure can drop to
seven per cent of the total bill amount.
- Offer 10% to smaller hairstylists and 15% at upscale salons.
Make sure you don’t miss the helpful people who wash your hair
or get you coffee and magazines.
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