How to Tip in the Czech Republic and Other Countries
The tip is the amount of money that we voluntarily add to the bill, as a “thank you” for the good service. Waiters, hairdressers and taxi drivers add them to their income the most. There are no exact rules in this matter. But generally speaking, 10% of the total price never hurts.
The surveys suggest that almost 80% of Czech people give tips, with men and people with higher education being more generous.
A Bit of Czech Slang. Why Do We Say “Dýško” or “Tringelt”?
The tip is sometimes called “dýško”, which is basically the short version of the word “diškrece”, coming from the German word “Diskretion” (discreetness). An even older meaning can be found in the Latin word discretus, which means divided, polite or secret. Another of the colloquial words for a tip – tringelt – also comes from German. In this case, it literally means “money for the drinks”.
Give Tips When There Is a Reason
Giving tips is definitely not an automatic obligation here. It basically communicates if and how we, as guests, were satisfied. If you do not receive a menu or ask for it, if you get no help while trying to choose, if you have to wait a long time until you get your order, or if the service is mean – don’t give any tip. Please do not fall for the waiter slowly giving you your change back and wait patiently until he gives you the very last crown back. You do not have to explain or comment on why you are not leaving a tip.
How to Give Tips?
Do not round the bill up to a higher sum right away. The best method is to wait for the waiter to give you back your money on a small plate or a bowl with the bill and leave the appropriate amount under the napkin. If the restaurant does not have any of these plates or bowls, put the tip in front of the waiter’s table. Nowadays, it is polite to leave tips in better Czech hotels for maid services, baggage carrying or car parking. The amount is usually around fifty Czech crowns or two euros.
How to Tip in Other Parts of the World
If you are in a foreign country, try to find out how much it is normal to tip there. This way, you will avoid uncomfortable situations and being viewed as ill-mannered. In some countries, employees expect tips. Their wage is quite low, and it is expected that they will earn more money by providing higher quality service. In other places, the tip is already included in the price of the service, and you don’t have to give any.
Tip Amounts Are Different In Each Country
In the countries of the former Soviet Union, the normal amount to tip is ten percent. In Canada and the USA, it is fifteen to twenty percent, but the tip is usually already included in the price listed on the bill. In France, it is usually also ten to fifteen percent, but sometimes the tip is also included in the bill itself. Five to ten percent tips are common in Germany and Austria and Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, or Egypt. The staff in Denmark, Sweden or New Zealand don’t usually expect any tips. It all depends on you in Finland. Tipping is not common in China, perhaps only in larger cities, usually around three percent. In England, Japan or Thailand, tipping used to be regarded as an insult, but thanks to globalization, these customs are changing.
If you are satisfied with the service, it is also appropriate to praise the waiter to his manager.
What Do the Locals Think About Tipping?
About a half of people would rather not give any extra money for the services. Tipping is often a source of pressure, uncertainty and unease for the customers. Many customers also have a problem when guessing how much they should tip, and according to 30% of the people, it would be better if the restaurants included the fee in the overall bill.
