Travel Experts Warn Against a Common Tipping Habit

Tipping feels natural to Americans, but in Europe, it can be a problem.
Travel expert Rick Steves says small gestures like leaving change can be misunderstood.
Steves wrote that it raises the bar and messes up the local balance, and it's bad style. He also said it's bad style.
Steves warned that the wrong person might take the change in busy places.
Bartenders say one common request costs them tips, and some customers don't know.
In some European countries, tipping with coins can be seen as rude.
Tipping is a big learning curve for Americans traveling abroad.
In the US, servers rely on tips, but in Europe, they're paid a living wage. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans think tipping culture is out of control. Tipping culture is different in Europe. Europeans don't rely on tips.
In Europe, handing over small coins can seem dismissive since servers are paid well.
Restaurants warn that changes to tipped wages could raise prices and cut jobs.
LaDell Carter says the presentation and intention of a tip matter, not just the amount. Carter also said it's about the presentation.
Carter says scattered coins can feel like an afterthought in refined settings.
In parts of Europe, leaving small coins as a tip is considered impolite.
Travelers shouldn't stop tipping altogether.
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Steves advises a face-to-face approach, saying 'Eleven, please' when paying with a 20-euro note for a 10-euro bill.
When using percentages, 5% is adequate and 10% is generous, but 15-20% is excessive. Steves also said 10% is generous. He also said 15-20% is excessive.
Steves advises resisting the urge to tip like Americans.
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Payment method matters, and cash tips are best to ensure they go to the server. Card payments may not pass along tips in full.
Steves warned that tips left behind could be stolen.
Steves recommends skipping tips at casual spots, rounding up taxi fares, and giving small tips to guides and hotel staff.
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A one-size-fits-all approach won't work in Europe, said Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago.
Schwab said European tipping culture can't be generalized as it varies by country.
A woman pays at a restaurant in California.
In Nordic countries, tipping is least expected due to high wages and included service charges.
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Experts recommend reviewing bills, checking for service charges, and observing local customs before tipping. When in doubt, ask locals for norms.
Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.