Message 1858 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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> Is it the norm to tip in the states when you go in a bar and ask for 
> a pint?!?!?  If so, I apologise for the last time I was in the states 
> as I rarely tipped more than my change.

:) "great work on opening that Bud! Here! Have a buck..."

Tipping indeed is very cultural thing. In Finland, the "guide to the city" 
said about tipping: "Tipping is not necessary nor expected in Finland. The 
service charges are already included in the prices. If you do however wish to 
tip the personnell, all tips are greatly appreciated. You don't need to tip 
the taxi driver". And that sounds pretty harsh to me. :) At least in the bars 
I hang out, there is a tipping culture (altough it is not necessary). I think 
it is a nice gesture and helps build a good relationship between the folks 
behind the bar. (But Money can't buy you anything but more booze, that's for 
sure). In Finland, you know you did a great job if a Finn tips you. That I can 
gurantee. But yes, normally people don't tip here. Altough younger generations 
have learnt the art of tipping more efficently than the older ones.

So my propotion is that Finns are the worst overall tippers. ;) (unless 
someone tells them that they have to leave the 15% extra...)

Juho Kilkku
Helsinki, Finland