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Moose 118-4

The Answers:  A, B and C

  1. Brunei
  2. Iceland
  3. Japan

Tipping can be complicated around the world and no two places are the same. When your assignees and travelers have access to Living Abroad, they do not have to guess. We cover country-specific tipping practices, and so much more.

Brunei: Tipping is not customary in Brunei. However, restaurants and hotels will usually add a 10 percent service charge to the bill.

Iceland: Tipping is not customary in Iceland. At restaurants and hotels, a service charge, and Value-Added Tax (VAT) of 24 percent are included in the bill. For exemplary service, an additional tip is appreciated.

Japan: Tipping is not customary in Japan. It is presumed that a customer is paying for exceptional service, and additional incentive is therefore not necessary. Attempting to tip in some situations may result in confusion, or even offense. Sometimes a service charge of 10 to 20 percent is added in restaurants, hotels, and ryokan. If you do wish to give a gratuity in these places, perhaps for extra service that you have requested, always place the money in an envelope. Some establishments provide envelopes for this purpose. It may be appropriate to present this gratuity in advance, rather than upon completion.

Malawi: A 10% tip for service is acceptable in most restaurants, although most local or low-end restaurants do not expect a gratuity. However, more is expected by the staff in establishments suitable for business lunches or dinner parties. In that case, a service charge may be added to the bill, but if not, consider tipping between 15 and 20 percent. Taxi drivers expect a tip, if only a minimal one. In the very least, give your cab driver K5 for his service, but offer more if he was especially courteous or quick to collect you. Tips or gratuities are appreciated everywhere in Malawi, even in some places where you might not consider it. The best rule is to give credit where credit is due. If a friendly person on the street is particularly helpful with directions, or has been especially courteous, acknowledge your appreciation by giving him or her a small tip. Usually, US$1 will suffice.

From Living Abroad’s Destination Reports - Social Customs/Tipping

Written by Michael Cadden, SGMS-T, VP International Operations

Business Traveler London

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