I don't have much to add to the tipping conversation other to say I tip well unless the service sucks. If it sucks I leave 15% and if it really sucks I leave a single dollar, regardless of total. I'm in my forties and can count on one hand the times I've done that.
But I really just popped in here because you hit a nerve here with me regarding your comments of US citizens traveling aboard. I've traveled a lot and I currently live in Mexico. If I walk out my front door and take a left for about 100 yards I can see if the cruise ships are in yet. So, yes it's tourist area. And I think US citizens should have to pass a test to leave the country. In the past six months I've over heard such classic comments as "how much is this in real money?' "This looks like it could be a nice place if it weren't for all the Mexicans." And one of my favorites to date- "Out of my way," as the 250lbs lady smashes her way to the front of a line, "I'm from Texas!"
And just about every drunk teenager just knows the waitress is "available" for a price and he has no qualms about asking her what that price is.
If you weren't from the US you'd have to conclude learning to stand in the way blocking the rest of the world in places such as cross walks, side walks, bus stops and store lanes must be a required in school in the US.
And if you're from the US standing in line is not for you, just barge directly to the front regardless of the situation.
I've had friends and family down repeatedly and I've all but given up on the popular Mayan ruin sites like Chichen Itza. Chechen Izta is a wide open area of about 5 square miles. In the entire area there are about six or seven spots where, if you really try, you can completely stop the flow of people. In these spots you will undoubtedly find either family from California trying to read an upside down map, a couple from Idaho eating their resort packed box lunch or a family of six from New Jersey debating whether they'd already seen the really big pyramid. Granted these are only a couple examples but I'm sure I'll be blessed with more every time I run into large groups of US citizens. It's aggravating and embarrassing all at the same time.
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Originally Posted by allaboutmusic
With all due respect, you're quoting a survey of hotel managers. I've found by and large that Londoners hate American tourists. Londoners are usually in a hurry: we rely on public transport, it takes ages to get anywhere, and missing a train can mean a long wait. American tourists ARE usually the ones blocking train station exits etc... and it's obvious that they are Americans because they are about twice as loud as anyone else. My commute to work takes me an hour and a half every day, and at least once a week I am delayed by a group of American tourists while trying to catch a train.
I am speaking here as an American living in London, so I'm not saying this as someone who hates Americans - it's just what I have observed. I realise that there are probably many wonderful American tourists, but the inconsiderate ones naturally draw attention (and ire).
Host, you should probably keep in mind that if tipping is not a part of the culture for someone else, they are unlikely to do research on it until they are made aware of it. You don't know what you don't know. Do most Americans research the details of Sharia law before visiting the Middle East?
Also, remember that Americans have a terrible reputation for being completely ignorant of cultures elsewhere. This is not to excuse anyone else's behaviour when in the US, but to put a little perspective on things.
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