Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Canadian and other Foreign visitors to the US, why do you tip less?

james t kirk · 02-02-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0rpheus

Maybe instead of bitching about the "cheap" tourists, the service industry should look at complaining to their government to get the minimum wage raised so you wouldn't be at the whim of the customer.

Give that man a prize.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leto

wow... What is the cost of a dinner in let's say a Red Lobster in Melbourne? Maybe I'll try to find some menus on line.

Well, I couldn't find a Red Lobster, but I did find an Outback Steakhouse in Australia, US and Canada.

Australia:

Outback Burger: $14.99
Bloomin' Onion: $8.95

http://www.outbacksteakhouse.com.au/menu/menu.pdf

Canada (Ontario):

Outback Burger: $10.99
Bloomin Onion: $8.49

http://www.outback.ca/foodandmenus/pdf/ontario_menu.pdf

USA (Ft Lauderdale FL):

Outback Burger: $7.99
Bloomin' Onion: $5.99

http://www.outback.com/foodandmenus/pdf/C3.pdf

currency:

today $1US = $.99 CAD = $1.1 AUS

So our currencies are virtually identical for comparison and in purchase power.

So,

Australia = $24.00

Canada = $20.00

US = $14.00

Now say the Cheapskate Canadian is used to leaving a 15% tip = $3.00

And the oh so generous American leaves 20% = $2.80

So, Americans are actually cheaper when it comes to tipping than Canadians.

The problem would appear to be when Canadians travel south and leave their customary 15% for good service and get the hairy eyeball from American waitstaff.

Canadians when traveling to the south should take into account the slave labour policies of American restaurants and tip 20% and still be tipping less than they would at home.