As a European, I agree. I know that tipping culture is wildly different across the globe, but you adjust yourself to the culture you visit, not the other way around.
I have noticed that as an American traveling abroad, I will make every effort to adjust to the culture of the country I am visiting. But, it doesn’t seem like when people are visiting the States, they don't bother to adjust to our culture. I have also noticed Europeans generally like to look down on Americans and our very existence, which in my case isn't my fault lol.
I was explained to, at length how important the culture is in Germany & Italy (where I visited), and yes they showed very little interest in hearing about my cultural background along with where I came from. All because I am American and barf "don't tell me about it, it sounds horrible." Well, thanks for making me feel better about the shithole I happen to live in!
So....basically zero effort was put in on their part. It is honestly a 2-way street. If you want me to care about your culture's ways, then learn also learn about mine.
Ig when some parts of the culture are so ridiculously stupid people aren't interested in it/ dont care abt it. If i travelled to America i wouldn't be following these ridiculous tipling rules of 25% because I don't earn American wages lol. I'll tip if the people serving me make an effort and it feels like they care and want to make the experience enjoyable, but not for absolutely anything and certainly not 25%.
For both of us, no matter where you are...it's an uphill battle when it comes to tipping in the States. I don't like the tipping culture and I would rather not tip. But unfortunately, that isn't how it works, and if I were to not tip at all my local establishments, the wait staff would be less inclined to provide me service due to the lack of tipping. I now tip 20% because anything less than that seems to be an insult to the waitstaff.
It sucks, I know. But once people start tipping it becomes the norm, it is equally as hard to get rid of it.
That being said, I was elaborating on other aspects besides tipping. I was talking more about the fact that the locals did not care to hear anything I had to say about my life at home but then wanted me to care about their life's. It's like everyone else lacked empathy all around and they only wanted me to care about their culture and did not ask me much about mine.
I mean as I'd only be going on holiday there i wouldn't be worried about getting bad service in the future as i wouldn't be a regular, but yes i do understand your point. I personally enjoy learning about other aspects of American culture as i have some American mates and some of it does sound fun. Ig it depends where you go tho tbh, europe is incredibly different every country you visit and some countries just happen to be very ignorant and very rude (looking at you france) but not everywhere is so stubborn.
Omg, and I want to go to France but what you just said would be the hard part. I guess we all have to learn and grow, lol. That's how I plan to grow and expand past my small little bubble over here.
I mean I've been to paris twice now and it was a nice place with great food and tourist attractions, but the people aren't great. They also can't drive for shit which is pretty irritating lmao! Despite that tho if you wanna go it's worth it.
Of course, but that’s not the battle for tourists, basically as a tourist you come off only as a jerk if you don’t pay the tip, knowing the whole situation. Or, if you think it’s such exploitation, you don’t use the service at all.
470
u/kazisukisuk Aug 28 '24
Living in Europe I can sympathize this American tipping culture is insane and gets worse all the time.
Put the tip in the price. Pay workers a fair wage. It's not hard.
That said you just have to suck it up when you travel to the US it's not the fault of the poor waitress who is just trynna pay her bills