Originally Posted by
MaydayMark
I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but I'll throw it out for discussion anyway ...
I have no problem tipping the minimum wage van driver domestically, especially if they are there waiting for us at the appointed time.
That said ... I'm always a bit uncomfortable tipping internationally. Here's why ... I suspect that tips are neither expected nor even considered "good manners" internationally. I always tip non-the-less, mostly because I don't want to be flagged as some sort of "cheap screw". But, I suspect that doing so flags us as uneducated "ugly americans" for not complying with the local customs. I've never really accepted the Memphis bubba mentality of "We make a lot more than they do." as proper etiquette?
When I flew for a major international airline and we NEVER tipped internationally. I suspect that "Miss Manners" would consider that appropriate?
Go ahead ... flame away.
Mark
Something I've been referencing is the ALPA pocket calender. There is a tipping section in there that is broken down by country. Hopefully it's accurate and I don't look like a douche (or more of a douche anyhow!).