This Opinion article is a part of a Narcity Media series. The views expressed are the creator’s personal and don’t essentially replicate the views of Narcity Media.
There are a number of culture shock moments that come if you’re shifting to a brand new nation – and this undoubtedly holds true for Canada as nicely.
Whereas there are fairly just a few issues that took me abruptly once I moved from Dubai to Toronto earlier this 12 months, Canada’s tipping culture was undoubtedly one of many largest issues that took time to get used to.
Why? As a result of, nicely, not all international locations have massive tipping cultures just like the Nice White North.
The place I am from, tipping is seen much less as an expectation and extra as an appreciation for notably spectacular service.
That’s to say, if I am going to a restaurant and the server has been wonderful, it might simply be pure to depart behind a tip. However, on the similar time, it is undoubtedly not anticipated.
The understanding in Dubai is that offering good service is a part of an individual’s job. Type of like how a banker, accountant, or cashier in a retailer is not tipped for doing their jobs!
In fact, there are little bits of etiquette folks within the UAE additionally comply with. For instance, it is thought of well mannered to tip a supply individual, particularly one who has pushed out on bike throughout these sweltering months to ship your meals.
Equally, tipping a server at a advantageous eating institution is fairly widespread, because the server would introduce themselves and get aware of their clients.
However even then, you are definitely not anticipated to depart a gratuity.
Quick ahead to shifting to Canada, and it has been a whole lot of life lessons. Listed here are a few of the elements about tipping that took me abruptly:
Some servers truly name you out
Okay, so this occurred all of as soon as, and again in 2019, once I visited Toronto for every week. I used to be eating out with some buddies and considered one of them generously agreed to foot all the invoice.
I am unsure if the individual miscalculated or simply wasn’t positive (they weren’t Canadian) however the server truly straight up requested them why the tip wasn’t a higher quantity.
“Was there one thing flawed with the service?” she requested, leaving the visitor, nicely, beet-red.
Card machines with larger pre-determined percentages
Since that have, I will admit, I have been a bit of cautious of getting my tipping etiquette flawed.
My primary concern? That it might require me performing some severe math in my head whereas the server stares down at me.
Nicely, actually, card machines with mounted tip percentages have been a reduction for me. I genuinely love that they take the stress out of calculating the suitable quantity.
That being stated, the percentages are currently on the rise in what some are calling tipflation – typically even going as much as 30%, which, when you’re not used to tipping, can really feel like lots.
I do know that with the price of residing, it is warranted. However, it additionally does make me marvel if firms may be anticipating larger tricks to dodge the duty of paying their workers a greater wage.
Tipping at money counters – nonetheless simply awkward
The primary time I ordered a canned drink at a counter – solely to be handed a card machine asking for a tip – I used to be actually stunned. That is undoubtedly the primary time I’ve seen this technique in all of the international locations I’ve travelled to.
As a result of, once more, the place I am from, tipping is finished for good service and as a way of appreciation, and if you’re ready in line, inserting an order and grabbing a pre-prepared merchandise, that does not appear to use.
It could make sense when you had a superb chat with an attentive server who helped you resolve what you have been going to order however, as normally, you do not fairly have that point, as there’s an entire line behind you.
Within the spirit of this being a part of Canada’s tipping tradition – and an try to assist servers who may be incomes minimal wage – I am all for it.
However, I additionally discovered it fascinating that, according to an etiquette specialist, “you don’t have to depart something” in these circumstances and “it is extra of a way to provide recognition if one thing is finished nicely.”
Even then, placing a 0% tip on the counter – in full view of the server – simply feels impolite.
Suggestions
for non-food-related issues
Within the UAE, tipping in different industries similar to in transport or magnificence salons is even much less prevalent than it’s within the meals service sector.
I used to be so cautious about getting it flawed once I moved to Canada that I even discovered myself Googling how a lot to tip my driver, for my journey from the airport! Since then, I’ve simply embraced the custom.
Relating to how a lot to tip, an etiquette specialist told Narcity that it is not at all times a set components, however a bit of extra difficult.
So when unsure, at all times ask in regards to the anticipated tip quantity.
And when you’re ever confronted with the conundrum – to tip or to not tip – simply play it secure, and tip!
