Originally posted by UncleDad at 14-8-2012 12:03
Would you like it if you go to a restaurant and the waitstaff ASK for a tip?...
Erm ... what about those places that are "No Service Charge"??? Those are MOST DEFINITELY asking for a tip.
Hong Kong is an interesting place - mix of Eastern and Western culture
In traditional Chinese culture tipping is considered almost disrespectful, as if you're criticising their pricing or want to buy a favour somehow (not sure I fully understand the cultural connotations, but tipping is not the rule by any means)
Contrast that with our beloved Land Of The "Free", where tips are not only required but are expected to be large ...
... in Hong Kong we have both.
Lots of girls run for change when you give them a brown note
And there are (in my observation) probably about as many who plead for a tip when you give the exact amount
I have had one (one only, so far) who flatly refused to give change ... somehow not realising the $50 she took off me would have been returned more than 10x if I leave with a good impression ...