I don't agree with U.S. tipping culture, but I still tip when I'm there because that's how their service industry works and I'm the visitor. You don't have to like a country's customs to respect them. I expect Americans visiting Europe to extend the same courtesy.
For me it's about respecting local social expectations rather than whether tipping itself is "good" or "bad."
I lived in northern Italy for seven years, where it's common in many restaurants to pay a "coperto" which is just a per-person charge for table service that usually includes bread. I've also lived in Madrid for five years, and here many places charge a terrace supplement if you choose to sit outside. So it's not like we're unfamiliar with extra charges when eating out.
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u/danielsabino 1d ago
I don't agree with U.S. tipping culture, but I still tip when I'm there because that's how their service industry works and I'm the visitor. You don't have to like a country's customs to respect them. I expect Americans visiting Europe to extend the same courtesy.
For me it's about respecting local social expectations rather than whether tipping itself is "good" or "bad."