I arrived here (almost) two months ago, and I still confused about tipping. We’ve talked about this “culture shock” in the past, but more about how shocking is for us. So this post is for all that people who still feel fear when the person behind the counter is smiling while you take your wallet.
– As you know, tips (or gratuity) are not included in the bill.
– You have to tip between the 10% and 20% of the bill (without taxes). Normally is 15%.
– If you still have problems to calculate the exactly amount, remember: (the bill x 15/100). I know that a lot of people are going to say, “Oh, come on, everybody knows that”. But, not. Believe me.
– If you pay with credit card, you have to put how much do you want to tip, or the employee will do it by himself.
– In restaurants and bars, if you are a big group (usually 8 people or more) the tip is included in the bill.
– In a pub or restaurant, there used to be a waiter or waitress (most of the times) in charge of your table. You always have to order to the same waitress.
– Sometimes, the waitress can give you the bill each time that you order. This is maybe because she’s afraid that you leave without pay (specially in a big group). And yes, you have to tip every time.
Why do you have to tip? The salary of waiters is a little lower than the rest, so they always apply for the job with the tips in mind.
Where we have to tip? Restaurants and pubs, taxis,hairdressers, beauticians.
Where we don’t have to tip? Restaurants like McDonalds or Tim Hortons.
What happens if I decide to don’t tip? Watch your food and better don’t come back.
Cheers,
Clara.
INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com
Have you ever been asked for a “loonie” and you had nooo idea what it’s supposed to mean? The first thing a foreigner should learn about the money here is that a $1 coin is called a Loonie, a $2 coin is a Toonie! There is an image of the common loon on the back of the dollar coin, which is a frequent symbol in Canada and the reason for the name “Loonie”. The toonie coin was introduced later and picked up this similar name in colloquial use.
INTERNeX Canada 