The world's most vexing question: should I tip when I go overseas?

[Violet_Crumble]

It's awkward, I never know if I'm giving too much or not enough, and is a US cruise ship going from Sydney to Hawaii somewhere I'd be expected to tip seeing as how they have that weird no alcohol for under 21's on it? And I never know when to leave a tip. Do it when they're not watching, or make a big deal of it? It's enough to make me nearly want to change my plans and opt instead for a Booze Cruise on the Dianne Brimble Death Ship where there won't be any confusing stuff like that!

[xchrom]

1. i always tip -- overseas or not.

i just think it's the thing to do.

[Atman]

2. Not necessarily

We visited Thailand a couple of years ago and were surprised to find that tipping was considered an insult. In hospitality businesses, it is their job to treat you well, it's just expected, so why should you have to pay extra? When you do, it's almost like telling them they did a poor job and apparently need more money to do it properly.

What makes this weirder is that Thailand is wicked cheap. We took my sister and her friend out to dinner at a very nice restaurant on the beach and the final bill, including appetizers and a couple of cocktails each was only $95US. It felt very strange walking away without leaving a tip!

[Esra Star]

3. Tipping should only be used and perceived as a gratuity.

Unfortunately it has embedded into some cultures around the world in a negative way.
I have visited some countries where the only payment some people get, is the tip.
It is important to know this when you use these places. As Australians we assume people
are being paid something, but, that is not always the case.

[ellisonz]

4. I wouldn't tip more than $5 for any service on a cruise ship most likely.

And it's not obligatory. But I've never really been on one...

In American restaurants, 15% is standard unless the service is dreadful, less for valets and bellhops etc. Most other situations it's not neccessary.