Recently updated on August 23rd, 2024 at 04:31 pm
Gratuities can be a confusing aspect of travel, especially when navigating different cultures and expectations. On a Trafalgar tour, you’ll encounter a variety of staff members who contribute to making your journey memorable. This guide is here to help clarify best practices for Trafalgar staff, while also providing insights into tipping cultures around the world for your free time explorations.
Who should I tip on a Trafalgar tour?
- Travel Directors (TDs): These are the leaders of your tour. They’re with you from start to finish, managing the logistics of your tour and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Local Experts: These are locals that we’ll meet along the way, individuals who provide in-depth knowledge about specific destinations. We may stop in an interesting neighborhood, meet a local expert who shows us around their hometown, and then we’ll say our goodbyes as we move on to our next destination.
- Drivers: The coach drivers are also part of your whole journey, providing safe and comfortable transportation throughout your tour.
- Experiences: On your tour, you’ll meet locals who’ll invite you into their homes, serve you a home cooked meal, and show you their way of life. You’ll also visit local businesses, organizations, charities and other members of the local community.
How much should I tip the Travel Director?
A general guideline is $5-7 USD per day, per person. This can vary based on your satisfaction and the level of service provided.
How much should I tip the Experience hosts?
Leaving a gratuity for the locals you meet who provide some form of experience or cultural exchange is a nice way to show your appreciation. It’s completely discretionary, so up to you how much you’d like to contribute.
How much should I tip the Local Experts?
For Local Experts, $2-3 USD per person for a half-day tour and $5 USD for a full-day tour is customary. Again, adjust according to your satisfaction with their service.
How much should I tip the drivers?
A recommended amount is $3-5 USD per day, per person. If the driver goes above and beyond, consider leaving more.
When should I tip?
It’s best to tip at the end of your service with each individual. For Travel Directors and drivers, this is typically at the end of your tour. For Local Experts, tip at the end of their specific segment.
Should I tip in local currency?
Yes, leaving a tip in the local currency is generally appreciated as it saves the recipient the trouble of exchanging money. Though, you can use USD if it’s accepted in the country (like in Costa Rica) – useful if you don’t have local currency on hand.
Is leaving a tip mandatory?
Leaving a tip is not mandatory, but it is a way to show appreciation for excellent service. It’s a common practice and is often expected in the tourism industry.
Tipping Cultures by Region
When you’re exploring on your own, understanding local customs is crucial. Here’s a concise guide to gratuity etiquette in different regions.
North America
- United States & Canada: In North America leaving a tip is very much expected. In restaurants, tip 15-20% of the bill. For other services (taxi drivers, hotel staff), tip $1-2 per service.
Europe
- Western Europe: A service charge is often included in the bill, but it’s customary to leave small change or round up the bill. For excellent service, 5-10% is appreciated.
- Eastern Europe: Leaving a tip of 5-10% in restaurants is common. Small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are also appreciated.
Asia
- Japan & South Korea: Be careful: leaving a tip is not customary in Japan or South Korea, and can even be considered rude.
- Southeast Asia: It’s becoming more common to leave a tip in Southeast Asia. In restaurants, a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated. For other services, tip modestly.
Oceania
- Australia & New Zealand: It’s not mandatory but appreciated for exceptional service. In restaurants, leaving 10% of the bill is a nice gesture.
Latin America
- Mexico: It’s common to tip in Mexico. In restaurants, do 10-15% of the bill. For other services, small tips are appreciated.
- South America: It varies, but 10% in restaurants is a good rule of thumb.
Middle East
- Gulf Countries: In restaurants, 10% is common if no service charge is included. For local guides and other services, it’s appreciated but not mandatory.
- Jordan: In restaurants, adding 10% is standard if a service charge is not included. For other services, small gratuities are appreciated.
- Israel: Leaving a tip is common in Israel. In restaurants, add 10-15% onto the bill if it’s not added already. For other services, small tips are appreciated.
Africa
- Southern Africa: It is expected in South Africa and Namibia to add 10-15% of the bill in restaurants. For other services, small tips are appreciated.
- North Africa: In Egypt and Morocco, gratuities are customary and expected at hotels and restaurants. Leave 10-15% in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
- Central Africa (Tanzania and Kenya): In restaurants, add 10% of the bill. For safari guides and drivers, leaving a tip is customary, usually $10-20 per day for guides and $5-10 per day for drivers.
Tipping is a personal way to express gratitude for excellent service. By understanding local customs and Trafalgar staff practices, you’ll navigate this aspect of travel with ease.
For specific questions or further details, feel free to reach out to your Travel Director on your tour. Safe travels!