Question on tipping in London

[thecook]

We are a family of 8 that has hired private transportation from Gatwick to our hotel the day we arrive in London. The following day, we have hired a private tour guide for sightseeing. What is the normal % of the fare paid for private transport as well as the % of cost to a tour operator for a tip in the UK? Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

[JPRLHR]

We are a family of 8 that has hired private transportation from Gatwick to our hotel the day we arrive in London. The following day, we have hired a private tour guide for sightseeing. What is the normal % of the fare paid for private transport as well as the % of cost to a tour operator for a tip in the UK? Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

For a cab, the usual tip would be 10% and maybe 15% for the tour guide but only if you're totally happy with the service you've been given.

[DorneyBoy]

We are a family of 8 that has hired private transportation from Gatwick to our hotel the day we arrive in London. The following day, we have hired a private tour guide for sightseeing. What is the normal % of the fare paid for private transport as well as the % of cost to a tour operator for a tip in the UK? Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

There is no 'normal' tip expected, just tip whatever you are comfortable with.

 

First time Americans tend to tip about 15% straight off a flight/cruise.

Second time Americans about 5%-10%

Australians, New Zealanders, Far East/Japanese people hardly ever tip at all.

British people are highly variable, a good proportion don't tip on principle, many will tip about 10 GBP say on a 250 GBP fare in a bus.

 

For private guides work on the principle that at the start of the tour you're not tipping anything, its up to the guide to make it such a good experience you want to tip.

 

In general the feeling is a bus driver is just doing his/her job so why tip. Taxi drivers who offer a personalised expeience can warrant a tip.

Guides offer a very personal service and are highly variable in quality, if a guide makes a special effort and provides an outstanding service then reward accordingly, if they are just going through the motions then why reward them at al.

 

In reality tipping tends to follow national cultures own way of doing things rather than follow a British way of tipping. I think British are quite confused about tipping themselves. The only general rule seems to be tip taxi drivers by rounding up. A good proportion of British never tip at all.

 

In Britain tipping is seen as a windfall not really connected with performance. more connected with where the people come from. If a US person want to tip 50 GBP and an Australian nothing for the same service thats just the way of the world.

[John Bull]

We are a family of 8 that has hired private transportation from Gatwick to our hotel the day we arrive in London. The following day, we have hired a private tour guide for sightseeing. What is the normal % of the fare paid for private transport as well as the % of cost to a tour operator for a tip in the UK? Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

DorneyBoy's answer pretty-well sums it up.

In the UK we have a minimum wage - not generous, but a living wage. In the service industries, tips are usual but not at US levels - the jam, rather than the bread & butter, and earned by going the extra mile.

 

 

In restaurants, life is a little more complicated.

 

Some restaurants, especially in central London & tourist areas, add a service charge, usually 12 to 15%, which is a higher percentage than the UK norm. But they'll still offer you the opportunity to add a tip !!!!!!! Only in the rare instance of some extra-special kindness should you consider adding a tip when you've already been charged extra for service.

If service is particularly poor, simply scratch through the "service charge" and tell them why.

- Incidentally, also watch out for extra charges such as a cover charge & an additional cost for veg with your entree. All these extras must by law be priced on the menu, a copy of which must be visible from outside the premises. By law, tax is included in the menu price.

 

Where "service is included", there is a tendancy to leave perhaps 5% for an extra-special kindness.

 

Where grats are at the discretion of the diner, up to 10% for good service, a little less on a large check. If service isn't up-to-scratch it is normal not to leave a tip.

 

We don't tip barmen.

 

Tipping isn't the big deal that it is in the US, and is very variable. So it's not the end of the world if you get it wrong

 

John Bull

[thecook]

thank you to all...your information was very helpful....

[Giantfan13]

During our stay last year, we followed the advice of this board and tipped accordingly. It was basically the same advice that has just been given. In cabs, we sort of rounded off to the next pound or so. In restaurants the charge was always included on the bill.

What we were most confused with was at hotels, tipping the guy who brought our bags up, and the consierge who hailed a cab, gave you directions or just did something for you. Yes, it is his job, but we always felt obligated to tip him, and the amount we weren't sure about. If you stayed in a more exclusive hotel, should that tip be more than a less expensive hotel.

One thing we did find was that whomever we tipped and whatever we tipped, the people were very appreciative for it and always responded in kind.

 

Cheers

 

Len

[John Bull]

What we were most confused with was at hotels, tipping the guy who brought our bags up, and the consierge who hailed a cab, gave you directions or just did something for you. Yes, it is his job, but we always felt obligated to tip him, and the amount we weren't sure about. If you stayed in a more exclusive hotel, should that tip be more than a less expensive hotel.

Cheers

 

Len

 

Don't bother re concierge, but a couple of dollars or pounds for the hotel porter - tipping in dollars is no problem, & quite useful if you haven't yet got GB coins.

John Bull

[Tiggertastic]

You will be amazed what a concierge will do for you if you tip - if they have done something for you - please tip them

 

They have all the contacts and if you ask well, they can even get tickets to sold out shows

[handfordr]

I would urge you not to tip concierges at all. For most of their recommendations they are getting a hefty commission whether it be restaurants, tours or taxi's. For instance Evan Evans Tours are paying up to 40% commission to concierges this year I have heard.

If you've just spent 150 GBP on a day tour for two through the concierge they've already pocketed up to 60 GBP without you adding a tip on top.

Its up to the individual to decide whether such incentives result in unbiased recommendations, but you certainly won't get a Simply Airports 40 GBP car to Heathrow via a hotel concierge.

 

Most of the head concierges at the big hotels are very wealthy people.