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When did tipping start in UK?

And of course, there's the widely accepted tipping system from the 15th century in England. There are many sources that claim any time from the 1400s to the 1700s for the true start of tipping in England. However, most sources accept that Tudor England is when the practice really began to take hold.



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Tipping may date back to the Roman era, but most sources trace it back to medieval Europe, when wealthy visitors to homes would leave tips for servants who provided good service.

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tipping is more and more common; Americans are accustomed to leaving 20% at minimum, however the most common practice in the UK is to leave between 10 and 12%. In nicer restaurants up to 15% (provided that the service charge is not included) is a good rule of thumb.

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Generally no, but it would really depend on what you're tipping for. If you're buying a pint for £4.80 and pay with £5, then “keep the change” is definitely not rude. There's no social expectation to tip in a pub. Outside of restaurants, there really isn't much of a tipping culture in the UK.

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Tipping is appreciated but not always appropriate in London. There are some situations where it is customary, for example in restaurants. However, tips in the UK are discretionary and depend on the quality of the service you receive.

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If you ask locals “Do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.

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Tipping in London's restaurants It's not customary to pay a tip (or gratuities) for fast food, self-service or takeaway meals. Many contactless or chip and pin payment machines have an option to add on a tip so you do not have to leave it in cash.

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Tipping is not considered etiquette by French people in French restaurants, but if you enjoyed your meal, it's nice to leave 5 - 10%. If you really enjoyed the meal, or plan on returning to the restaurant and want the wait staff to like you, 15% is a generous tip.

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Tipping is commonplace across Africa. Staff at lodges, guides, porters, drivers and other people providing services to travellers are definitely hopeful of receiving tips.

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Just as in Japan, it is not customary to tip in China. Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances so when taking a taxi, enjoying a refreshing drink or tucking into a delicious meal there's no requirement to leave any gratuities.

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In Greece it's considered bad form to leave a single euro, even for a small total — if service isn't already included in the bill and it's for, say, €10, leave a €2 tip. Iceland is an emphatically no-tipping country.

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At table-service restaurants, the tipping etiquette and procedure vary slightly from country to country. But in general, European servers are well paid, and tips are considered a small bonus — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number.

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