tringbirds
Well-known member
Some advice needed on tipping please.
Having been able to join some bird trips to Africa and South America over the last few years the question of how much to tip keeps every participant in a constant dilemma. I know the general advice is to tip according to the service one receives , but therein lies the problem especially if one travels with an assortment of Nationalities. Americans tip as a matter of course, and to Europeans, quite generously; whilst many from Australia and New Zealand do not like it at all as it is not part of their culture to tip. Haggling over what should be appropriate for a group tip does preoccupy some time towards the end of a trip!!
Advice from the organisations varies according to the country of origin; 10-20 dollars per day is suggested per group leader and drivers. In some countries this is more than the average wage. One does not wish to insult these guys who lead and drive but are we doing any favours by over generosity. Is this rate a negotiated between tour organisers and the leaders they employ.
I do not know how much these guys receive from the tour organiser, one has to hope it is in line or above the local wage structure. Personally speaking I would the price of the trip to include a percentage for gratuities. Those of you who may have been on a cruise ship will know the question of tipping is easier with those cruise lines who include gratuities than those who do not.
I realise tipping is easier for some than others but it would be useful to get an idea of how much people tip; yes I realise it is a personal thing but I would like to get it somewhere right as one never knows, a return visit could be made and a remembered poor (or good tip, whatever that is!), tip may effect the commitment of the leader of a trip if he/she is has previously met!!
thank you in advance for your thoughts
Having been able to join some bird trips to Africa and South America over the last few years the question of how much to tip keeps every participant in a constant dilemma. I know the general advice is to tip according to the service one receives , but therein lies the problem especially if one travels with an assortment of Nationalities. Americans tip as a matter of course, and to Europeans, quite generously; whilst many from Australia and New Zealand do not like it at all as it is not part of their culture to tip. Haggling over what should be appropriate for a group tip does preoccupy some time towards the end of a trip!!
Advice from the organisations varies according to the country of origin; 10-20 dollars per day is suggested per group leader and drivers. In some countries this is more than the average wage. One does not wish to insult these guys who lead and drive but are we doing any favours by over generosity. Is this rate a negotiated between tour organisers and the leaders they employ.
I do not know how much these guys receive from the tour organiser, one has to hope it is in line or above the local wage structure. Personally speaking I would the price of the trip to include a percentage for gratuities. Those of you who may have been on a cruise ship will know the question of tipping is easier with those cruise lines who include gratuities than those who do not.
I realise tipping is easier for some than others but it would be useful to get an idea of how much people tip; yes I realise it is a personal thing but I would like to get it somewhere right as one never knows, a return visit could be made and a remembered poor (or good tip, whatever that is!), tip may effect the commitment of the leader of a trip if he/she is has previously met!!
thank you in advance for your thoughts