In article ,
Qanset wrote:

The wife and I are planning at trip to USA/Canada in the near future.
Is it true that the Yanks are really hung up on tipping, and that
FORGETTING to tip someone is courting disaster???

Like most tourists we will be traveling on a limited budget,this means
that anybody expecting free money from us will be advised to look elsewhere.

A colleague of mine who honeymooned in Hawaii was told by a tour bus
operator, that he EXPECTED gratuities for his efforts, because his job
was poorly paid. What more can I say.???

I'm going to cop a lot of flak on this subject, but never mind I have
and open mind on accepting advice on World Travel.

This is a big subject for debate. Just check this newsgroup's archives
on groups.google.com for what was already said.

Here's the short version ...

Tipping is not a requirement in the USA; however, if you don't tip in
full service restaurants, bars, and buffets, you are screwing the people
who serve your food out of their pay. Unlike where you live, restaurant
workers in the United States depend on tips for their livelihood. These
people are not "expecting free money" from you, they are expecting to be
paid for the work they do far you. Knowing this, I suggest you proceed
with the golden rule, to treat the waitstaff the way you would want to
be treated if the situation was reversed.

If tipping poses a financial problem for you, then you have an easy
option to avoid it. Do not eat at full service restaurants and bars.
Stick with fast food places and take out or buy food at grocery stores
to eat.