This opinion piece is part of the Narcity Media series. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect his Narcity Media views.
Moving to a new country brings with it many moments of culture shock. This definitely applies to Canada as well.
There are many things that surprised me when I moved to Toronto from Dubai earlier this year, but Canadian tipping culture was one of the biggest things that took me a while to get used to.
why? Because not all countries have a tipping culture as big as the Great White North.
Where I’m from, tipping isn’t something to be expected, but rather as an appreciation for a particularly impressive service.
I mean, if you go to a restaurant and the server is good, it’s natural to leave a tip. But at the same time, it’s definitely not expected.
The understanding in Dubai is that providing good service is part of a person’s job, much like bankers, accountants and store cashiers don’t get tipped for their work. is!
Of course, there is a bit of etiquette that people in the UAE also follow.For example, it is considered polite to tip the delivery person. It’s considered polite to tip a delivery man who goes out on his bike to deliver food, especially in hot weather.
Similarly, tipping servers at fine dining restaurants is fairly common. Because servers introduce themselves and get used to customers.
But even then, leaving a tip is not expected.
Fast forward to moving to Canada and many life lessons were learned. Here are some aspects about the chip that surprised me.
Some servers actually call you
It was during a week-long visit to Toronto in 2019. I was eating out with some friends and one of them generously agreed to cover the entire bill.
I don’t know if the person miscalculated or was unsure (he wasn’t Canadian), but the server actually asked why the tip wasn’t that big.
“Did something go wrong with the service?” she asked and left the guest.
Card machine with high predetermined percentage
Since that experience, I’ve been a little more cautious about tipping etiquette.
What is my main concern? While the server looks down at me, he has to do some serious math in his head.
Honestly, a card machine with a fixed tip percentage was a relief to me. I love how they take the stress out of calculating the right amount.
That said, the percentage known as tipflation is currently on the rise, sometimes reaching 30%.
Considering the cost of living, I know it’s justified. But I also wonder if companies expect higher tips to avoid the responsibility of paying their employees better wages.
Tipping at cash counters – still awkward
The first time I ordered canned food at the counter, I was really surprised when it was just handed over to a card machine asking for a tip. It’s definitely the first time I’ve seen this system in every country I’ve traveled to.
Again, where I’m from, tipping is done as a way of showing good service and appreciation, and doesn’t seem to apply when ordering and getting pre-prepared items while in line. .
It would make sense to have a good chat with an attentive server to help you decide what to order, but most of the time you don’t have the time for that with queues forming behind you.
In the spirit that this is part of Canada’s tipping culture and an attempt to help servers who may be earning minimum wage, I’m all for it.
But it’s also interesting, according to etiquette experts, that “you don’t have to leave anything behind” or “rather, it’s a way to get credit for a job well done.”
Still, it just feels rude to leave a 0% tip on the counter (with the server in full view).
non food tips
In the United Arab Emirates, tipping in other industries such as transportation and beauty salons is even less common than in the food service industry.
When I moved to Canada, I was so cautious not to make a mistake, so I googled how much to tip my driver for the trip from the airport! rice field.
As for the tip amount, an etiquette expert told Narcity that it’s not always a fixed formula and that it’s a bit more complicated.
So when in doubt, always ask about the expected tip amount.
And if you’ve ever faced the conundrum of whether to tip or not, play it safe and tip.
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