New To Canada? Know About The Tipping Culture

Moving to Canada from Europe is fairly popular. If you’re planning to move here, make sure to hire an Interstate Moving Company as they are aware of the methods that ensure your breakables are preserved securely and arrive at their goal in the same condition. Exploring Milton’s listings introduced me to the town’s rapidly expanding neighborhoods amidst scenic views. People tend to enjoy the peaceful culture of the country and there are plenty of job opportunities. Although living in Canada is fairly similar to living in England, there are most definitely cultural barriers that you’re going to need to learn to deal with. Some will be obvious, but tipping culture is one that a lot of Europeans don’t know about, and it makes for some embarrassment when they don’t know how to handle it.

Don’t fret! Your move will be an exciting one and no matter where you plan to move, you’re going to love it. Just make sure to find local movers to ease out the process. Once you get used to the little nuances of Canadian culture, it’ll be a breeze. This information on tipping applies, for the most part, all across the country.

Where Are Tips Expected?

The most common place you will have to tip is in bars and restaurants. However, you should also tip cab drivers, hairdressers and other salon workers (unless it is noted that it has a no tipping policy), tattoo artists, valet parkers, and bellboys. One thing you should know is that it is not expected for you to tip a person pumping your petrol. On the other hand, if you want to go there for employment, it would be wise to know about this work permit application Canada.

Servers’ Pay Not Embedded in Costs

When you’re in England and you go to a pub or a restaurant, you usually pay the tab and then go. Perhaps you’ll tip extra for truly exceptional service, but it’s not commonplace. In Canada (and in the United States, as well) bars and restaurants do not pay their servers and bartenders a livable wage. This is because they expect to make several dollars per hour – enough to live off of – in tips. Therefore, tipping is commonplace and it’s very rare (and often considered rude) not to tip at all. If you do not tip a server, it typically means that you were outright disgusted with the service.

How Much Do I Tip?

The typical amount to tip is between 15 and 20% of the bill; it’s your call. Use your discretion to decide. Some people will tip more if they feel as though the service was truly great or are feeling particularly generous. Some will tip less if they feel the service was poor but didn’t want to be rude. The typical amount is around 18%. Bear in mind that it’s typical to tip more generously in the restaurant industry since those tips often get split amongst the servers and bus people, but in general, tipping rates are fairly standard.

Remember that the restaurant may add the charge into the bill for parties of 6 or more to help avoid customers who won’t tip on a large bill, so check to see if there is a “gratuity” added to the bill before doing the math.

It probably sounds a bit overwhelming – there are people you tip and people you don’t tip? But don’t think of that way. Any time you are about to have someone help you with something, do a quick search on your phone to see if it’s typical to tip that person, and tip them somewhere around 15%. Moving to Canada will be a fun experience, even getting to know all these strange things about Canadian culture. Go out to a bar when you arrive and learn to do it first-hand!

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Ashely Smith is a writer that likes to share real estate tips and ideas. To see more, check out her Twitter @ashelymarie1985.