The Big Question: Has the tipping culture gone too far in the US?

It's a tough choice between the shell-motif necklace or the larimar-blue pendant, but in the end I choose the pendant because the colour will always remind me of Hawaii. At a boutique on Waikiki's main street, the sales assistant wraps up my US$200 (A$308) purchase and asks me to sign the iPad POS cash register. I'm shocked by what I see on the screen. Would I like to tip 10, 15 or 20 per cent? How about none of the above?

While tipping is standard practice in the US at restaurants, bars, taxis, nail salons and on organised tours, are we really now expected to tip on retail purchases, too?

"At every cafe and check-out, there seems to be an option to tip on the sales point iPads," says Philadelphia-based Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer, a tailored travel consultancy. "At certain businesses, I wouldn't recommend tipping as that is just part of the sales software and you shouldn't feel pressured."

Parker says there is an obligation to tip restaurant servers (the going rate is 20 per cent, or more for exceptionally good service), bartenders (at least one US dollar per drink), baggage handlers, massage therapists and other personal service providers.

"The hourly rate a business pays is mere dollars and the tip makes up for that," she says. "I try not to take that system out on the servers really hustling to make a living, considering none of those types of jobs have healthcare by the employer."

Dean Long, CEO of Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) agrees with Parker's sentiments. "One of the great things about travel is you get to experience different cultures," he says. "Travellers to the US and Canada have to be aware that tipping or gratuity is part of their culture."

To avoid poor service or uncomfortable confrontations, Long recommends the "when in Rome" approach of doing what the locals do. Talk to your tour guide or travel adviser about the appropriate amounts to tip. "In a country where tipping and gratuity is actually built into their tax system and remuneration, not getting tips will have a huge impact on some of the lowest paid workers in North America and their families," he says.

One of the ways to minimise the shock of constantly handing out cash tips while on holidays is to opt for pre-paid gratuities on cruises and tours. That's an option for many packages out of Australia to North America, Long says.

Of course, you can decide not to tip, but there will be consequences. "It's really important that when you travel overseas, you put your best foot forward," Long says.

It may also be helpful to remember that if you can afford to travel internationally, you're more privileged than most. It can feel good to share the wealth.

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