Tipping etiquette in England and Scotland is generally more modest compared to some other countries, like the United States. However, it is still appreciated in certain situations. Here are some guidelines for leaving tips in England and Scotland:
Restaurants and Bars: In most restaurants, a service charge is often included in the bill, especially for larger groups. If a service charge is included, there's no obligation to leave an additional tip. If it's not included, a tip of around 10% is considered polite. In pubs and bars, it's not common to leave tips unless you received exceptional service or want to show your appreciation.
Cafés and Casual Dining: Tipping in cafés and casual dining places is not expected, but you can leave some loose change if you feel the service was good.
Hotels: In hotels, tipping is not always necessary, especially if a service charge is already added to the bill. However, it's customary to tip hotel staff who provide additional services, such as porters who carry your luggage (around £1 per bag) or room service (around 10%).
Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but it's common to round up the fare to the nearest pound or add a small tip if the service was excellent.
Tour Guides: If you take a guided tour, it's polite to tip the guide if you enjoyed the experience. A tip of £2 to £5 per person is typical, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Other Services: In general, tips are not expected for services like hairdressers, beauticians, or shop assistants. However, it's becoming more common to leave a small tip if you're satisfied with the service.
No Obligation: It's important to note that tipping is not obligatory in the UK, and people won't be offended if you choose not to leave a tip. The service staff are paid a regular wage, and tipping is seen as a gesture of appreciation rather than a necessity.
Always use your discretion when deciding whether to tip, and consider the level of service you received. If you're unsure about tipping in a particular situation, feel free to ask locals or staff for guidance.