International fans travelling to the United States for the World Cup are experiencing a culture shock around tipping, with supporters from England, Australia and Japan expressing frustration at the additional costs on top of already expensive match tickets and meals.
England supporter Geoff Pryor, from Norwich, said he found it “weird” when buying a bottle of water and staff tried to get a tip “for doing nothing”. He acknowledged, however, that he understood tipping at restaurants, adding: “I appreciate they’re not paid as much as perhaps back in the UK, but overall the service is generally good, so when it’s good they deserve a good tip.” In the US, staff at some restaurants and bars are paid just over $2 an hour and expect customers to tip around 20% of the total bill so they can earn a living.
Australian supporters Chris O’Flynn and Robert McNamara told the BBC that high ticket prices for football matches had already drained their finances, with tips pushing costs even higher. O’Flynn said he found the system confusing compared to Australia, where a flat fee is charged. “The way most Australians here feel is: Pay your staff a better wage. It should be on the business, not the customer, to make sure that your staff is well paid,” he said. McNamara added that while they try to abide by local customs, the expectation of a tip after every drink adds up fast. “You’re buying a drink and adding $5 on. It’s difficult to comprehend,” he said.
Japanese fans have raised similar concerns. Maiko Asahi, visiting from Tokyo with her family to watch Japan play in Dallas, told the BBC that tipping is not practised back home. “The prices without the tips are already very expensive, with tipping it is way too much,” she said. Another Japanese supporter, Akihiro, travelling with his son, said even the cheapest restaurant meal costs around $30, and adding a tip of 13-20% compounds the expense significantly.
The tension is not one-sided. Frustrations have also been voiced by hospitality workers, with one bar owner telling the BBC that many World Cup tourists have been poor tippers. The clash between differing cultural norms around gratuity looks set to remain a talking point throughout the tournament.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
