Tipping

[Bubbeh]

On 6/20/2023 at 11:53 AM, Kristelle said:

If somebody gives exceptional service or an experience or food or whatever was really good and you want to acknowledge that, go on tripadvisor or the company's website or Facebook page and leave a public message saying so.

In the case of an individual, leave a letter for management saying so.

 

This benifits them much more, while in keeping with culture of country you are in. 

 

And still fulfills your need to give them something extra.

A brilliant post and surely an acceptable compromise.

[Bubbeh]

On 6/22/2023 at 5:38 AM, Worldtraveler 4727 said:

I would like to thank all the Australians and New Zelanders who have helped to clarify (over and over!) that there is NO TIPPING in either country. I appreciate your patience. It is such a different culture here in the US, and honestly, we all just want to do the right things when we visit your wonderful countries.

If I might ask for clarification on one more example, please?

This is the statement printed in the itinerary for the 7 day land tour of interior Australia before a 13 day cruise around New Zealand this next Oct/Nov on Princess.

GRATUITY INFORMATION 

Farewell to your Tour Director Today you will say goodbye to your tour director and conclude your Princess escorted tour. As traditions and customs vary widely across the globe, we often have guests ask what gratuity guidelines are appropriate for the region they are touring. It is our belief that gratuities are a direct reflection of the level and quality of service received. It is customary to extend gratuities as a sign of appreciation on the last day of your land tour. The following is the recommended industry standard for tour directors in Australia:   Tour Director: 5.00-7.00 USD per person per day   Extending gratuities is a personal matter and should be distributed on an individual basis without solicitation and not on behalf of any group.

What is the appropriate action here, please?

Also, I would LOVE to not have to get any Australian or New Zealand cash. Is is possible to use a credit card exclusively?

Thanks so much for helping us --once again!--understand and act correctly according to your customs!

Best course of action?  Just ignore it. 

 

With regards to your query about using credit cards exclusively, I can't remember the last time I used cash other than in a caravan park for the washing machine and even some of these now are for CCs.  Seriously, if I came upon a business that refused to take a card, I'd just move on to the next one.

[Bubbeh]

On 6/22/2023 at 7:49 PM, Worldtraveler 4727 said:

 I was really mainly wondering if a credit card would suffice for even the smallest purchases like a coffee or ice cream cone etc

I recently used my card to purchase a green chilli at Woolies - a whole 65 cents worth!

[Worldtraveler 4727]

We took NO Australian or New Zealand dollars and were fine! Do not bother. Save yourself the time and effort. Simply not needed.