Part 1/9:

The Complexities of Tipping: A Global Perspective

Tipping has become a prominent practice in the service industry, yet it remains a contentious topic, burdened with cultural nuances and expectations that can easily confuse travelers. From experiences in bars in New York to cafes in Prague, the act of tipping often feels arbitrary — even exploitative.

The New York Comedy Club Experience

A recent personal account sheds light on how tipping can feel like a scam. The narrator explains his experience at a comedy club in New York City where the card reader presented an unusual tipping prompt: options for tipping 3%, 5%, or 7%. Initial relief turned to disbelief when the patron realized that these options were on top of a hefty 27% tip already added to his bill.