Have you ever been in a foreign land, reaching the end of a delicious meal, but then suddenly realizing that you’re clueless about the local tipping rules? The custom of tipping, although often confusing, is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of societies worldwide.
In Japan, tipping is almost unheard of because of the principle of Shokunin kishitsu, often translated as “craftsman spirit.” It’s a belief that service is a responsibility, making service providers take great pride in offering outstanding care to customers. Instead of monetary tips, the Japanese often express their appreciation through compliments or respectful bows. An exception is in traditional tatami inns, where tips for serving meals are given quietly in decorated envelopes.
In sharp contrast, regions such as North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia regard baksheesh, a form of tipping, as customary for nearly any service. This practice is tied to a tenet of Islam, which encourages giving and suggests that such acts of generosity make the giver more sacred. As a result, service providers in countries like Egypt have grown accustomed to baksheesh. Generous tippers can even receive special treatment, including unexpected access to hidden locations!
Photo courtesy of Freepik / 照片：Freepik 提供
Beyond these contrasting extremes, there are parts of the world where tipping practices strike a moderate stance. In many European countries, such as France and Germany, the decision to tip is optional. Unless a service charge has already been added to the bill or the service was exceptionally poor, a tip typically equals 5–10 percent of the total bill.
Remember, tipping isn’t just about money; it’s a sign of cultural respect. So, when in Rome, do as the Romans do—be it in Tokyo, Cairo or wherever your travels take you.
你是否曾身處異鄉，在享用完一頓美味的餐點時，突然意識到你對於當地的小費規則一無所知？小費的習俗雖然常常令人困惑，但它深深地融入了全球社會的文化結構之中。
在日本，小費幾乎是聞所未聞的，因為秉持著「職人?質」這一原則，它通常被翻譯為「匠人精神」。這是一種認為服務是一種責任的信念，造就服務提供者以提供顧客卓越的照顧為榮。日本人通常不是用金錢給小費，而是透過讚美或恭敬的鞠躬來表達他們的感激。有個例外是在傳統的榻榻米旅館，用餐的小費會放在裝飾過的信封中悄悄地給予。
與此形成鮮明對比的是，像北非、中東和南亞等地區將一種小費形式「baksheesh」，視為幾乎所有服務的慣例。這種做法與伊斯蘭教的一條教義相關，它鼓勵給予，並暗示這種慷慨的行為會使施予者變得更加神聖。因此，埃及等國家的服務提供者已對baksheesh習以為常。慷慨的小費給予者甚至有可能獲得特殊的待遇，包含出乎意料地進入隱藏的地點！
除了這些對比鮮明的極端情況，世界上還有一些地區的小費做法採取溫和的立場。在許多歐洲國家，如法國和德國，是否給小費是可選的。除非帳單中已加收服務費，或者服務特別差，一般的小費通常等於帳單總金額的5-10%。
記住，小費不僅僅是金錢的問題；它是對文化尊重的表現。所以，要入境隨俗，無論你是在東京、開羅，還是在任何你旅行的目的地！
MORE INFORMATION
the fabric of sth （尤指社會或建築物的）構造
monetary adj. 金融的；貨幣的
customary adj. 慣例的；傳統的
tenet n. 教條；宗旨
render v. 使變成
accustomed adj. 習慣的；一慣的
KEY VOCABULARY
1. outstanding adj. 卓越的；傑出的
Willy was praised for his outstanding job on the project.
威利因其在專案中傑出的表現而受到讚揚。
2. appreciation n. 感激；欣賞
This card is a sign of my appreciation for everything you’ve done as my boss.
對於您作為我老闆所做的每件事，這張卡片代表了我的感謝。
3. compliment n. 誇獎；讚美；致意
The manager paid Jenny a high compliment on her presentation ability at the meeting.
經理高度讚賞珍妮在會議上的報告能力。
4. respectful adj. 恭敬的；尊重的
Sam always speaks to his teachers in a respectful tone and shows good manners.
山姆總是以尊敬的口吻對老師說話，展現出他有禮貌。
5. exception n. 例外
exceptionally adv. 特別地；異常地
Many children catch colds frequently when they are young, but according to my mom, I was an exception.
許多孩童在年幼時常常感冒，但是根據我母親的說法，我是個例外。
6. generosity n. 慷慨；大方
Mark’s acts of generosity, such as paying for everyone’s lunch, left a lasting impression on his colleagues.
馬克的慷慨舉動，例如為大家付午餐錢，給他的同事們留下了深刻的印象。
7. access n. 機會；使用權利；途徑
The scholarship gives students access to higher education that they might not otherwise afford.
這個獎學金提供學生們接受高等教育的機會，否則他們可能無法負擔。
8. stance n. 觀點；立場；站立姿勢
The politician’s stance on animal rights has garnered a lot of support among younger voters.
這位政客在動物權益問題上的立場贏得了大量年輕選民的支持。
9. optional adj. 可選擇的；非強制的
Some classes in this program are optional, but others are required.
這個課程裡有一些課是選修的，但其他則是必修的。
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