Over the years, I’ve done my fair share of traveling especially overseas.  When I arrive at a new destination, I am usually struggling with the local customs, especially tipping practices.  I usually consult my Fodor’s or Frommer’s guide for help but sometimes the information is a bit vague.  From the moment I arrive in a new country I’m usually faced with the tipping dilemna as well as the foreign language hurdle – how much should I give the taxi driver?  What about the bellman who brings my bag to my room?  I don’t want to under tip or over tip or insult someone if tipping is unacceptable.  I usually don’t have tons of local currency, let alone smaller change with me so I always seem to be at a loss.   CNN however, recently published a few “tips” on common tipping practices since they vary greatly from country to country. 

Here are some of their suggested tips:

From my own travel experiences, Amsterdam and Rome are much like Paris.  In Budapest, service is usually included by the restaurant but check your bill and for taxis, 10 percent is about right.  Whereever you travel to though, try to read up on customary practices but also speak to your hotel conceirge.  They should be able to give you all the ‘do’s and don’ts’.