How Much to Tip a Day Tour Guide
As it was mentioned earlier, during a one day tour to show the guide appreciation for his or her work it is recommended to do the following. Tipping is rather widespread, but deciding on the amount of a tip is often not simple because the guideline in this matter is not always clear. In this guide, we’ll focus on giving you some ideas on how to go about tipping day tour guides depending on your social relations with the guide.
Factors to Consider
There are some ideas on how much and who to tip in a day tour guide depending on some factors. Consider the following:
Country or Region: This section will focus on the manners of tipping as it is different in different parts of the world. In some countries and tour package, tipping is not common or even prohibited as it is already included in the package price, but there are other places wherein tipping is encouraged.
Tour Duration: Depending on whether the tour is half day or the full day, might decide the amount that needs to be tipped.
Tipping Policy: In case the tour guide performs an outstanding duty in ensuring that you have an excellent tour or if they overdid their work or if you want to have an unforgettable experience, then one can tip more.
The number of people that are in a particular group determines the size of the tip in that depending with the number of guides, the total amount can be divided to leave each one with a smaller amount to be tipped.
Local Cost of Living: It is also important to acknowledge the fact that if you’re visiting a country with a relatively low standard living, your tip will too will be huge though substantially lesser than in the developed countries.
General Tipping Guidelines
Below is a list of commonly accepted guidelines that should help one know how much to tip:
North America, Western Europe, and Australia
In these areas, it is expected to tip between a tenth and an eighth of the price of the tour. The initial withdrawal rate chosen is 15% middle of the range considering the factors discussed earlier that affect the withdrawal rate.
Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America
While in some cultures, tipping it is a part of the services receivers’ expectations, in certain countries, it is not expected at all. However, it is still appreciated. In fact, givers expect that the offered tips should be within a range of 5 percent up to 10 percent. Those that are unsure can check local customs or they may consult with the tour operators.
All-Inclusive Tours
Some people make their day tour arrangements with other package travel companies hence it is advisable for such people to look at their agreement and see whether tipping is included. There is mostly an additional service fee or gratuity included in the total charge so one is not required to tip further. If this is missing, then it is advisable to tip approximately 5% to 10 % of the cost of the tour.
Customized, Private, or High-End Tours
Of course, if it is an exclusive/personalized tour where personal services are provided to a couple, by the guide / driver or whenever such extra personalized services have been provided and the couple is satisfied – it is appropriate to give a slightly higher tip of 20% or more. In any case, the amount shall be determined bearing in mind the factors mentioned above.
Tipping Etiquette
However, one needs to remember some of the following etiquettes when tipping:
- Employ Local Money: When tipping, one should use the local money into avoiding misunderstandings and unfavorable situations.
- Always be ready with small money given that you may find yourself in a situation where you will be expected to tip several people throughout your tour.
- Tip observe: Give your tip with your nondominant hand to your tour guide avoiding eye contact in a manner that will alert other members that seem uncomfortable with your action.
- Personal tip: Try to write a brief message on a card following the tour to show your appreciation regarding the lovely tour.
Conclusion
It is a right etiquette to tip your day tour guide as a way of thanking him or her for a job well done. However, the amount to be tipped depends with the place and the length of the tour, or the quality of the service offered but with these general guidelines, one can comfortably tip. Nevertheless it is not mandatory but as a sign of satisfaction employees are encouraged to be tipped.
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