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NOT SURE HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU TIP?

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You don't want to appear mean by undertipping, but you also don't want to look foolish by leaving too much.

With no hard and fast rules,the world of gratitudes can be a minefield - particularly in an familiar territories and cultures. And it's not just at the restaurant table it can cause embarrassment. It can begin at the airport if you use a porter to help with your luggage. Then you have to decide how to thank the taxi driver, your tour guide, and even perhaps the hairdresser.

Suprisingly, there are places where the tipping culture has never taken off, such as Japan, Australia, and new Zealand. Tipping used to be almost unknown in the latter 2 countries, but if a tourist now adds a small amount to a restaurant bill, or rounds up a cab fare, it's rarely refused.

In South Africa, it is more complicated. Restaurants count on  a 10 percent tip ( if ti's not already included), while in simple eateries, staff hope foreigners will leave a token amount. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also expect tourists to give a small tip.

In the former communists bloc, tips for services rendered were frowned upon. In semi-capitalist China the concept has now firmly taken hold.

A golden rule for visitors is - if in doubt, shell out. Tourisn is important to local economies, and while providing small sums of money for services doesn't really impact the giver, it eases the way and makes for goodwill with your hosts.

LOCAL TRADITION

There are many places where tipping is an integral part of life. In fact giving small change in places such as Morocco, Turkey and some countries in the Far East, is necessary to keep the wheels turning. Round up for meals, and give between 5 and 10 percent on top of the negotiated fee to hired drivers and tour guides.

First time visitors to the United States will soon learn that tipping is a key part of "the American way". Workers in the service industry depend on the customers as much as their employer for a good deal of their incomeIn New York, 15 percent is standard, with 20 percent or more) reserved for excellence. Add about 10 percent on top of your taxi fare. A door man will expect one or two dollars if helping with cab hailing, and tip a barman - even if you're only having drinks at the bar. But there's no need to leave a gratuity in fast food places where's there is no table service.

Canada is more relaxed about tips, but something in the 10 to 20 percent range is expected  in restaurants - particularly top ones - and 10 percent on cab fares.

In Mexico, the US gratuity habit has proved contagious, and fine-dining foreigners should be equally lavish with the largesse. In places such as Baja California and Cancun, 15 percent is about right. Elsewhere, 10 percent is plenty with very basic restaurants not expecting much.

SERVICE INCLUDED

While Europe has fewer gratuity pitfalls for the unwary, with increasingly ubiquitous reataurant and cafe computerised printout bills spelling out service-included arrangements, each country is different. Germany has less of a tipping culture than France, Spain or Italy. It's never a bad idea anywhere over the Channel to top up regardless, especially if you are planning a return visit to that special restaurant.

People can also find themselves all at sea when taking a cruise. But, what, when and whom to tip is now a less vexed question for passengers, as shipping companies have realised people find the entire question of gratuities awkward. What is a correct tip for someone looking after them day after day and who by the voyage -end seemed almost an old friend? A few cruise lines include tips as part of their all-in policy, but most companies spell out amounts and techniques in their brochures. If in doubt check before reserving.

So now you know the basic rules and techniques to tipping , sit back and concentrate on having a fantastic holiday.

TIPPING AROUND THE WORLD

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