Tipping

[Lorenzoid]

I’d like to point out the unintended consequences. We have avoided high end resorts not just for the cost but the constant tippping is just not relaxing
Every time we move a bag, every time we want our car

All my vacations are dive-centric these days, but I recall long ago my first visit to an all-inclusive in Jamaica, at the behest of my then-girlfriend who was into that kind of vacation. She had told me to bring a STACK of dollar bills (this was years ago), as you start handing them out like candy pretty much the moment you step out of baggage claim. Three people must have gotten a tip before I ever arrived at the all-inclusive, and then, although tipping might have been officially discouraged to maintain the "all-inclusive" facade, in reality tipping was rampant. Everyone had this wad of dollar bills in their pocket. It was kind of fun at the time to play Rockefeller, but I can't imagine how irritating it would be now, especially on a dive vacation. @npole summed up the source of irritation perfectly: "I paid thousands dollars for everything 10 months before already and now I look like stingy" if I don't tip or don't tip enough.

 

[Mrs. B]

also if younger people are turned off by tip culture, scuba industry should adapt

I make tipping work for me and give it up front so I can be the last pick up in the morning etc
But people really hate you if they find out

It’s hard to have it both ways but it’s so annoying when people monitor and judge what everyone else is doing so closely, who picks up my camera, who doesn’t, I hate the whole thing

 

[Olariuas]

I think I won't like "all-incursive" dive trip.

I'm not used to have someone who care of my own stuff for me. Just because I'm on vacation and that I must relax and enjoy it.

I understand that its a local customs and a lot depend on it but thanks god you won't go to jail if you don't tip. Should be up to customers to decide if they want or not.

 

[caydiver]

I guess the simple answer for those who disagree with tipping but don’t want to feel judged for not tipping is to avoid going to destinations where tipping people in the service industry (not just the dive industry but the whole service industry). I don’t get what personal opinion has to do with a country’s culture, but if it is something that is undesirable just don’t expose yourself to it. And for those who want to visit places and respect the local culture you should be able to have your question answered without it turning into an international debate. Tipping in some countries is the norm ie the US and in others it is not ie Australia. Choose what suits you and let others do the same.

 

[Olariuas]

Yeah you are right. For sure I will come in Mexico but only for cenotes and caves. At least I found a compromise.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I guess the simple answer for those who disagree with tipping but don’t want to feel judged for not tipping is to avoid going to destinations where tipping people in the service industry (not just the dive industry but the whole service industry). I don’t get what personal opinion has to do with a country’s culture, but if it is something that is undesirable just don’t expose yourself to it. And for those who want to visit places and respect the local culture you should be able to have your question answered without it turning into an international debate. Tipping in some countries is the norm ie the US and in others it is not ie Australia. Choose what suits you and let others do the same.

I hear New Zealand offers work visas that we Americans might be able to use to escape our "local culture." Maybe Australia, too, though not so much anymore from what I have heard.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I hear New Zealand offers work visas that we Americans might be able to use to escape our "local culture." Maybe Australia, too, though not so much anymore from what I have heard.

Australia is harder to move to (I was this close 10 years ago). Also, things change once you hit 45, as if I remember correctly, you have to deposit $75K AUD to account for the fact you did not pay into the medical system (that is excellent).

 

[AdivingBel]

Yeah you are right. For sure I will come in Mexico but only for cenotes and caves. At least I found a compromise.

That's too bad. The diving in Coz is very easy and very nice. Keep in mind it's not the dive industry in Coz saying if you don't tip don't come, only a few folks on SB. I truly believe the dive/tourist industry would prefer you to come dive, eat, and have fun whether you tip or not. All IMHO. Dive and let dive...

 

[runsongas]

for the europeans: just think of it as socialist wealth transfer from you to a poor dive professional, except you skip the government and taxes part

 

[Centrals]

Keep all your diving vacations in SE Asia where tip is really appreciated but NOT demanded/expected.
I have never ever used any operator that mentioned gratuity in its brochure or web site.