48 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2017 are not included and 15% to 20% is the norm. When travelling east to China, Bali, Japan or South Korea tipping is not done. Tipping is acceptable for tour guides in those countries but be discreet and put it in an envelope. In the Philippines or Vietnam, 5% to 10% is a con- ventional amount for waiters and in Singapore and Malaysia taxi drivers are not tipped, but porters should receive a small amount. In India tipping baggage handlers and anyone who as- sists you is limited to twenty or thirty cents, but in hotels no individual tipping is done. Instead guests leave an amount of their choosing in an envelope at the front desk upon de- parture. The contents will be distributed by management at the end of a week. Tipping in Australia and New Zealand is usually between 10% and 15%, and a little less for cabbies. Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Ecuador normally include a 10% gratuity on the bill, so no additional tipping is necessary. For the most part in the Caribbean, there is no limit and 15% to 20% is expected. Of course there is no need for additional tips in ‘all-inclusive’ resorts. Lastly, I should touch upon tour guides and drivers. Quite often these people go beyond their expectations by offer- ing excellent service. If the guide is managing your tour and stays with you every day, then my rule of thumb is $15 per day for every day they are with you. If a driver keeps the ve- hicle clean and properly looks after your luggage, then $10 per day is a fair amount. These sums are always calculated in U.S. dollars. For a two week tour this works out to about $350 (make sure you keep it separate from the rest of your cash, so that you don’t accidentally spend it). Never forget that tipping should not be assumed and is given at your discretion. Always remember the origin of the word: To Insure Prompt Service. Here’s a Tip! (continued from page 47) Jonathan van Bilsen is a photographer, author, columnist, keynote speaker and can be followed at photosNtravel.com DO YOU KNOW….. ........ what is the highest mountain in Canada? Email me your best guess at jon@photosNtravel.com Answer, next month. Last month’s ‘Do You Know’ was … ........ what country has the highest rate of twin births in the world?? The answer is Nigeria In Scandinavia no tipping is expected in taxis or restaurants. In China, Bali, Japan and South Korea, tipping is not done. Tipping taxis in New York can be confusing. HERE WE GO! Flights from Peterborough Airport for 2018 with Stewart Tours! s t e w a r t t o u r s • Deposit for all tours is cad $150 per person (non-refundable) • All flights are direct with the exception of San Antonio (which has to make a quick refueling stop in both directions) • Peterborough schedules sell out quickly, call us today to reserve your trip. Travel brilliantly! Virginia, Colleen, Leanne and Jean Chicago Illinois, Charlottetown PEI, Richmond & Washington DC and San Antonio Texas MC TICO #4577532 158 Casimir St., Port Perry virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca 905-985-2268