Phuket

t0rn · #71 02-02-2007, 05:22

100 baht is a good tip, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

t0rn · #72 02-02-2007, 05:26

These sort of discussions tend to seperate into americans and others.
In the US very normal to tip 15-20%, in Europe 0-10%, and in Oz often don't tip.
The girls I've spoken to realise this so there is not normally any big expectation but obvious happiness if there is a big tip.
I don't believe huge tips are the norm so no need to feel guilty.
and 1000 as a tip ,..... wow I would serve you for that .....

RobRoy · #73 02-02-2007, 05:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denver

I think an important thing I have learned in the short time I have been here....or rather seen.......and this might be a little contencious (Sp) as well.......fire when ready........is catagories of falang.

You wander into a 'middle of the road' bar or restaraunt you discover by chance as you are wandering around and I see little cliques of falang....

The table with the blokes with the 'I been Thailand forever look' about them. Sun-bleached, hand-washed clothes and wafer thin flip-flops as a badge of how long they have been here (or not willing to part with 85 Baht for a new pair) Who resent what they percieve Thailand is becoming or has actually turned into. Reckon they live like a Thai, eat like a Thai but haven't actually assimilated as far into the community as the Thais would have them think they have. Treat the holiday maker with distain.....'What do they know?' Only here for two weeks and ruining it for everybody. Treat the waitress like something they may have stood in. Waitress comes with the bill, it's scrutinised in fine detail and paid to the baht. Tip! What tip!

The table with a bunch of blokes or a family who are here for a break from work or school in thier respective countries. Are treated very well while they are here. Don't know any better about what they are getting or are paying.......or really care because they are having a good time, enjoying themselves, have budgeted for their holiday or time here. Treat the waitress with respect for the job of work she is doing and if she does it well, with a smile, will quite happily leave her with a little something for her efforts.

The table with the falang with the bling, chunk of gold on every finger, hand-made shoes, designer sunglasses and the real Rolex! Bottles of the finest wines and spirits the house has for his entourage of young Thai ladies. Who sit giggling nicely as he lights another hand rolled Cuban. Buys everything the girls who come in the place have to sell, roses, necklaces, hats and wooden frogs! Winks at the waitress and gives her a 1000baht to keep the drinks coming to his table.

These are just my own personal observations over a short time here, I can't afford to sit at table three or would ever want to sit at table one..........

Very perceptive Denver. But you missed the young Ausssie pair on the corner of Bangla. She's cute as a button, beautiful, and she's saying "If you go there one more time without me, we're through!"

Or the many married couples taking a stroll. The man's neck is on a universal joint and the wife's eyes never leave him for a second. Spooky.

RobRoy · #74 02-02-2007, 05:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by visa2003

Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated, and you will get on fine in any country!!!!

Amen to that, Visa

ATMwalking · #75 02-02-2007, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRoy

Very perceptive Denver. But you missed the young Ausssie pair on the corner of Bangla. She's cute as a button, beautiful, and she's saying "If you go there one more time without me, we're through!"

Or the many married couples taking a stroll. The man's neck is on a universal joint and the wife's eyes never leave him for a second. Spooky.

I really seems like some women are strolling their guys around just to be evil. They want him to see what he can't have and want to get angry when his eyes spark.

K2 · #76 02-02-2007, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

I really seems like some women are strolling their guys around just to be evil. They want him to see what he can't have and want to get angry when his eyes spark.

Least the guy has done a decent recce just in case he decides to return alone. !!

RobRoy · #77 02-02-2007, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

I really seems like some women are strolling their guys around just to be evil. They want him to see what he can't have and want to get angry when his eyes spark.

So you've seen it too. Cruel isn't it? Can't call it a holiday though.

cutter1616 · #78 02-02-2007, 16:11

I treat a tip for what it is... an additional charge depending on her level of service. If she's poor, 0%, average, 10-15%, good 15%+
Regarding the Aussie's, what's up with that? I work with some Aussies and when we go for lunch they don't tip, who ends up paying the tip...me. They say, we don't tip in Australia. Guess what, you're not in Australia anymore you Cheapskate!
I wonder what the service is like in Australia? When I was in Costa Rica the service charge was automatically added to all the bills and the service was complete crap because they didn't have to work for an additional tip.
This is why I don't think you should leave a tip regardless. As another poster said, when they start expecting a tip, the level of service goes down.

Daman · #79 02-02-2007, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by K2

Least the guy has done a decent recce just in case he decides to return alone. !!

That's what I'm doing!

RobRoy · #80 03-02-2007, 05:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinot

What is the best piece of advice you could offer someone coming in for the first time?

Ask how it was for her?

senor123 · #81 03-02-2007, 06:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutter1616

I wonder what the service is like in Australia? When I was in Costa Rica the service charge was automatically added to all the bills and the service was complete crap because they didn't have to work for an additional tip.
This is why I don't think you should leave a tip regardless. As another poster said, when they start expecting a tip, the level of service goes down.

Hi Cutter1616,
The service is usually pretty good in Australian restauraunts because the employees get paid a wage and tips are not part of the package. I suspect that many of the service staff in Oz are Uni Students, out of work actors, artistst etc and the money they make helps them with their living expenses/fees etc. Some people tip some people don't but it is not expected.
I think in the States that tips are part of the salary package.
I was having dinner with a couple of expats in Phuket last year and they didn't tip because they lived there and had to be a bit careful with their money. Their attitude was that they were bringing business to the family run restaurant when things were quiet.

However, I have heard that, if the service is bad you leave a very small tip as way of expressing you disappointment with the service. Also, in Japan, apparently if you don't like the service from the taxi driver, you leave the door open rather than slam it shut. I like this idea and have used it over here.
Steve

falanger · #82 03-02-2007, 08:05

At home id usually only give a tip at christmas or if service was excellent...
Tips are not expected...
In LOS its constant tipping...

ElectrO · #83 03-02-2007, 10:36

Many times, Thai's never ever tip. Or if they tip they leave the baht coins, not the notes.

So if you don't want to, then don't. Always down to the individual.

E

Tim26swe · #84 03-02-2007, 17:07

once you are on your way to the desination/bar during night..

go into any bar on your way out and just whip out for nothing a 500bht to the ugliest chick in the bar, and i promise u will recieve the most genuine smile on your trip.

/ tim

cutter1616 · #85 03-02-2007, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by senor123

Hi Cutter1616,
Also, in Japan, apparently if you don't like the service from the taxi driver, you leave the door open rather than slam it shut. I like this idea and have used it over here.
Steve

That's a good idea. I'll have to use this one.

ATMwalking · #86 03-02-2007, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim26swe

go into any bar on your way out and just whip out for nothing a 500bht to the ugliest chick in the bar, and i promise u will recieve the most genuine smile on your trip.

...and then start running!

Nice idea though.

sishow · #87 03-02-2007, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim26swe

once you are on your way to the desination/bar during night..

go into any bar on your way out and just whip out for nothing a 500bht to the ugliest chick in the bar, and i promise u will recieve the most genuine smile on your trip.

/ tim

I was wondering why you kept giving me 500b every night!??

Tim26swe · #88 03-02-2007, 19:29

u got a really nice smile

faultytowers · #89 03-02-2007, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim26swe

go into any bar on your way out and just whip out for nothing a 500bht to the ugliest chick in the bar

Quote:

Originally Posted by sishow

I was wondering why you kept giving me 500b every night!??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim26swe

u got a really nice smile

........and you're the cheapest tart in town !!!!!!!

nelsonone · #90 05-02-2007, 07:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by sishow

I was wondering why you kept giving me 500b every night!??

so he could pinch yer cheeks Si.........

marc26 · #91 06-02-2007, 22:38

1st time in phuket-stayed at Baan Yin Dee

i was honestly overtipping without really thinking about it
met my gf, she stayed with me most trip at Baan Yin Dee

me-"hey, im coming phuket next month"
her-"where you stay?"
me-"I am staying at Baan Yin Dee again"
her-"I think people work Baan Yin Dee happy see you again!!"

Tb28 · #92 13-02-2007, 10:03

Just got back from Phuket (my first time), and I guess I overtipped. It's easy down there.

I think I've learned the lesson, and next time I probably wont say "of course" everytime a girl wants a drink, and I will not say "of course" every time the girl I'm sitting with asks me to give her friend a drink because she needs the money, and I won't ring the bell (that one cost me more than 2000 bath).

But even with the bell and lots of drinks to the girls: It's less expensive than drinking in Norway. Far less.

Nice trip, by the way. I've loved it! The best I've ever had, and I wanna go back as soon as posible.