Should I tip or maybe not?
Have you ever been to a restaurant in Doha and didn't how much to tip or if you even need to tip at all? Trust me, you're not the only one.
Tipping rules in Qatar are quite vague, since there's no written definition of how much you need to pay because it's technically not an obligation.
I personally tip depending mostly on the service, the attitude of the employees, and the social structure of the place. I obviously won't be tipping the same amount in a local traditional resturant as I would in a five star hotel.
It's not just restaurants that accept tips, but pretty much everyone that offers you a service. Since there are so many services in Doha (too many to mention), you just don't know who to tip and how much you need to tip them!
Tipping isn't always a social norm in every country, actually some countries even consider it as rude. Below are a few examples of tipping cultures from different places around the world:
United States of America: tipping is a widely social practiced custom that has somewhat become a must. It is customary to pay 15-20% of the amount depending on the service.
Japan: in Japan tipping isn't part of the culture, and tipping someone may cause uncomfort, confusion, amusement, or even offense. (I think I'll move to Japan!)
Thailand: Usually small tips are left in restaurants, there is no strict percentage. Taking back small change if you pay with a large bill is somewhat rude. For example if a meal is 950 baht, and one pays with a 1000 baht note, the remaining 50 baht can be left.
Jordan: it is expected if you are a regular, though bars and restaurants may add 5-35% service charge. It is both illegal and an insult to tip in public and government offices, the police, and the military.
Iceland: In Iceland tipping (þjórfé, lit. "drink money") is not customary and never expected.
Switzerland: 15% service has been included in menu prices and hence in the bill in Switzerland by law since 1985. Hence tipping is not expected.
United Kingdom: Tips of 10% are common in restaurants, but not compulsory. It is a legal requirement to include all taxes and other obligatory charges in the prices displayed. Tipping for other services such as taxis and hairdressers is not expected, but tips are often given to reward good service. In some large cities it is customary to tip both taxi drivers and hairdressers/barbers.
Fun fact: Tipping in Arabic is called بقشيش which is pronounced "baqsheesh".
If you've got any advice on tipping in Doha or any interesting tipping stories, please share!
Source: Gratuity
I agree with Krisp. The baqala delivery boys here are low-paid workers and every riyal they get as a tip adds to their savings and joy without making the giver less poorer. I have seen the reaction on their faces when they get tipped and internally I feel the happiness too in giving.
in Doha, u can try give some tip to grocery's delivery guy any amount, forget %, forget couture all that thing just look into their eyes how happy they are even 1reyal tip from u. pretending u r him at that moment. feel the heat & exhausted from him. I’m sure next order he will come with smile or even quicker. in Thailand no tip is ok but look very bad if u do not. u don’t have to tip everyone, everywhere you go. just be happy to give that’s all.
In Canada it is customary to tip 10-15% of the amount of your service. It is not obligatory if you are displeased with the service or the establishment, but in restaurants waiters depend upon tips to supplement their minimum wage rate jobs, so be kind if you can afford it.
i am a tour guide as per my experience 10% is must..
tnx
The day all restaurant will stop serving simple Rice & Chicken as Special Biryani , I will read above and will think to give some tip.