Whether to tip or not to tip on holiday - that is the question. And it's a question I am asked from time to time, about whether tipping on La Palma is the norm.
Well, let me be frank from the very start, I am not a good tipper. A waiter is unlikely to find a 5€ note from me at the end of a lavish meal - mainly because I try not to involve myself in lavish meals! Sometimes I do of course leave a tip although probably in the past I have been guilty of those times being fairly few and far between. But over recent years, my view has come to change somewhat.
I think it is because living on La Palma I have become aware that many people in the service industry here are a) on low pay if employed or b) are under-charging if self-employed and c) are far too kind and generous of spirit that they will readily go the extra mile to help you or give a good service.
Under those conditions, I am fiercely adamant that not to give a tip can almost amount to an insult.
Of course, each case has to be weighed up on its own merit. If a meal in a restaurant appears to be expensive for what it is and the service has been mediocre, then a tip is probably not going to happen. If however the meal has been good value with good service then for goodness sakes, let's reward that.
Let me give you another example. A taxi driver arrives at the appointed time, more or less, his car is reasonably clean and he drives you to the destination you asked for. To tip or not to tip is entirely up to you. But what about a taxi driver who goes out of his/her way to help with your bags, shows you points of interest along the way and is generally cheery and helpful. I think we can all spare a little monetary 'thank you' in appreciation of the extra trouble and care that person has taken.
We are all individuals and each situation is different but if you have had care and consideration above the average that made you feel special, then yes, please do tip!
Well, let me be frank from the very start, I am not a good tipper. A waiter is unlikely to find a 5€ note from me at the end of a lavish meal - mainly because I try not to involve myself in lavish meals! Sometimes I do of course leave a tip although probably in the past I have been guilty of those times being fairly few and far between. But over recent years, my view has come to change somewhat.
I think it is because living on La Palma I have become aware that many people in the service industry here are a) on low pay if employed or b) are under-charging if self-employed and c) are far too kind and generous of spirit that they will readily go the extra mile to help you or give a good service.
Under those conditions, I am fiercely adamant that not to give a tip can almost amount to an insult.
Of course, each case has to be weighed up on its own merit. If a meal in a restaurant appears to be expensive for what it is and the service has been mediocre, then a tip is probably not going to happen. If however the meal has been good value with good service then for goodness sakes, let's reward that.
