To tip or not to tip? Advice for our International Students

In the UK, when eating in a restaurant, tipping isn't required, and there's a good reason for that. Unlike in some other countries where tipping is necessary to increase (subsidise) the waiters' wages, in the UK, tipping someone is more about showing appreciation for their great service.

For this reason, despite some establishments asking for tips, it is not obligatory. This is because workers here are paid fairly by their employers. Additionally, the UK has laws to ensure that they are paid at least the minimum wage, so there is less pressure on customers to a leave tip.

If you do want to leave a tip, because you were very happy with the service, a 10% tip from the overall cost of your meal is quite adequate. However, just leaving a pound coin or two, or even a pound and fifty pence is a great option. Still, if you don't leave a tip, know that this is acceptable and no one will think any less of you.

The same custom applies to having your hair cut or travelling in a taxi. Tipping in the UK is always discretionary and depends on the quality of the service you receive.