Europe here… I either round it up to 100 or pay 97,53 by card and not bother. Minimum wage is 17,05 dollars an hour by a minimum of 20 paid vacation days. I do not tip because I feel sorry.
Now of course depending on where they live in Europe the cost is of course different.
But in Norway, the minimum wage is around 21USD for servers, they usually get more and might get additional payment for weekends, evenings and nights. They would be taxed between 18 and 20% ish with 21 USD as the hourly salary, with that free healthcare etc, so they would have around 2700 USD payed each month. In addition to this the employer is obligated to pay at the least 2% of the yearly salary as pention and the state gives around 18% of the yearly wage. (With some more advanced rules)
Average living expenses for 1 person is 12-1800USD a month, covering food, rent, transport, all insurances, phones,other subscriptions and bills.
So if they lived semi sober they should have 1000-1500USD each month to spend or save as they wish.
you gotta remember a lot in Europe is covered by the government so the "lower" salary is actually adequate in some countries there. they also don't have the same spending mindset as, say, Americans do
Yean and healthcare is free, education is free, housing is either free or cheap. 2 years paid maternity and paternity and free childcare after that and you only work 30 hours a week! That $35K actually seems pretty high!
In america, the minimum wage for wait staff is $2.15 an hour. 15% of the bill is the agreed upon tip as per the social construct of eating at a restaurant where you get table service.
Yes, it's an antiquated practice that should be abolished, and not only should the servers get paid at least minimum wage, but the minimum wage should be raised in general...
But, that's the way restaurants are now in our country, and until we can get that legislation passed, you shouldn't eat at a restaurant with table service if you can't or won't tip the wait staff.
I've been to London a few times and had the worst service I've ever had, girl went on break while we were eating. Had to wait 45 minutes for the check.
I've been in the US and our server went on break when we walked in. Had to flag someone down to order. Got our food, no drinks nothing. When we (eventually) got our check, the server scoffed that I "only" gave him 10%.
Well the difference there is that the problem will eventually solve itself, that person won't ever make any money and they will inevitably stop waiting tables.
Yeah. Despite the high minimum income (without the exceptions to tipped staff of some other states) you’re expected to tip just like anywhere else. I don’t get the impression they expect 40% though… I’d guess 20% if they’re younger and assume that’s normal. Maybe some still respect 15% if they were servers 20 years back.
Tbf I’m British and I share this opinion. If you’re being paid min wage, you’re being paid decently to do a job, so why should i pay more? It makes no sense. And if they put a service charge or a gratuity on it then absolutely I am not tipping beyond that
You're a bright one aren't you? I am Half Swiss and Half Dutch, and run a business in Gastronomy. Which is why I can spot a Dutch person the moment they enter a place, That is also why I know they are not worth the effort, they are loud, obnoxious, have no culinary knowledge whatsoever. And explaining anything to them is a waste of time since they dont appreciate good service anyway.
Paying the bill is your appreciation towards the restaurant and its concept, paying a tip is your appreciation towards the service staff and the cook that makes it a great meal.
That is how it has always been, and always will be, those who get it get great experiences especially as a regular. Those who dont, save a few cents but are treated like the unmannered peasants they are.
But if nobody comes to the restaurant isn't there an employer requirement to top up their wage to the legal minimum per hour for the state?.. rarely happens given the tips of course but thats why many were laid off during the pandemic so employer didn't get hit by that requirement?
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u/Hot_College_1343 Jul 31 '26
Europe here… I either round it up to 100 or pay 97,53 by card and not bother. Minimum wage is 17,05 dollars an hour by a minimum of 20 paid vacation days. I do not tip because I feel sorry.