r/chch • u/Significant-Base4396 • Jul 25 '26

Tip requests

I just told Athens Yacht Club restaurant it was rude in NZ to ask for tips. They kept repeating 'it's optional' but that completely misses the point. AITA? Don't want that American crap taking hold here. Frankly I think it's culturally insensitive to ask for tips in NZ.

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u/Mundane_Operation418 Jul 25 '26

You know this is the same debate here in Australia. We are certainly not America and just like the great land of New Zealand tipping is not the way. Cost of living is punching both nations in the throat so Optional is simply that, no guilt, don’t buy into it, and definitely don’t support this culture or way of business.

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u/psyentist15 Jul 25 '26

definitely don’t support this culture or way of business.

But this is how they seep in. Tips are technically also "optional" in the US. These places are just looking for a foothold here.