World Cup fans frustrated by ‘confusing and expensive’ tips in US

Many international fans visiting America for the World Cup have become frustrated with the culture of tip servers, telling the BBC that fatigue is setting in.

England fan Geoff Prior said he understood tipping for good service, but found it “weird” when buying a bottle of water and “trying to tip by doing nothing”.

Workers in some restaurants and bars in the US are paid just over $2 (£1.50) an hour and expect customers to tip 20 per cent of the total bill to make ends meet.

Frustration was shared by hospitality staff, with one bar owner telling the BBC that many World Cup tourists were unhelpful.

Australian fans Chris O’Flynn and Robert McNamara told the BBC that high ticket prices for football matches were draining them of their money, while paying tips was driving up costs.

“I still find it a bit confusing why it’s available… In Australia you have to pay and you pay. Here people ask or expect tips. Sometimes you don’t know how much to tip,” O’Flynn said.

“The feeling of most Australians here is: pay your staff better. It should be up to the business, not the customer, to make sure your staff are well paid.”

McNamara said that as visitors they try to “respect customs,” but tipping is a culture shock.

“You’re expecting a tip after every drink so it gets expensive very quickly. You’re adding $5 to your drink. It’s hard to understand.”