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Hey, Are You One of Those Ugly American Tourists?

CNN has joined the apology bandwagon that seems to have started with President Obama’s recent visit to Europe. He voiced regrets that American travelers have been disrespectful to people of other nations. We won’t even get into the argument as to whether or not the President bowed down low enough to the Arab king.

CNN had an article that continues the tired accusations that American travelers brutishly ignore the sensibilities and traditions of other countries. The writers dredged up the book and Marlon Brando movie from the 1950s titled, “The Ugly American”. The CNN writers were troubled by the return of the image of the loud, flashy, obnoxious U.S. tourist.
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Japan: Expect Great Service, But Don’t Tip PDF Print E-mail


Your travel4seniors.com editor has visited Japan several times, beginning with those little misunderstandings around the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945. Many decades after those hostilities, we find hospitality at Japanese restaurants, shops, hotels and everywhere else fantastic.

Now, Japanese in the tourist industry bow and say chinkyaku, a polite welcome to visitors. Everyone, including doormen, waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, are super considerate and helpful. However, tips are not expected nor accepted in Japan. While some restaurants may add service charges to checks, you don’t need to leave tips on the table when leaving. We’ve heard of instances when insulted waiters chased tourists down the street to return tips.

When planning and budgeting a trip beyond your borders, first be sure to learn all about each country’s tipping customs.
 
 
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