Tipping

I never know how much to tip in the UK, never mind the UAE.

I have already had an embarrassing moment when the room clearer was still in my room when I came in. He pottered around with some towels for a bit and then came back in, stood there, and said – I have finished your room now Sir. I said thank you and he stood there for a bit longer than was comfortable. He then left, I then realised he wanted tipping but I only had a few Euros with me from the airport. I went out and gave him them and he didn’t really know what to do with them. He smiled and said thanks though.

Taxi Drivers – I asked the opinion of a Taxi driver after I had tipped him 2 AED on an 8 AED fare, he said that people aren’t expected to tip, but usually it is rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10. He may be biased though.

Shopping helpers – This is something I have never seen before, at the checkout in supermarkets, there is a guy that puts your stuff into carrier bags for you. I was advised not to tip as you are not meant to, but after doing a bit of research, these guys are on an extremely low salary and will be struggling. Hell, it’s the worse job I can think of too. I will be tipping these guys in future.

Porters – they are extremely helpful here, they will bring any bags up to your room, they say ‘hello Sir’ and always refill my coffee at the amazing breakfast service. I am lost in these situations. If I should tip at all, how much?

Ill get there in the end