RAILWAY TIPPING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 July 1939, Page 2

RAILWAY TIPPING

REGULATION IN FRANCE

The irritating question of tipping has been settled in so far as the French railways are concerned by a regulation put into force on June 1. According Io this regulation, porters are to receive a definite standard of payment for services to the public. Passengers requiring the assistance of a porter will be called upon to pay three francs (four pence) for the first piece of luggage handled and two francs for each succeeding piece of luggage. In the case of more than four pieces of luggage the use of a second porter is obligatory. Tipping in recent years lias tended more and more to conform to a general standard. Thus throughout France a tip of ten per cent is received with satisfaction. The hotels add from ten to fifteen per cent to the bill for service, and no additional tip is required or expected. In view of the very advantageous rate of exchange when travelling in France. British visitors are inclined to be over-generous. They should refrain from tipping above the ten per cent, as their action makes it unpleasant for French people travelling who cannot afford to tip in similar fashion.