[kelnos]

Sure, but that's still drastically different than in the US. With little exception, you're expected to pay an 18-20% tip just for the base level of service. Paying less than 15% -- even for mediocre or poor service -- is considered cheap and shameful.

To compare apples to apples, in a sandwich/coffee place in the US you're still expected to tip the standard amount, even if your change from a cash payment falls short. And not tipping at all in those situations is considered bad form.

I'd say the European system is far preferable, but I like Japan the best: a taxi driver would be nearly offended if you tried to tip them. I had one get out of the car and nearly chase me down because I got out before taking my 30 yen in change.

Just charge what it costs to provide a living wage and don't require or expect a tip, ever. Remove the social stigma associated with being cheap for not tipping. In the US, eliminate the comically-low minimum wage for tipped staff, and make them pay the regular minimum wage. To ease the transition, reduce payroll taxes for such businesses (tips aren't subject to payroll taxes) so they don't have to jack up prices 30+% to compensate. I know this will never happen here, but I can hope...

[zapu]

Thank you, I've just realized how... different (to not say "awful"...) it is in US after reading more comments here.

To be honest sometimes I'm anxious when my bill ends up some number that's hard to tip from; but if I don't tip, nothing will happen.

[kelnos]

My thanks for being polite, but I think "awful" is a perfectly reasonable and accurate term for the state of affairs here :(