Tipping 101: Toyosi's Guide for Internationals Struggling to Survive in the Land of Endless Gratuities

Welcome dear readers ( in Lady Whistledown's voice ), to another entry in the life of Toyosi where I'll be sharing all the ridiculous and humorous observations of living in Bridgeton, a small town with big heart and even bigger quirks. Today's topic? Tipping culture in the United States. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Tipping culture? That's not exactly what this blog is about." But bear with me, because this is a topic that's close to my heart (and wallet).

You see, I'm an international student who recently moved to the United States, and let me tell you, the tipping culture here has been a bit of a shock to me. In my home country Nigeria (and China), we don't really do tips. Sure, we might round up the bill at a restaurant or leave a few extra coins for good service, but it's not an expected part of the culture like it is here in the US.

So imagine my surprise when I first arrived in the States and was told that I needed to leave a tip at a restaurant. "A tip for what?!" I thought to myself. "I already paid for the meal!" But no, apparently it's not enough to just pay for your food. You also have to leave a tip for the waitstaff as a way of thanking them for their service. And it's not just at restaurants, either. You're expected to tip hairdressers, barbers, delivery drivers, and even hotel housekeeping staff. It's like a never-ending cycle of tipping!

But despite my initial confusion, I have to admit that I've come to enjoy the tipping culture here in the US. It's a way of showing appreciation for good service, and it helps to make up for the often low wages that service workers receive. So sit back, grab a coffee (and don't forget to tip your barista), and join me as I explore the hilarious and sometimes confusing world of tipping culture in the United States.

XOXO

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