Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Tipping Practices of Chinese Tourists in U.S. Restaurants: An Exploratory Study
Patrick C. Lee, D.B.A; Ben Dewald, Ed.D

Abstract
Tipping behavior and practice vary between cultures and countries. Restaurant tipping is considered as a social norm in the U.S.A. Restaurant patrons, especially foreign tourists, experience social pressure to add a gratuity to the restaurant bill while dining in the U.S.A. Survey was adopted in this study to examine the tipping practices and reasons of tipping of mainland Chinese tourists. Tourists from mainland China who visit America are aware of the tipping practices at local restaurants, although tipping is not a custom when dining in China. Mainland Chinese tourists tip because of the social norms as well as the service/food, but the tipping percentage is far less than the expected fifteen to twenty percent. Service is one of the factors that affect tip size. The total restaurant bill is another tipping predictor. The food and restaurant, menu price, and peer influence affect the tips as well. Practical implications are recommended.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jthm.v4n2a2