i do not think you'd offer the "barmaid" a drink here. womens lib has about
killed that sorta thing here. bar service would be tipped in cash i'd guess,
but do not know the amount.

-----Original Message-----
From: Cleveland, Kyle E. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 4:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Some advice please


Deri,

Yes, you can use your Visa debit card anywhere that accepts Visa credit
cards.

As your change will come back to you in 'merican greenbacks, $50 and $100
denominations always worked for me.

One to two dollars is about standard for bell service in hotels.  15% of the
meal is standard, but don't tip on the entire bill.  Just tip on the
percentage of price paid for food.  Subtract beverages and taxes from the
total and tip on the remainder.  Tip less if the service is substandard.

No tipping for fast food.  If you valet park your car, $1-2 is about right.

My heritage is Scots, so I tend to low-ball.  Laura might quote higher
figures.

In and around D.C. there are quite a few panhandlers.  Keep your cash in a
front pocket--not in the rear pocket of your trousers.

In some areas it's not legal for bar workers to drink on the job.

-Kyle

-----Original Message-----
From: Deri James [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 5:43 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Some advice please


Hi all,

Well, me & Lin's, long anticipated visit to the US of A is just
around the corner (Sep 10th), celebrating our 25th Wedding
Anniversary. There are a couple of questions I'd really like advice
on:-

Finance.

I have a Visa Debit (not credit) card, I assume (like over here) it
will be accepted anywhere that says "All major credit cards
accepted", Is this true?

I am not a seasoned traveller!! What denomination of American Express
Travellers Cheques will be most useful, mainly for paying hotel/B&B
bills?

Tipping

Always a difficult area if your disabled. The number of people I've
offended by either tipping/not tipping someone who's offered to help
carry my things!! It's Ok in big hotels, stations, etc. where there
are people whose job it is to carry travellers cases, and their low
wages are considerably bolstered by tipping. How much would you give
in that situation? (Here, my boy, here's a dime!!).

The problem occurs in smaller Hotels/B&Bs where you may be dealing
with the owner, or one of his family, in reception. Since they do not
employ a porter, but see you struggling with the cases with a
disability, and they offer to help, are you still expected to tip?

The other area I will need to tip, is Bars & Restaurants. Over here
in restaurants you run a bill for the whole evening, settle at the
end and leave a 10% tip on the table if happy with the meal/service
(unless the bill said "Service included", or "Servis Compris"). In
Pubs its different. You pay for a "round" of drinks. If it was a
particularly large round and you've had a nice bit of banter with the
barmaid (and you are a regular) you can offer to buy her a drink.
Then you repeat for each round. Is this the same?

Fast Food restaurants you never tip, unless there's a waitress
service. Same?

Anyway, I'd be very grateful for your thoughts.


Cheers


Deri