Originally Posted by
stevage
I never do. Ever.
I don't tip either, on tour or not. It seems America is about the only country where this is important, and I've never toured there. While it seems to be starting to creep in at times here in Australia, I'm not about to jump on that particular band wagon. Besides, I've heard restaurant staff complain that their employer always wants the tips given back to the restaurant anyway.
Originally Posted by
Cyclesafe
But if you misbehave, the locals take it out on the next cycle tourist.
Oh yeah? Do you have any actual proof of that? Personally, I've never seen any indication of that happening anywhere, either from restaurant staff or motorists. That theory is just an extension of the same old "blame the victim" bull***** that people trot out if ever someone from a minority group is on the receiving end of anti-social behaviour.
Besides, I always thought "misbehaving" involved refusing to pay the stated bill, or drunkenly abusing someone or making a nuisance of yourself in some other way. If I opt out of paying something that is not explicitly stated as being mandatory, or even requested, it hardly constitutes "misbehaving".