In the first time in my life, I got to go to other countries. I had won a free trip across the world. They said that they would cover everything except gratuities. This was completely unexpected and I wished I had prepared better. I got my things and was off.

Japan

The plane was comfortable and nice. In a few hours I exited the plane and was told were to go and when to go to leave. I had two days to enjoy Tokyo, Japan. I went to my hotel in a taxi. When I was there, I paid the taxi my fee and then a tip. He counted the money and then tried to hand me back the tip. I told him it was a tip and then he looked at me crazily. I told him to take it and he then pushed me out the cab and slammed the door in my face. Then he drove off spraying mud on my cloths. I asked the hotel manager and eventually, I manage to translate it and found out that in Japan people thought that tips were insults. This amazed me greatly. On the other hand, it was somewhat nice. Now, or for at least two days, I did not have to pay any tips. I unpacked, got ready to leave, and got a taxi. I exited paying only the amount necessary and left. This was such an odd feeling; I have never been used to not paying tips.

Ideas

When my time ended, I got on my plane, just barely. Then I asked the closest flight attendant where I would be heading next. My answer was Havana, Cuba. Then I asked here if she knew anything about gratuities there. She didn’t know. So far, I had done well, I figured out how gratuities worked in Japan, but I thought it would be good if I knew how gratuities knew in Cuba. If I did, I would have a head start and maybe have a more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, I did not figure out how they worked in Cuba on the plane, so I was on my own on figuring them out.

Cuba

Exactly like Japan, I got a taxi and went to my hotel. The ride took a while and I eventually got there. When there, I got out of the cab. I paid about fifteen-percent tax. The driver looked at me saying every thank you I knew in my Spanish dialog and some more. I left completely confused. I had only paid the driver about three dollars. I got on the internet and looked up how gratuities work in Cuba. When I managed to find it, I was surprised. In Cuba, people would only want one dollar for excellent service! If you didn’t get excellent service then nothing would work. The next day I went outside and waved for a taxi. One a bit further away floored it and got in front of the other taxi. I got in and saw the same person who brought me to my hotel. When I got to a restaurant serving breakfast, I gave him three dollars even though I knew I did not need to. I went in and was seated in no time. I got my meal fast and everything was great. Remembering what I learned yesterday, I gave the waiter a one-dollar tip. Just as in Japan, this was odd for me. In two days, I got on my plane and left again.

Conclusion

That was a very fun time in my life. I went to fifty-two countries and the trip was two hundred thirty six days long. On the trip I learned how gratuities worked in many other countries. Eventually I figured out the amount to tip depended on many things. One big factor was the economy of the country. Another was the culture. I had a very fun time on this trip and learned a lot. This is what I learned about gratuities on my trip around the world.