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Tipping Translators??
Jun 30, 2007 21:05
  • CHINAGUEST
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Hello to all
I would like to know if it acceptable to tip my translator. This is the second summer in a row that the company has provided the same translator. He is paid by the company. At the end of my business last year I tried to offer him some money as a tip and he refused. Honestly I dont know what the company pays him but he does so much more than just translate for me. He has been very helpful in so many more areas. I would like to know what would be an acceptable way to show my appreciation to him for the excellent service he provides.
Also what are normal tipping customs for China (for example resturants, hotel doorman). I went to a sauna (han jin bai i think is the spelling) I offered the attendant a tip but he refused as well. Is it not acceptable to tip for certain services? I would appreciate any insight.
Thank you
Jul 1, 2007 00:26
#1  
  • APAULT
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The standard rule is DO NOT TIP. It is not the custom and is often refused - as u discpvered. Of course if you go to tourist areas tipping has started happening. Tipping it is not really a good thing as the employers will simply reduce the standard wages and we end up with the USA situation that if you don't tip the staff don't make a living and you are forced to tip even if the service is crap!
Jul 1, 2007 00:30
#2  
  • CHINAGUEST
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Thanks APAULT. Any suggestons as to what may be a nice non monetary gift to give a translator instead of a tip?
Jul 1, 2007 23:06
#3  
  • APAULT
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Take the translator for a meal, that is a common business inducement and a way of showing appreciation
Jul 2, 2007 01:36
#4  
  • 2468
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ya just a meal is fine people usally dont give gifts or tips
Jul 2, 2007 06:57
#5  
  • JABAROOTOO
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If you are visiting again you could also bring some small gift from home and after taking him for a meal also presnt the small gift. It can be a very embarassing situation for staff to accept tips. Especially as Paul says. The the boss find out they will deduct money from them in some form or another.

It is even hard to give a pedicab driver and extra 1yuan on a hot day after he has taken you halfway across town.
Jul 2, 2007 11:26
#6  
  • SUSAN205060
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1) I think it is some different between education background and society concept.

Many young people may accept TIPS concept in big city normally but not means for everyone and small city.

2) I agree JABAROOTOO's suggestion to bring small gift or original English story book ect to the translator you appreciate.
It will be what he or she want or at least the solution he or she can accept, maybe!

Your sincerely,
Susan Zheng ( China Tour Guide)
MSN: hotmail.com|Susan205060


Jul 3, 2007 04:46
#7  
  • CHINAGUEST
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Thank you all for your advice. Excellent suggestions.
Jul 3, 2007 20:02
#8  
  • PETERSEAFORD
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well i am very shocked - here in Australia most tour companies ADVERTISE that an amount of money must be paid to them for tipping as

"tipping is a firm and expected element in the tourist industry and China is no exception.
the nominated amount is to be given to your National Escort at the beginning of the tour and they will do the necessary tipping on your behalf - tipping amount is in a range between $65AUD and $150AUD per person depending on itinerary"

this tour company is highly regarded here and is said to account for over 50% of Australian tourists - tours range from 5 days to 28 days

i have enquired about doing multiple conducted tours with that company and this can be arranged but the "tipping" is applicable to each tour .


how does this match up with your concepts of tipping -

regards peter
Jul 4, 2007 15:43
#9  
  • PETERSEAFORD
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seems to be some question about tipping. some say its not the thing to do but here in Australia when you book a tour an item of expense which MUST BE PAID is an amount pre set for tipping in China.
the sum is $65/$150 per person depending on tour duration and the tours sold are maximum 28 days.

i am interested to hear what the forum thinks about that but so far no replies.

seems the one question has many answers

have a great time

regards peter
Jul 5, 2007 03:04
#10  
  • PETERSEAFORD
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i would really appreciate some clarification on this issue as for tourists from Australia they need to pay their 'TIPS' as part of their fare and if it is not a custom to tip in China then the matter needs to be drawn to our department of tourism.

you are possibly aware that shonky practices happen to Chinese tourists when they arrive here - some operators even charge to walk on our beaches and we would like that stopped as well.
the practice here is that tourists are taken to "special shops" and pay many times the normal price and are warned about going into "other shops"

these "tricks" are very costly for tourists and not necessary if the tourist is warned.

regards peter
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