Quick Cultural Guide

A pocket cheat-sheet for your next trip:

• Haggle yes: markets, car dealers, antique shops, freelancers
• Haggle no: chain stores, supermarkets, restaurants
• US: often 18-20% at full-service restaurants, plus $2-5 for hotel housekeeping where tipping is customary
• UK: check whether a service charge is included; if it is, extra tipping is usually optional
• Australia: optional, round up or add 10% for great service

Bargaining and tipping are social rituals, not math problems. Match the local culture, stay polite, and you'll handle both with more confidence.