tipping in Montreal

It is good manners to tip in Montreal hotels. Although not tipping will not keep staff from bringing your baggage to a guest room, it is an unwritten rule that a courtesy tip is expected. If you are in and out with your vehicle several times a day, many valets will refuse your tip each time you offer, however they should receive an appropriate tip as you leave the establishment to thank them for their courteous service.

Tipping in restaurants is expected and encourages good service. The tipping percentage is generally calculated based on the level of services offered, but not expected to be beyond 20%. The least acceptable amount for good service is 15%. It is acceptable to bring service to the attention of the manager, whether you are pleased or not. In Quebec, customers are not expected to tip for counter services, but it is acceptable for exceptional service.

Generally, in bars you tip when paying the total bill, depending on the service and the price of the drink. The tip is quickly dropped into the server's tray or into their hand if it is free. In strip bars, the rules are slightly different. You should plan to tip a $1 per drink or more at a strip bar.

In taxis, tipping should reflect your level of satisfaction. The etiquette here is that you have no obligation to tip for inferior, unpleasant and disinterested service, although it is important to remember that just like employees in restaurants, most cabs drivers depend on tips for making a living.