I have no intention of getting into an argument with you guys, I stick by all I said, but umm since you seem to want to see my CV, I am 52. I am Australian and was in the restaurant business in Australia until I was 30, and most of my friends are still in the restaurant business there, so I think I am qualified to discuss the politics of tipping in Australia, and since then I have lived between the UK, Australia and Madagascar. Predominantly Madagascar, since 1999. I can assure you that in Australia, waiters work for and enjoy their tips. In Madagascar, I tip for good service and it is my opinion that tourists should tip for good service. Getting a sign from clients that they are happy with your service is a lovely thing to happen for any service personnel, it's encouraging and helps to incentivate staff to give good service and professionalise the service industry. I don't have any idea what you're talking about when you bring begging children and all the other things you have said into the conversation. I like to treat people kindly and that is how I work, and all I have done is stated some facts about life here to help to illuminate the OP on some things to keep in mind and consider when travelling with a driver for two weeks. If you don't agree with my opinion that's fine, you have a right to our opinion as much as I have a right to mine, but your outrage and personal attacks seem weird. Anyway have a nice day everyone, it's Monday, the beginning of the week, wishing everyone a great and productive week :)
Lol...
Thankyou for your response. As any potential investor one listens for is the questions not answered which speaks volumes.
It's up to the readers of the forum to decide which member sounds logical, compassionate and trustworthy.
When all is said and done, when you make it over to my neck of the woods here in Mahajanga I can throw some shrimp on the Barbi as they say and we can agree to disagree. later man
I am afraid but I have to say that "Madagascar is a MODERATE tipping culture". Otherwise, there is no word to explain the kawatry, cigarette, etc. while working or when everything is ok. By giving them money for cafe or whatever you make them know how good you are. Tips reveal your personality. In this so poor country where the local people receive a very small part from the tourism, I think that tipping the driver or your guide if you want is no problem. It is not obligatory. It doesn't make sense to give it to the boss or to put it in a box because many patron , manager, keeps some part of it.
There is a big difference between tips and begging/cadu. I cannot realize how this small amount of 50 euro given to the driver at the end of the trip can collapse the Malagasy Economy or change their culture. I find on it your contribution to help his family. TIPS IS NOT OBLIGATORY.
Sorry for you #madagascarlife and #tsarabe
With the greatest of respect to you madagascarlife, Malagasy or not, you don't speak for all of the Malagasy people. You have made it really clear that you and your husband don't like tipping, through numerous posts, to the point where it's verged on aggressive. Your opinion is crystal clear and you have an absolute right to hold your opinion. To continue to ram that opinion home to us, and attack people who don't share your opinion, isn't useful at all in this community. This is a place where we all have a right to express our opinions. Your opinion that Madagascar isn't a tipping culture is clear to everyone and it's your right to hold that opinion, but it doesn't make it fact, and so far no one except your husband agrees with you. I certainly don't. Sorry... (he says holding his hat waiting for the response...)
First of all I have great respect for your contributions to forums and that is not said tongue in check and my husband express high remarks for your efforts. However I will express your opinion to the rest of my 800 relatives over time when I see them so they can wonder about your opinion and how strange is your idea about tipping. We have already talked about this in our area here and find your notion of tipping very weird but love to take your money any way. Most of my relatives are also under the opinion that the sun goes around the earth and that the stars in the sky are not suns. They have a right to their opinion yes even if it is false opinion. Just ask your employees what are stars. Don't believe me about tipping as all you have to do is google tipping and the country to learn about tipping. Such as I googled tipping In Australia and new Zealand and found out that tipping is discouraged by the population to the tune of 80% to 90% in New Zealand. Interesting no one is running down the street for poor tips so that is when you lose your credibility. In Fact those countries are considering laws against tipping but that is a wider issue that is not the same conversation in my husbands culture American. I can understand your thirst for tips since you are from the tourist industry and your views are directed so.
However for the preservation of the tourist industry it is better to explain to tourists that tipping is not correct and maintaining a high standard, as it is in your culture===at least 80% worth of that population.
No tipping is best and if you find that aggressive then you might as well as say the truth is aggressive.
You make aggressive sound like a bad word. One of the beauties of Madagascar is that politically incorrect has not come here and people call things as they see it, no wishy washy talk.
you may also notice that the Green tour post has been deleted, you may call that aggressive but I call it getting the job done.
you need to be mora mora and use words like assertive giving a atmosphere of friendliness .
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