Is tipping with a foreign currency acceptable/appreciated?

score:7

Accepted answer

In New Zealand tipping (wait-staff or anyone in fact) is not normal nor expected.

Many places like coffee shops have tip-jars if you want to give something extra, but it's not expected. If anything, often all that goes into a tip-jar is coins from change - occasionally someone will put more in.

No one would be offended if you put foreign coins into a tip-jar, however I think the charity collection bins they have in many shops, banks, or museums would be a better place for them (these often say you are welcome to put foreign coins in).

Upvote:3

Tipping on foreign currency is okay if:

  • It's a global currency (dollars, pounds, euros) or a locally known currency (e.g. Australian dollars in New Zealand)
  • You have notes rather than coins, since most exchange places only accept bills
  • You're in a touristy place

Otherwise it would only annoy the server as they'd have to go out of their way to exchange your money, or just throw it out as a useless piece of paper. So to answer your question - no, do not tip in Soles while in New Zealand.

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