Does Namibia Still Dine Out?

If this is your first visit at iScatterlings, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Does Namibia still dine out? Do you never go to restaurants? Are there no social occassions in Namibia that require the use of restaurants? Are there any humans alive in Namibia? No? Of course there are. And of course they go out to socialise and dine at restaurants.

I should think so. Even I went out on evenings to restaurants in Windhoek.

I ask this because when I checked the Worldwide Tipping Guide, I did not find Namibia listed. Do publishers around the world think that Namibia is still some prehistoric game park where no humans live and thrive and also where cities, transportation infrastructures, cafe’s and restaurants, gyms, banks, shops, utilities, TV and electrical supply do not exist?

Why can’t these list people open their eyes and see that Namibia is alive and well and thriving and people do go out to eat. Even the millions of tourists who just happen to know where Namibia is and come here on their vacations, go out to restaurants to eat and enjoy the local hospitality. And local dishes. Below is the list that I have edited heavily (because it is really long!) to show you a smple of countries and the suggested tipping guidelines.

By the way, this doos list says that in South Africa it is OK to tip porters 50c! Like get real! Thats the same as giving a UK porter 5p. Get real. Loads of countries demand minimum $2 USD per bag. Who compiled this list? Do they own a passport?

Country Restaurants Porters Taxis
Argentina 10% $1 Round up taxi fare or small tip.
Austria 5% above service charge $1 - $2 per bag Round Up
Azerbaijan 10% 50 cents - $1 per bag None
Bahamas 10% $1 per bag 10%
Canada 15% $1 - $2 per bag 10%
China 3% in major cities $1 - $2 total None
Colombia 10% 75 cents per bag None
Hong Kong 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Hungary 10% if no service charge None Round Up
Iceland 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
India 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Indonesia 10% 50 cents total Round Up
Italy 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Japan Tipping is perceived as insulting None None
Kenya 5% if no service charge 50 cents per bag None
Luxembourg 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up
Macao 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Nicaragua 10% for special service $1 per bag 10%
Norway 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Oman None None None
Poland 10% $1 per bag Round Up
Portugal 10 - 15% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Romania Round Up $1 per bag Round Up
South Africa 10% if no service charge 50 cents total 10%
Sweden 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up
Switzerland Round up $1 per bag Round Up
Turkey Round Up $1 per bag Round Up
Ukraine 10% $1 per bag Round Up
Venezuela 10% 75 cents per bag 10%
Wales 10% if no service charge $1 per bag 10%

General Tipping Information:
Asia and the Pacific: Special care must be taken to insure that your well-meaning gesture is not taken as insulting. If you are unsure, it is best not to tip. If possible, observe the locals and follow their lead.
Europe: Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge to the bill. In most cases, an additional tip is unnecessary. If no service charge is added to your bill 10% is the general rule for restaurant service, a dollar per bag will be appreciated.
Middle East/Africa: While your tip will not be seen as insulting, it may be unnecessary. Once again, the best bet is to do as the locals do.

Don’t you just dig the old world patronising above? How quaint! Ah well, maybe Namibia will get on this list in the next millenium sans patronisation.

Does Namibia Still Dine Out?