[Christien]

Here in Ontario, if I'm not mistaken, there's a separate minimum wage for waiters/waitresses, knowing they make extra on tips. Tipping here would be the same as in the states: expected, esp. at restaurants, taxis, haircuts, but not at fast food, take out, etc. Most people here usually calculate 15% and leave that. I usually tip based on service, anywhere up to 30%, and I have no problem leaving nothing for crappy food or service, even though I've had people call me cheap for that. I don't care - crappy service, crappy tip.

Markus, I thought Europeans tipped based on service quality, too? When we were in France last year, our friends who lived there said we should do it that way, 0-15%, more for exceptional food/service.