When we lived in Chile (1995-1998), it was assumed by the restaurant staff that once you sat down at the table, it was yours for as long as you wanted to stay, even if it was the whole evening.
As a patron, we never felt "rushed" by the server in any way so they could turn the table. Actually, the server would not come over to take your order until you motioned for him to do so. Drinks were refilled without asking, and we were pretty much left alone to enjoy our meal - no one asking "How is everything?" as soon as you put food in your mouth (or asking after you've only had one bite - how could anyone possibly give an honest assessment after one bite?).
In the States, servers give you the check without you having to ask; it's their way of telling you that "you've finished eating, pay your bill and get out so I can have someone else sit here." In Chile, you have to ask for the bill. Even after you pay it, you can sit at the table as long as you want and linger over cup(s) of coffee. As one of my Chilean friends said, "The waiters view it as you paying for the table for the night. If you finish early and someone else sits there, that's okay, too, but it is *your* table for as long as you want it to be."
As in Europe, gratuities were figured into the price of the menu selections. We were never expected to tip, but we still left a small something, usually around 10%.
I would also tip the boys who carried out my groceries for me (they only work for tips - you could tell which Liceo they attended by the tie they wore) -- usually 100-300 pesos (back then, 100 pesos = a little more than 25 cents). As gas stations were only full-serve, I would tip 100 pesos for filling up the car (everyone tipped this for filling up the car), and another 100 pesos or so for cleaning the windshield. These guys also had a regular wage, so their tips were extra.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaFrog
We never had anything but top-notch service in Europe. I think that may be because servers didn't seem to be Joe Schmoes off the street, like you find in some American restaurants...they're on par with Admin. Assistants/Receptionists/Paralegals/etc and probably get paid accordingly.
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