Football fans at the World Cup are struggling with the tipping culture. Many fans are from countries where service charges are already in the price of food at restaurants. However, in the USA, tips of up to 20 per cent are expected. If diners do not leave a tip, the staff can be disappointed. Fans have already spent a lot of money on going to the World Cup. They are stretching their budgets. Leaving tips makes food more expensive. Some fans are complaining about "tipping fatigue". They say they have to leave a tip even when they buy a bottle of water.
Restaurant staff in the USA are also struggling. Tips make up for their very low wages. Workers' wages can be as little as $2.13 per hour. Without receiving tips, staff may not earn enough money to live on. Many staff say it is impossible to survive as a restaurant worker without tips. In many host cities, restaurant owners are automatically adding tips to their bills. The owners say many international visitors are unaware of the tipping culture in the USA. Some restaurants have asked staff to explain to diners the reasons for tipping.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Tipping - Level 0, Tipping - Level 1 or Tipping - Level 3
Sources- https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/article316235100.html
- https://nypost.com/2026/06/20/us-news/world-cup-tourists-arent-leaving-tips-and-nyc-restaurants-are-fighting-back/
- https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/insight/world-cup-fans-voice-frustration-over-us-tipping-culture/gm-GMF63F5E51
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