Poll: How much do locals think you should tip in Vancouver?

Tipping after a meal at a sit-down restaurant is one of those grey rules in Canada.

Yes, it's common practice, but there's no set guidelines on how it's supposed to happen.

While 15 per cent was the normal amount, higher percentages often appear on machines at the end of a dining experience, and it's not always clear whats normal, what's expected, and if those two things are the same.

V.I..A. polled almost 1,500 people recently, asking what they tipped. It seems that while the numbers on the machines often show 15 per cent as the minimum, that's still the norm.

Of the five options, more than 60 per cent of those who responded chose always 15 per cent or less than 15 per cent. While those who always chose 15 per cent, edged out those who tip less than 15 per cent, the two options were clearly the top two options.

From there it's a slip dip at 18 per cent, with, coincidentally, 17 per cent of poll-takers choosing that option while tipping.

Even more coincidentally 20 per cent of locals think 20 per cent is the average amount. However, when taking into account everyone who responded, that drops down to under 18 per cent.

It seems 20 per cent is the ceiling, as those who are keen to select 25 per cent are quite rare, with around 2 or 3 per cent of poll respondents choosing to add the highest amount.

When V.I.A. ran a similar poll in 2022 the 20 per cent option was nearly as popular as 15 per cent, though the majority of people said it depends on the quality of service.