Tipping in Cape Town by jo104
As regards to Restaurants tipping is considered appropriate anything from 10%, service charge may be added into bills if stated on the menu for larger parties. Waitrons do not earn a high basic wage & do rely on tips preferable to be left in cash rather then on the card.Tipping at bars seems to have become mandatory, for example if you order 2 drinks at total cost R25 patrons give a R2 tip on the saucer once change is returned. Of course it can get a bit silly if you are at a bar for a while so at the end of the evening you may wish to leave the bar staff a tip.
There are a lot of car guards around in Cape Town whose job it is to watch your vehicle whilst it is parked. I personally feel at night time they add extra security & a feeling of safety - Of course don't give a tip if you feel threatened, although this is usually not the case the guards are pleasent enough although there is competition & squabbling between who looked after the car. I do however feel justified in not giving a tip in a normal supermarket car park where parking is free unless they have helped find a parking spot in a crowded area or loaded your bags in etc.
Do be careful not to flaunt your cash or wallet when giving tips in the open, coins are usually sufficient.