American Habits I Need to Break in Thailand!

When I dine out in the United States I usually have to ask for the check. Only if a server is changing shifts does the server come over and put the check on my table without me asking.
When in Thailand I don't mind tipping a bit extra to the Thai people. By American standards it's not much of a tip, but by Thai standards it's a pretty big tip. The Thai people genuinely appreciate it when I give them a tip.

If you take a Thai person to the US they'll think the portions are a literal joke, like they're being pranked. I know eating out is expensive but food is actually cheap in the US if you compare how many calories an American earning minimum wage can afford compared to their Thai counterpart.

Your Spot about the "Tips" Americans in particular; almost have this type of guilt to TIP and they do not understand the Social Psychology of the economies in Asia. Especially formerly Poor Americans who are here now. They somehow exclaimed, "...oh I know how it must feel to work all month and get paid a little." It's not your battle to win. It disrupts the social fabric as you stated in your example. I am a Sociologist and study this for a living.

American habit #1 ~ expecting everyone to speak English.

In Sweden you always take off your shoes in private homes, nowhere else.
Different dishes, no order, that's the thai way. I believe the order is when it's ready. They dont have three meal dinner, they always have a buffé :)

The previous video: you mentioned in a video that you have a live-in maid. What does your maid me do full-time. We are much much older than you, and could really use a little help once in awhile.We tried a maid service for 4 hours every couple of weeks (in the US) and it seemed by giving her a list of things to do, the easy things like dusting would always get done before things like cleaning the tile grout. Ilike the idea of a live-in. Ì just don't know how we'd ever keep someone somewhat busy even most days. So I really want to know what your maid does besides dog and house sitting.
In Thailand, we probably would like a car but probably really don't want to drive. Would asking I maid to go to the grocery for you or drive my wife to the grocery or a massage be part of a maid's duties or would that not be. Since you're not fluent in Thai, could you ask your maid to help negotiate for any kind of trade services or with a furniture store or even a new lease.

Great video again, I agree about your tip strategies but I just can’t bring myself not to tip well, it’s the one bad habit I can’t kick, it’s probably because a big part of my life I had very little money and now thankfully it’s the opposite, and Thai people are so nice and courteous 🍀🙏

I can't stand it when they give you the check without asking for it. They may as well tell you to f*ck off.

Tipping inappropriately undermines the local culture. The tipping culture in the US is nuts. I only tip if the service is good or excellent. The service wont improve if average or worse service is rewarded.

Let me guess. Hash House A Go Go

Do you tip food servers?

In hot Asian countries it’s easier for me to kick my shoes off because I will be wearing slides 99% of time but put me in cold Asia Japan Korea in winter then taking my boots or tennis shoes off is a pain in the neck. I personally don’t mind the Asian portion because i believe in the old Chinese food saying you don’t get full you just get tired and stop eating it. The road rage is very hard for me I’m very courteous when I drive and it extremely pisses me off when others aren’t. Only time at restaurants that the order comes out that bothers me is if we have a group of 4-8 then it can be uncomfortable when someone gets their food 1 hour before the last person. Tipping in Asia doesn’t bother me. I mostly won’t. A few exceptions to that rule. If I’m out with locals I won’t tip because they won’t tip. If I’m only with other foreigners I might tip.

Sorry, but you are over tipping on the massage, and you know it. Next it will be assumed that the price is too low, especially for the farangs and will be increased especially for them. Plus a tip will not be the same as it will be expected ! Then they will be arguing about who gets to service you which unfortunately will create disharmony among those of service. I say this with years depending on tips, but that's the US. You are actually Not respecting there way of life and customs. Was a very difficult thing to adjust to when living in Thailand myself. Is it just your ego or ignorance (just not thinking fully 😊)that knowing what you admitted knowing , that you still do it (overtip). I would hate to be that poor lady that's Not is ignored, because she doesn't know, can't understand, or can't afford to keep up with the Rich farang and now she's left depressed, when she use to be poor but smiling and happy.
Please think about what you're doing. If the massage or service is bad , try paying 25% less , or not at all.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a big tipper, When it's appropriate. I don't want Thailand to become what I left behind.
Ok, maybe 20baht . Remember, it's supposed to be good and already priced accordingly, according to Them.
Sincere public compliments are a great way to tip. Telling the boss how happy you are, as well as the service provider.
No worries, I still love ya !😘😎

I’m probably an over tipper when it comes to my hotel stay with the cleaning crew that does my room. There are usually two who work in a team to clean the room. I’ll leave 200 baht and whatever miscellaneous coins and 7-11 stamps I’ll never use. But I will get extra waters and sometimes the room looks like a battle zone if I’ve brought a guest back. Plus, the cleaning girl is so damn cute 🥰

Yes I got my dessert before my main meal a steak I was not happy

Tipping in the States has gotten nuts. Years ago 15% was the standard for GOOD service. EXCEPTIONAL service was 20%. Well over the years, some how 20% has become the EXPECTATION for ANY or WHATEVER service. And they want you to tip on everything. Even things you would never think of tipping on their electronic gadget is set to give you the opportunity to tip. Then, some people, feel obligated or guilt-ed into tipping and if you don't the staff stares you down. Also, many places, suggest tipping amounts at the bottom of the bill so you don't have to, or many can't, do the math. But, if you do the math yourself, the suggested percentages are based on the total (which includes the tax) and not the subtotal which would be just the services. If you tip, it should be on just services. Why would you tip on gov added taxes? Total over abuse in the US now days.

The most important habit to lose is the expectation pedestrians have any kind of right-of-way in traffic

Driving is majorly different as well, but there's so many differences it would take a few videos to explain, but for most Westerns tourists the biggest thing to know is that there is an order of priority on Thai roads. It goes something like:

Motorcycles: Always have the right of way, and no matter how 'stupid' they drive. It's not really 'stupid' though (except by Western standards, which are created in a different context,) it's the 'unwritten rules of the road' that you need to look out for them, they don't need to look out for you, and if there's an accident, well, by default the car is at fault. This is probably because it's the main mode of transportation for working class Thai and Thai families (literally 'families', I see 4 & 5 people motorcycles several times on any of my trips into the Old City) and the ability of motorcycles to squeeze in and out of traffic is not just used, there are rules of the road that allow and even encourage motorcycles to do things considered illegal in the west, but makes sense in a culture that can use bikes all year round that they use rules that take full advantage of the motorcycle's main advantages.

Big Trucks: They're big, get out of the way dummy.

Cars: they have their own set of rules for how to drive, but even starting to describe them would take a feature length movie!

Bicycles: It's 200 freaken degrees, and these people are peddling a bicycle on some of the most dangerous roads in the world? You don't mess with someone with a that kind of death wish and the willpower to drive 100km in an oven to achieve it ... keep your distance, even if you don't really have to.

Soi dogs: If you harm one by tradition you have to take responsibility for any expenses for their care.

snakes, lizards, geckos: Bad luck, but for the most part Thais will eventually forgive you ;-)

Pedestrians: Hey, you're supposed to be smart, this is Thailand, not a Boston school crossing with crossing guards, take some responsibility for your actions! ;-)

Pecan, cherry, apple, and pumpkin pies - you should be able to get them year round at Sunrise Tacos. Villa market here in Bangkok sells Sunrise Tacos pies by the slice so try Villa as well.

Shoes - you will quickly learn to wear sandals that are easy to take on and off. Generally no one is going to steal your crappy sandals.

Driving - I actually prefer driving in Thailand. Yes, parking and traffic lanes are suggestions but once you get into the flow of things it is actually quite nice. Yes, like in any country, there are a few reckless drivers but the vast majority are polite and accommodating and, yes, there is no honking and there are no police out to entrap you and write tickets to meet some quota.

My tipping story - First I learned about tipping from my Thai wife. Now the story - I went to Central World in Bangkok to buy a 20 kg dumbbell (44 lbs) to exercise at home. I picked it up from the shelf to bring to the cashier and every young employee in the store rushed to help me (an old guy in my 60’s). Then they realized I had to carry it to my car in the parking garage. They were looking around for a cart when a young man said he would carry it to my car. We had to go four floors down to the parking garage and find my car. I tipped him a 100 baht ($3) and he was extremely reluctant to take it. You can't beat the customer service in Thailand.

Many people in Thailand work 10 hours to make $10. If I give them $5, it is huge for them and nothing for me. I tip taxi drivers and waiters in Hanoi nearly everyday. I dont care if others dont like it It is my money If I want to share it, it is my business.

As you get older, you eat less and quality becomes more important than quantity Give me 10 ounces of filet over 16 ounces of sirloin.

I have paid 500 for a 200 baht foot massage many times because the girl is poor and sometimes only has 1 or 2 customers in a ten hour day. I dont care if some guy spending 3000 to 5000 a month doesnt like it. I care more about the poor service worker.

I'm originally from the U.K. and lived in Texas for 13 years. Yes, tipping there is out of control (they now expect a tip for making you a takeout sandwich).

Here, I tip my massage lady 100 baht for a 200 baht massage. Why? I normally get 15-20 mins more than 1 hour. She's really good. In Texas 1 hour was 2,400 baht.

A few weeks ago we were in Index trying to buy a large rug. The first salesperson gave up after 10 minutes trying to find what we wanted. Another young guy overheard and offered to help. He spent about 20 minutes in the warehouse at the back of the store looking. He found the one that they had that was showing up on their inventory system. On the way out I gave him 500 baht for going above and beyond. He almost cried. It meant a lot to him.

I don't thinks most foreingner can really break their habit. Not only American, I'm working in an organisation in Thailand where cultural gap is so toxic and painful for Thai like me. I know some of manners adjustable but a lot of westurn culture interm of communication is tough among foreingner and Thai.

As far as eating, I'm from the US and I'm used to the large portions. I typically only eat one meal per day. When visiting Ukraine years ago, I got in the habit of eating 1&1/2 breakfasts. In Thailand, the various kinds of "Full English Breakfast" are big enough that I only some times feel the need to eat another meal. About taking off my shoes, I do it when I see shoes outside. The laundry I use is one of these, but is small enough that I usually just walk up to the door to drop off or pick up my laundry. Another habit that Americans and many Europeans need to break is the fact that Thais (mostly) drive on the other side of the street. My reflexes had to be changed. Another thing is that "One Way" streets don't seem to be one way for motorcycles, always check both directions.

I agree with you on the Traffic and small side streets.

Bro I’d like to pick your brains on a few things. Are you open to doing a coaching call?

If you return to your parked car/motorbike and it is blocked from leaving by another vehicle, you can usually just push the blocking vehicle out of your way. The owner of the offending vehicle usually leaves it in neutral with the brake off so it may be pushed out of the way because no parking spaces were available.
Used toilet paper doesn't get flushed but put in a small bin next to the toilet.

Americans like to show off when tipping, try to make themselves look wealthy…555

There are many ways you can help out locals. Send a care package to those affected by flooding. Be a mentor. Buy extra goods and services. Please everyone don't ruin this place with tipping.

Yeah the portion sizes... you know the food actually isn't THAT much cheaper when you start to talk about $/oz. But it's good, i need to break my American habit of eating 10kg/meal

Yet another excellent & entertaining vid. You are so right about roads in Pattaya. It’s why I would never even consider owning a car here. Besides the money saved not owning one, it’s exactly as you’ve described, you very often have to fit your car in between the tightest of spaces. In the very rare times when I’ve needed a car, I hired a Bolt and let them deal with the stress and liability. Ok, if one has a family, I get why you might want to own a car, but for me as a single person in this town, not a chance.

Quick pet question…. From your pics/videos it shows your dog in your lap on the plane. From what I’m reading the dog must stay under the seat in a pet carrier the entire time. What’s the rules or how lenient are they on that? My small dog will eventually bark and demand to get out…. The length of the trip kinda worries me. In my lap, she would be perfectly fine. Under the seat in a carrier is a different story

In the USA, restaurants need to turn the table to make money so they rush you by bringing the check before you ask for it. Restaurants don't make money when customers stay too long and people are waiting to be seated.

Unlike American and Australian dining, the Thais want you to move on. If you have ever had Yum Cha you will know exactly what I mean. They load you with food, then completely ignore you - they just want you to go! Agree with your thoughts on tipping. Also, was reminded today about kids on public transport getting a priority seat. I like this idea so they are safe.

In England ‘service’ (the tip) is a standard 10-12% that’s added to the bill. You can ask for it to be removed…. to pay in cash direct to the waitress etc

I currently live in Mexico where tipping is usually 10%...last xmas I went home to Seattle to visit fam...imagine my shock at a well known Seattle Brewery to have the "iPAD" turned towards me to sign and the tipping options were 20%, 25% and 30%. It's nuts.

Those ford Raptors in Thailand are actually Ford Ranger on steroids, for me they are cooler much civilised size than the the real Gigantic Raptors.

Road rage... ya, I'm cool on a bike (a lot of time in Indonesia) but in Thailand I have definitely committed pedestrian rage with shouting, nasty face and bird flip when some flash car driving loon drives straight hi speed through a red light/pedestrian crossing. Twice this morning :)
And thanks for the 'anti-tipping' chat. Tipping culture does indeed skew natural customer service.

American habits????????? America isn't a country.... just telling.