An American waitress named Alexis Zarya went viral after expressing her frustration about Australian customers who did not leave a tip. Serving a table of Australian tourists, who she referred to as “cheap,” Alexis was upset when they paid their $200 bill but did not leave a gratuity, a common practice in the US. She took to social media to share her feelings, showcasing her earnings and criticizing the Australian customers for not adhering to the tipping culture in the US.
The response from Australian viewers was swift, with many defending their country’s lack of tipping culture and pointing out the flaws in the US system. Some argued that the issue should be directed towards the government rather than individual Australian tourists. Others mentioned that in Australia, workers earn a higher minimum wage compared to the US, making tips less necessary. Many viewers found Alexis’ rant to be rude and felt that her expectations for a tip were unreasonable given the high cost of the meal.
Alexis shared that she earned $83 per hour along with $150 in tips for five hours of work, totaling $46 an hour. When converted to Australian dollars, this amount is significantly higher than the average minimum wage in both countries. Some viewers noted that in Australia, workers earn a higher hourly wage for service roles and do not rely on tips for their income. They also suggested that if tipping is so important in the US, the restaurant should clearly display this expectation for international customers.
While some defended Alexis, stating that it is important to be aware of cultural differences when traveling, others criticized her for not respecting the customs of the country she was serving in. They mentioned that travelers should make an effort to understand and adhere to the customs of the places they visit. Despite the debate sparked by Alexis’ video, it raised important questions about cultural differences, tipping practices, and the expectations of service industry workers in different countries. Ultimately, the incident shed light on the need for empathy, understanding, and respect when interacting with individuals from different cultures.
