Even in the UK (where I assume you are from) that is not universal. Here, tipping is not the norm. I tip quite well, if the service is good. But never for bad service.
Except in tourist areas (and sometimes from obvious foreigners), the staff in CH restaurants do not expect tips. Which means you can really make their day!
Yep, we usually do the 10% unless it was awful (no tip) or superb (we trip extra) but I do not like to be imposed of something. I remember I went to a Denny's in the US and had scrambled eggs, my total bill was for 7 USD including tax, the waiter who had actually not been very nice and had almost dropped my plate actually, took the time and proceeded to calculate for himself a tip of 20%, result= I left him nothing.
In Switzerland tipping it is normal to round up or leave a couple of francs, but never would you tip 15-20% as one would do in the states. Waiters and waitresses here get paid much better and don't have to rely on tips...
I also find it unfair when a bill is split by the number of eaters if there are people who only had a salad and a water for instance. However, I have been to some EF events where it would have made sense to split the bill in that manner as the difference between individuals was at most 5 francs and the time spent on getting the money for the bill was astronomical... best to ask in advance and if you are only going to eat a salad announce or pay as it comes...
Going to a bar with a small group, being first to order and buying a drink only for yourself... though I've since learned this is not unusual Swiss practice.
Working out who had what after a meal, instead of dividing the bill equally.
or
Not working out who had what after a meal, instead dividing the bill equally.
or
Not paying for the whole bill.
The first if you go out regularly and you all have reasonable incomes. The second, if you don't and there are some less well off people with you. The third - on occasion.
My friend's boyfriend tried to give me the ol' stare-down in Starbucks. He told the cashier we were paying together, but I didn't expect him to pay for me so I had my 7chf ready. This fool ordered a huge fancy coffee, sandwich and cake (nothing for his girlfriend who was saving our seats) and then tried to stare me down into paying for him out of embarrassment ! We had a real standoff! In the end, he sighed (HE SIGHED!!!) and paid for his stuff. Afterwards, he suggested we get a cab because he didn't feel like carrying his shopping bags, which he'd already made his girlfriend carry all around the streets of Geneva ( I was all, "oh no, I'm a goddess, I'm not carrying your bags!" ). He jumped out of the cab before the driver could come to a complete stop, just so he wouldn't have to pay! My friend duly apologized and would not accept my contribution, but I didn't understand how anyone could act that way. That to me, is cheap!
on a similar note, when i went out to dinner with friends, we'd split the bill and all pay in cash together with tips - except for one guy who insisted on paying by card. he would then proceed to pay the whole bill (without tips) with his card and then pocket all the cash including the tips! i think in some instances he got a free meal and made a profit on this little scam.
OK I think cheap (and conchudo in Spanish-the word fresh does not even cut it) is when you go out with your friends and order expensive drinks when your friend drinks only cola or water and then expect to divide the bill in equal shares...
Cheap to me is someone who always takes, and never makes any attempt to give, no matter how small.
For example, when I go out to eat with my friends who I know are having a hard time I will nearly always pick up their tab. But I do feel used when there is never an offer by the person to pay their share or no gratitude for my generosity. I don't expect to be deified or invited out for a dinner of equal expense but some form of thanks or show of appreciation like, an invitation for a coffee at their home or the gesture of trying to pay for their share at the meal.