>>Agree that Germany has more of a tipping culture. But less so in the UK and in France they tend to build the service charge into the price, especially in Paris.
>
>There's an annoying practice here in NJ.
>When I go to pick up a takeout (they call it "takeout" here- some places call in "take-in") order, there's a big jar labelled "Tips."
>It seems that I'm expected to tip someone for taking my money and handing me a bag.
>Well, I don't.
>
>I never saw that in NY.

I see it more and more wherever I go, including in NY. Not just for takeout, but for other kinds of counter services (like in convenience stores). I tip generously* in restaurants and cabs and hotels, but I see no reason to tip in this situation.

* I once read the comment that the dollar I'm thinking about whether to add to the tip means a lot more to the person I'm tipping than it does to me, and try to always keep that in mind.

Tamar