tophet, they charge different rates because they can.

If the market won't support it, the practice will change.

Unfortunately for you in SA and me in Oz if I decided to take a jaunt over there, the practice doesn't seem likely to change any time soon...

I myself benefited by the practice once. Years ago in SA when I was charged and treated like a local because I was working over there. But alas, I don't think I could pull that off now...

I agree 100% with you that the tip should not be an expected method of compensation...UNLESS...the client is informed of the expected rate up front.

This thread is interesting in that it has lasted so long.

It seems simple in the extreme;

Charge what you want and need in a range of what the market will bear.

Don't bank on tips.

If you want a tip, make sure your client knows it and knows the range of acceptable tips before he arrives.

Case closed?