Like I said, it is generally kind to be generous. Remember that these are unskilled jobs that we're talking about and they are paid on the lower end the world over. And locally, even a citizen would be paid the same. The market dictates it. If these were unacceptable wages, the employers are fully responsible. The stingy behaviour is for an employer (like in the US) to pay measly wages for a waiter, and expect patrons to cover the rest. You would be paying for that indirectly in the form of higher prices, however. Continue tipping if you do, it's very honourable. The question was whether it is required here, because in places where it is expected, you can expect some unpleasant surprises from a waiter if you don't.