Waiter/waitress doesn't give back small change.

It is usual/customary to return change unless the waiter says would like change back expecting it to be a bigger tip. Me I want my change and I will decide on what the tip will be, because the way I see it is that if I did not have the full amount you would not have allowed me the service.

It is sad when people don't value small amounts of money. They're still money and they still have lots of use. In our country, most people don't return or don't even care for 5 or 10 cents. They're approximately USD $0.0010 and $0.0020 respectively. They can still be used in groceries and bills. Our government even said that we should use them because they still have value. I value them a lot and I would ask for them if I don't get them. What saddens me is that those who are poor are the ones who usually ignore these small amounts of money. No offense to them but they kind of deserve a little bit for not valuing the small denominations of money.

We always get our change back. Money is money and that extra dollar is much needed for us to receive back. Sometimes if the service is good, we will give the change left over.

I totally agree with you. But my personal experience does not only confine to waitresses. There were also other service oriented establishments that do that. Lately, I tried to get some money that was sent to me. When it was converted to our local currency, the lady gave me a peso short without saying a word. I articulated my concern and told her that I still have a peso more. She gave me the difference without saying a word or two. I guess that some people think that they can get away with this practice. It was totally a bad one.

Which country are you staying in? I never encounter such things before. Most of the places that i go to eat would usually return me the change even if it is $1.

No we always get back the changes. Unless we tell the waiter/waitress to keep it. I'm not sure how that would be considered an exceptable practice. Even if it is a penny. Not to sound awful, but some of the servers these days don't even deserve a penny tip. We are generous tipper to good servers. However, may or may not tip a poor server. If we do, it isn't much. Best Wishes!

That's wrong and probably illegal - it could be classed as theft. I'd ask for it back, even if I then gave it to them as a tip. Tipping itself is a difficult question - here in the UK, almost all jobs are paid a full wage and tips are purely extra (though I generally leave a little). It's always worth checking the bill, which will say whether gratuities are included (i.e. they're already paid) or not (i.e. they're getting a really basic, minimum wage and tips are very much welcome for good service).

This sometimes happens here. Most wait staff will ask "do you need change?" if it is a small amount. Say, if the amount is equal to what a tip would be or smaller, because many customers will just say "keep the change" anyway. I always indicate when they can keep the change as their tip or when I need it back so I can leave the amount of tip I want.

Lol! yeah! it happens everywhere..each one of us has a different personality, but it doesnt apply to waiter or waitress only. it happens even at malls, hospitals and anywhere..