Do you need change?

I don't run into that situation real often, but when I do A "no, thank you" is how I handle it. They are being polite, or at least not outrightly rude, so I figure it doesn't hurt to be polite in return. My $0.02 at the moment.

I think this is probably something they have been trained to do, either by management or one cranky customer forgetting, then chewing them out for "stealing" if they do not bring the change. It is a lot nicer than asking "Oh, is that for me?" I think if you pay with a large bill, the tip might seem excessive, especially if you are in an area where good tips are not the norm.

It seem as if they were not satisfied with your tip. That would tick me of so my response would be "Thanks for reminding me, I do need change" and pick the money up off the table, put it in my purse and leave.

Like you, I will usually just say, "No, thank you." My children are both servers and they were taught by the establishment to ask this question. I imagine it is to assure that they are not accused of trying to stiff the customer.

I don't mind them asking if need change or not...I figure they ask to make sure everything was alright and out of past experiences. I usually say 'no thank you' or 'nope, its all set'.

I just answer this question with 'No, thank you' or 'No, the rest is for you' I think that some waitpersons do this out of habit. They don't want to assume that something is left for them but its their way of making sure it is indeed for them.

It doesn't happen like that in this country. Usually you pay first get your change and then leave the tip on the table. If you want them to keep the change you just state that when you pay.

We won't come across such situations in Singapore because it is a no-tipping scene here. The waitperson will definitely return with our change, and we can of course choose to leave this change there when we leave. But given that situation you mentioned, I would just say, "Keep it, it's for you!" :P