TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Help with understanding a check!

They probably were indicating to you that a tip was not necessary as they know not to leave one and didn't plan on leaving one. Locals know better and would rather not have the playing field messed up. Credit card charges are reported as revenue. Cash, not so much plus less bookkeeping and having to break out to give servers if they do.