Can anyone explain tipping in US. Travelling in the US soon and don't want to make any mistakes.?

Question

here in australia we don't really tip as a rule and don't want to do the wrong thing over there. under what circumstances do you tip? and how much? eg. taxis hotels hairdressers, restaurants, bars

Answer 1

Taxis - I usually do 10%, but I don't use them often. If a driver gives you help with luggage, strollers, etc., or goes beyond providing transportation (e.g. makes recommendations or shows you the sights en route), a higher tip is in order.

Hotels - Usually $1-2/person/night for housekeeping. Bellmen get $1-2 per bag, more in a nicer hotel. Front desk staff do not normally get tips.

Hairdressers - 10%.

Restaurants - 15-20% for your server.

Bartenders - If you're getting something easy to make, 50 cents per drink, but more if you're getting more complicated drinks. To avoid dealing with change, you can leave a tip at the end of the night, BUT for better service, tip for the first drink, then 3rd, 5th, etc.

Take out - Tip jars have appeared in a lot of establishments. For example, Dunkin Donuts (a take-out only coffee and donut shop). Some people don't mind throwing money in if they're regulars, or if it's just their change, but it's not expected. If you're getting something over a counter and seating yourself or take it out, you don't need to tip. However, if you're getting take out from an eat-in restaurant, and the person assisting you would be tipped if you were to eat-in, then at least 10% is in order...you're taking them away from their tables. At buffets, tip 10% for good service (taking away dirty dishes and providing beverage refills, clean plates and silverware, as needed).

A business owner will normally decline to take a tip, but don't worry about this. They won't be insulted by you trying, or if you know it's the owner, you can say, "will you accept this for your staff?"

A final caveat - some places will add the tip to the check. It's not common, but worth looking out for, since this will sometimes be done this depending on the size of your party or restaurant policy.

Tipping is difficult to discuss with the person providing the service (or even others working in the same place). If you run into doubt, ask an uninvolved person, e.g. someone at your hotel about a food establishment, or, if you're in a restaurant, try to ask another customer, discreetly, of course.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 2

Safe travels.
Here in the USA the general tip amount is 15% for restaraunts and bars, but for very small food bills the percentage will be higher. If you have a $6 bill, still leave at least $1.
Taxis are usually a $1 or so, unless you have baggage and several people, then it's a few dollars, but usually never more than $5.
Haidressers are usually a just a couple of dollars.
For hotels, the baggage staff is usually a few dollars, but more if there are many large heavy bags. If you are pleased with the cleanliness of the room and the supplies, a couple of dollars left behind on the desk for the cleaning staff is most welcome.

Before I go, if you get really poor service, don't be too worried about leaving a good tip. Bad service should not be rewarded.
Also, try not to be too generous.

Have fun in our big country and safe travels.

Answer 3

As a rule for good food service it is 15 percent. If you feel like you have had excelent service than more. I usually go by the service I have and not the rule but to each his own. Tipping for a cab driver is 5 percent of your ride. Bellboy of a fancy hotel around 5 dollars unless you have a lot of luggage then more. Hairdressers around 10 dollars for every 70 dollars you spend. In a bar, again it depends on your service but usually the same as food service. Hope this helps and enjoy your visit to the States !

Answer 4

Waitresses & Valets are the biggies, you gotta tip them.

Tipping is usually done after a meal at a sit-down restaurant. (you don't tip at fast food restaurants or buffets, generally), 10-15% of the meal cost. Unlike in the UK, you can usually just leave your cash tip on the table.

Tip your bartender well and you'll find your drinks a lot stronger.

Other times one would tip is at a hotel: Tip anyone who helps with your luggage, or the valet. If you're at a hotel and an employee helps you, chances are you should tip them. Though unlike restaurants, no one will spit in your food if you don't tip.

Nice to tip, but not necessarily expected: Taxi drivers & tattoo artists.

Answer 5

"Taxi/Limo Drivers: A $2 to $3 tip is usually satisfactory; more if he helps you with your bags and/or takes special steps to get you to your destination on time.

Porters: A standard tip for airport and train porters is $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy.

Hotel Bellman: Again, $1 per bag is standard. Tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. Tip more if he provides any additional service. Note: A $5 tip upon arrival can usually guarantee you special attention should you require it.

Doorman: Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate. However, you may want to tip more for special service, such as carrying your bags or shielding you with an umbrella.

Concierge: Tip for special services such as making restaurant or theater reservations, arranging sightseeing tours, etc. The amount of the tip is generally dependent on the type and complexity of service(s) provided—$2 to $10 is a standard range. You may elect to tip for each service, or in one sum upon departure. If you want to ensure special treatment from the concierge, you might consider a $10–$20 tip upon arrival.

Hotel Maid: Maids are often forgotten about when it comes to tipping because they typically do their work when you are not around. For stays of more than one night, $1 per night is standard. The tip should be left in the hotel room in a marked envelope.

Parking Attendants: Tip $1 to $2 when your car is delivered.

Waiters: 15–20% of your pre-tax check is considered standard. The same applies for room service waiters. Some restaurants will automatically add a 15% gratuity to your bill, especially for large parties—look for it before tipping. If the 15% is added, you need only tip up to another 5% for superlative service.

Cloakroom Attendants: If there is a charge for the service, a tip is not necessary. However, if there is no charge, or extra care is taken with your coat and/or bags, a $1 to $2 tip is appropriate.

Tour Guides/Charter Bus Drivers: If a tip is not automatically included, tip $1 for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour, and anywhere from $5 to $10 for a week-long tour. Tip a private guide more."

Answer 6

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