Tipping etiquette can be intricate and difficult to understand. The amount of the tip should be based on what is included in the "package" offered by the service and on the quality of the service itself.
Steps
Method 1 of 9: Bars and Restaurants (USA)
Step 1. Tip the waiter 15% if the service is adequate
Tip an amount equivalent to 15% of the bill, excluding tax, when the service is adequate. Excellent service should require a 20% tip and a poor 10% tip.
- If the service is extraordinarily inefficient, and you are certain it is the waiter's fault, it is socially acceptable not to tip, or to leave less than 10%.
- The head waiter, or maître, usually gets a portion of the tip from your table, so you can increase it if you want to reward him too. Alternatively, you can tip him directly, but discreetly, in order to reward you for special treatment of you - in this case, a $ 5 to $ 25 tip is usually more than enough.
Step 2. Here's how to deal with tipping a sommelier or bartender
These people usually expect a tip commensurate with the cost of the alcoholic beverage you consume.
- The tip for a sommelier amounts to 15% of the cost of the bottle.
- If you pay for each drink separately, the bartender tip for each alcohol served is $ 1, while the tip for each soft drink is 50 cents.
- If you only pay the bill at the end, the tip should amount to 15-20% of the receipt, but make sure it includes at least $ 1 for each alcohol and 50 cents for each soft drink.
- Consider tipping the bartender "in advance" to ensure better service.
Step 3. Leave a 10% tip at the take away pony express
If you order take away, for example pizza, the delivery person expects a tip of 10% of the total bill. However, the tip should be at least $ 2, even 10% of the total is less.
- If the delivery is very difficult, the tip will be 15-20%. A delivery can be considered difficult, for example, if it is made during a strong thunderstorm.
- Note that tipping is not mandatory if you order a meal to take away.
Step 4. Tip the staff
If you go to dinner at a high-class restaurant, you may run into other service personnel, such as the dresser, valet, garage or bathroom staff. They also expect a tip.
- The dresser leaves a $ 1 tip for each piece of clothing.
- The valet or garage staff are entitled to $ 2 for the delivery of the car.
- Everywhere, bathroom staff are tipped between 50 cents and 1 dollar.
Step 5. Tip the bartender
Even if you don't tip, consider putting a few coins in the tip jar if there is one on the counter.
Method 2 of 9: Traveling (USA)
Step 1. Tip the hotel staff
Most staff members should get some tip, especially if you are staying in an actual hotel, not a motel or guesthouse.
- The bellboy, or anyone who helps you carry your luggage to your room, should be tipped at least $ 2 if you only have one suitcase, or at least $ 5 if you have more than one. In all other cases, the bellboy tip is $ 1-2 per suitcase.
- The doorman tip ranges from $ 5 to $ 20 depending on the type of service provided. The more personalized the service, the higher the tip should be. However, tipping is not mandatory if you are given directions.
- Housekeeping staff in the room are entitled to a $ 2-5 tip for each night spent in the hotel. Typically, tips are paid daily, but you can also choose to leave a flat-rate tip when you settle the bill.
- If room service is not included, and you use it, tip at least $ 5.
- The doorman leaves a $ 1 tip for each suitcase he helps you carry, or $ 1 per person if he takes care of calling you a taxi.
Step 2. Tip the driver
Anyone offering a guide service is entitled to a tip.
- A non-public bus driver is entitled to a $ 1-2 tip if he also takes care of the luggage.
- A private driver, even if available for a short time, is entitled to a 10-15% tip on the cost of the service.
- Taxi drivers usually get a 10% tip, or a minimum of $ 2-5. However, please note that the amount may vary by location. If you are unsure, tip 15% of the cost of the trip, and an extra $ 1-2 if the taxi driver helps you with your luggage.
Step 3. Tip the porters at the airport
If you check in on the street, the porter is entitled to a $ 1 tip per suitcase. If the porter takes your bags to the check-in desk, leave him $ 2 per suitcase.
Step 4. Here's how to settle your cruise tips
Tipping etiquette depends on the type of cruise. Ask the cruise company you are traveling with about their policy regarding staff bonuses.
Method 3 of 9: Part 3: Everyday Life (USA)
Step 1. Tip the personal care personnel
Personal care personnel (those who take care of your hair, nails, etc.) also usually get a tip.
- Hairdressers and barbers are entitled to a 15-20% tip on the cost of the cut (minimum $ 1). In the case of low-cost barbershops and salons, even a 10% tip is fine.
- In the case of service providers such as hair washing and shaving, the tip is 1-2 dollars.
- Manicures are entitled to 15% of the cost of the service.
- For a spa treatment the tip is 15-20%, while a masseur who performs home service receives 10-15%. If the owner himself carries out the service, there is no need to leave a tip.
- Shoeshines are entitled to a $ 2-3 tip.
Step 2. If you see fit, tip the grocery store boy as well
Not all groceries tolerate the custom of tipping, but if so, you can leave $ 1 to transport the bags to the car, or up to $ 3 if there are more than three bags.
Step 3. Tip the removal workers
If you hire a team of workers when moving from one apartment to another, or from one office to another, tip each worker of $ 10-25 when the job is done.
Step 4. Tip the workers who deliver the furniture
The tip to be given to the workers who deliver the furniture varies according to the difficulty of delivery. In most cases, it is between $ 5 and $ 20.
For simple deliveries, however, the tip can be limited to one cold drink
Step 5. When is tipping unnecessary?
Some services do not require a tip. In particular, there is usually no tip for handymen.
Usually, it's not even the gas station attendants, but if you're not sure, stay on the 2-4 dollars
Method 4 of 9: On Vacation (USA)
Step 1. Tipping on vacation has advantages:
In theory, it would not be mandatory to leave extra tips for staff who look after you while on vacation, but it is customary, and generally recommended if you want to establish good relationships.
Step 2. If applicable, add a week's pay as a tip
Your service staff should receive an extra week's pay if you hire them for all holidays.
Among them: babysitters, gardeners and housekeepers
Step 3. Consider tipping anyone who offers you a service
Those who provide you with regular service, even if you haven't hired them specifically, should be entitled to a special tip.
- You can offer your keeper a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.
- The tip for the garbage workers, for the boy who delivers the newspapers, and for the janitor is between $ 15 and $ 25.
- For postmen, the tip is $ 15-20, not cash.
- Discreetly tip your personal trainer between $ 20 and $ 50, depending on the frequency of your workouts.
Method 5 of 9: Latin America
Step 1. Mexico
In Mexico it is preferable to tip in pesos, but you can still tip in dollars if necessary.
- The waiter serving you at the restaurant leaves a 10-15% tip.
- In the hotel, the baggage handler gets 10-20 pesos per suitcase, the cleaning staff in the room is entitled to an amount between 20 and 50 pesos for each night spent in the hotel, and the porter between 50 and 150 pesos for each service.
- Tour guides are entitled to between 100 and 200 pesos per person for each full day, but if they are also drivers 200-300 pesos.
- Petrol attendants are entitled to 5 pesos for each full tank of petrol.
Step 2. Canada
In Canada, tipping policies are very similar to those in the US.
- The waiter serving you at the restaurant leaves a 15-20% tip.
- In the hotel, the doorman is entitled to 10-20 dollars for each service. Leave $ 1-2 for each suitcase to the porters. Room cleaning staff are entitled to $ 2 per day, or $ 5 if you are staying in a luxury hotel.
- Leave 10-15% of the fare to the taxi drivers.
- Leave a collective 15% to the tour guides at the end of the excursion.
Step 3. Costa Rica
Tipping is cheap enough in Costa Rica, partly because they receive a higher salary than in other Central American countries.
- In the restaurant, the tip is included in the service, but you can offer something extra if you wish.
- In the hotel, the baggage handler goes 0, 25-0, 50 dollars per suitcase, or a dollar if it is a fine hotel. Room cleaning staff are entitled to $ 1 per day.
- Taxi drivers receive $ 2-4 for a long trip, or $ 1-2 for transportation from the airport to the hotel. Tour guides are entitled to $ 5-10 per person per day.
- For a boat ride, the captain's tip is $ 5-10. It will be distributed later among all the crew.
Method 6 of 9: Europe
Step 1. United Kingdom
The guidelines vary depending on the type of service and quality, but they are pretty straightforward once you get used to them. Overall not much is expected from tourists.
- In restaurants, a tip is usually included in the service, but if not, tip 10-15%. Tipping is not mandatory in pubs.
- In the hotel, the baggage handler gets 1-2 pounds per suitcase, and the same goes to the cleaning staff in the room for each night spent in the hotel. In a 5-star hotel, you can get up to £ 5.
- The tip for taxi drivers is 10% maximum. To tour guides and private drivers, at the end of the day leave a tip of no more than 10%.
Step 2. France
The amount depends on the type of service.
- No tip is required at the restaurant, but locals usually leave up to 10%, in small change. There is no need to tip at the bar.
- In the hotel, the baggage handler gets 1 euro per suitcase, and the cleaning staff in the room is 1-2 euro per night. Offer the concierge 10-15 euros for each restaurant reservation, half on arrival and half on departure.
- Guides receive tips between 25 and 50 euros, but for private transfers to and from the airport we go around 10-20 euros.
Step 3. Germany
The issue of tips is quite transparent in Germany.
- At a restaurant or bar, add a 10-15% tip to the bill.
- At the hotel, leave the porters 3 euros for each suitcase. The room cleaning staff takes 5 euros per night, and the doorman 20 euros, if the service was helpful.
Step 4. Italy
You only have to worry about tipping with the waiter serving you at the restaurant and with the hotel staff.
- At the restaurant, tip 10%, no more.
- In the hotel, the baggage handler costs 5 euros per suitcase, and the cleaning staff in the room 1-2 euros per night.
Step 5. Spain
Adjust the amount of the tip according to the service offered, and pay only in cash, not by credit card.
- In restaurants, if the service has been good, the tip is 7-13%. If not, you can skip it.
- A tip of 5-10 euros is given to the hotel porter in case of special services. The cleaning staff of the hotel are entitled to 5 euros per day, and the bellboys 1 euro per suitcase.
- Tour guides are entitled to € 30-40 per person per day. With taxi drivers, just round up the fare.
Method 7 of 9: Asia and Pacific
Step 1. Australia and New Zealand
In both of these countries, behave discreetly when you are about to offer a tip, and know that they can also refuse it.
- The waiter serving you at the restaurant leaves a 10-15% tip.
- In the hotel, the baggage handler gets $ 1 per suitcase, the room cleaning staff $ 5 a day, and the doorman $ 10-20 for each service.
- Tip 10% of the fare to taxi drivers. A private guide receives $ 50 per person per day, but if it's a guided tour aboard a coach, the tip is $ 5-10. The tip for a private driver is $ 20 per day.
- For spa or beauty treatments the tip is 10-15%.
Step 2. China
Officially, tips are neither expected nor accepted in hotels and other service companies, with few exceptions.
- Porters are entitled to 10 yuan per suitcase.
- In massage parlors, offer 10 to 30 yuan for each treatment.
Step 3. Japan
In most cases, there are no tips for any type of service. Indeed, often the tip is even refused.
However, if you notice a tip jar in a pro-Western restaurant or service center, you can tip, but the amount is up to you
Step 4. South Korea
As in Japan, tipping is not a common practice in South Korea. You can leave it if you get particularly good service, but know that no one expects it.
- A tour guide, on the other hand, receives $ 10 per person per day, and a driver half the price.
- You can leave $ 1 per suitcase for hotel porters.
Step 5. India
In the restaurant, the waiter's tip is included in the service, but in all other cases, tips are particularly appreciated, even if not mandatory.
- Tip 10-15% in restaurants.
- A fair tip for a private driver amounts to 100-200 rupees.
- If the service is excellent, tip the hotel porters, porters, and room cleaning staff between 268 and 535 rupees.
Method 8 of 9: Middle East
Step 1. Egypt
Tipping varies greatly depending on the service offered.
- Add 5-10% to the restaurant bill, even if the tip is already included in the service.
- At the hotel, housekeeping staff tip $ 1 per day, and bellhops $ 1 per suitcase. The concierge tip is $ 10-20.
- The tip for taxi drivers is 10-15%, while for tour guides it is $ 20 per day.
Step 2. Israel
The amount of the tip depends on where you are and who you are dealing with.
- At the restaurant, add 1 shekel to the bill, which is usually already included in the service.
- In the hotel, leave 1-2 shekels in exchange for even a small amount of service. The baggage handler gets 6 shekels per suitcase, and the room cleaning staff 3-6 shekels per day.
- The tip for taxi drivers is 10-15%, while for tour guides it is 90-120 shekels per person per day. Tour guides who also act as drivers take 120-150 shekels.
Step 3. Saudi Arabia
As in many other countries, the amount depends on the type of service.
- The restaurant bill does not include a tip, so leave a 10-15%.
- At the hotel, tip $ 20-25 on check-in. The baggage handler gets $ 1-2 per suitcase, and the room cleaning staff $ 2 a day.
- The tip for tour guides is $ 10 per person for individual or small group visits, and $ 7 per person for large groups. For a private driver the tip is $ 5 per person per day, and for a possible second it is $ 2 per person per day.
Method 9 of 9: Africa
Step 1. Morocco
With tips in Morocco you have to be careful, and be informed about the right amount to give based on the service.
- In restaurants, a tip may be included in the service, but if not, tip 10%.
- At the hotel, leave a $ 10 tip upon arrival to ensure good service. The baggage handler gets $ 2 per suitcase, and the room cleaning staff $ 5 a night.
- For tipping taxi drivers, round up to 10 dirhams when paying for the ride. Private drivers and guides take $ 15 a day.
Step 2. South Africa
In addition to the usual rules, remember to always tip parking attendants and airport porters, who do not receive salary and rely on tips for a living.
- Tip the attendants 15-20 rand when you leave the parking lot, and the porters at the airport 20-30 rand.
- The waiter serving you at the restaurant leaves a 10-15% tip.
- At the hotel, tip the doorman a $ 3-5 tip. The baggage handler gets $ 1 per suitcase, and the room cleaning staff $ 1 for each night spent at the hotel.
- For taxi drivers and private drivers, the tip is 10% of the fare. The fee for tour guides is $ 10 per person per day.
