Tipping can vary depending on the service, but here’s a general guide to help you tip appropriately in different situations.
General Rules for Restaurant Tipping
- Standard Tip: 15–20% of the pretax total.
- Abysmal Service: Minimum of 10–15%; speak to a manager rather than skipping the tip entirely.
- Alcohol: Tip on the total, including drinks, unless extremely high-priced bottles are involved (then tip 10% on the bottle).
- Quick Math Tip:
- Divide the bill by 10 (move the decimal one place left).
- Double it for a 20% tip, or multiply the pretax total by 0.15 or 0.20 using a smartphone calculator.
Apps for Splitting Group Tabs
Avoid awkward group bill-splitting with these apps:
- Tab: Free for Android and iOS.
- Settle Up: $1.99 for Android and iOS, works with foreign currencies.
- Plates by Splitwise: Free for iOS.
Tip Amounts for Common Services
Food & Drink
- Restaurant Servers: 15–25% of the bill.
- Bartenders: $1–$2 per drink or 15% of the tab.
- Food Delivery: 20% of the bill or $3–$5, whichever is higher.
Personal Care
- Barber/Hairdresser: 10–20% of the service charge (even if they are the owner).
- Shampooer: $2–$5.
- Manicurist/Pedicurist: 10–20% of the charge.
- Masseuse: 10–20% of the service charge.
Transportation
- Taxi, Limo, Ride-Hailing Driver: 10–20% of the fare.
- Valet Parking: $1–$5 per vehicle.
- Parking Lot Attendant: $1–$2 (or weekly equivalent for daily parking).
Hotels
- Housekeeper: $3–$5 per day; leave daily with a note labeled "For Housekeeping."
- Bellhop: $1–$2 per bag, or up to $5 for a single bag.
- Doorman: $2–$5 for hailing a cab or helping with bags.
- Concierge: $5–$10 for reservations; $20+ for special services. No tip for simple tasks like directions.
- Room Service: 10–20% of the bill if gratuity isn’t included. No tip is needed for tray pickup.
Travel & Delivery
- Airport Skycap/Porter: $1–$3 per bag, up to $5 for a single bag.
- Furniture Movers: 5–10% of the moving cost or $10–$20 per person.
- Appliance Delivery: $5–$20 per person (check if the tip is already included).
Other Services
- Restroom Attendant: $1–$2.
- Coat Checker: $1–$2 per coat.
- Barista: $1–$3.
- Car Wash: $2–$5.
Special Situations
- Tour Guides: 15–20% of the tour cost.
- Gas Station Attendant (Full Service): $2–$3 if self-service is also available.
By tipping appropriately, you show appreciation for quality service while helping workers who rely on gratuities to supplement their income.
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