Here's a clear guide to help you navigate today’s tipping culture, covering scenarios from restaurants to travel.

Dining-Out Etiquette

• Restaurant Servers: Tip 15–20% of the pretax total.
• Partial Service (e.g., order at a counter, served at a table): Tip around 10% to reflect the hybrid service.
• Fast Food Pickup: Optional. If tipping, leave a few dollars for minimal service.
• QR Code Ordering: Tip based on service. If food is delivered to your table, 5–10% is sufficient.
• Auto-Gratuity with Additional Tip Line: Skip extra tipping unless service was exceptional.
• Cocktails vs. Beer/Wine: For craft cocktails, tip up to 20%. For simpler drinks like wine or beer, stick to $1–$2 per drink.

Food Deliveries

• Delivery Fees vs. Tips: Delivery fees are not tips. Tip 15–20%, with a $5 minimum for smaller orders.
• Prepaid Tips on Apps: If you’ve already tipped in the app, no extra tip is required unless you feel inclined to add more for exceptional service.

In-Home Services

• Furniture Delivery: Tip $10–$20 per person, more for heavy or difficult deliveries.
• Apartment Handyman: Tip during the holidays or for after-hours/holiday calls. Offer $10–$20 for exceptional service.
• Expensive Repairs (e.g., plumbing): Tipping is not required, but $10–$20 can be a nice gesture for exceptional professionalism.

Self-Care Services

• Hair Stylists/Barbers (even owners): Tip 15–20%.
• Manicures/Pedicures: Tip 15–20%.
• Medical Visits (e.g., dermatologists): No tipping for medical professionals.

Ride-Hailing & Taxis

• Uber/Lyft Drivers: Tip 15% as a baseline, more for excellent service.
• Taxi Drivers: Tip 15%, or more for short rides, bad weather, or remote destinations.

Hotels & Travel

• Housekeeping: Tip $3–$5 per day, adding $1 per extra guest. Tip daily as staff may change.
• Bellhop: Tip $2–$5 per bag or $5 for light loads.
• Concierge: No tip for basic help like directions. Tip $5–$10 for reservations, $20+ for difficult requests.
• Room Service: Tip 15–20% if gratuity isn’t included; no tip needed for tray pickup.
• Valet: Tip $2–$5 per car retrieval.

General Tipping Guidance

• Baristas: Tip 15–20% or $1–$3 for quick service.
• Movers: Tip $20–$50 per mover, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
• Appliance Delivery: Tip $10–$20 per person, especially for heavy items.
• Coat Checkers: Tip $1–$5 per coat.

Pro Tips for Handling Tipping Pressure

• When in Doubt: Err on the side of generosity for personal service.
• Digital Payments: It’s perfectly acceptable to ask about mobile tipping options like Venmo if you’re out of cash.
• Service Charge Clarity: Always confirm whether a service charge includes the gratuity.

By understanding these norms, you can tip with confidence while respecting your budget.

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