Table of Contents
Tipping in America can be confusing, especially with the rise of digital payment systems that ask for tips in unexpected places. This guide cuts through the confusion to give you clear, practical guidelines for every tipping situation.
1. Tipping Basics
Why We Tip in America
Unlike many countries where service workers receive living wages, American service industry workers often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. The federal minimum wage for tipped workers is just $2.13/hour (states may have higher minimums), with the expectation that tips make up the difference.
General Principles
- Tips are expected: Not optional in most service situations
- Calculate on pre-tax amount: Your tip should be based on the subtotal, not the tax-inclusive total
- Cash is king: When possible, tip in cash—it goes directly to the worker
- Round up: When in doubt, round up to the next dollar or five
Quick Mental Math
For 20%: Move the decimal point left one place (10%), then double it. A $47.50 bill becomes $4.75, doubled to $9.50. Easy 20% tip.
2. Restaurant Tipping
| Service Level | Tip Percentage | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Poor service | 10-15% | Significant issues, after giving chance to fix |
| Adequate service | 15-18% | Nothing special, nothing wrong |
| Good service | 18-20% | Friendly, attentive, no issues—the standard |
| Excellent service | 20-25% | Above and beyond, memorable experience |
| Fine dining | 20-25% | Standard for high-end restaurants |
Special Restaurant Situations
- Large parties (6+): Often 18-20% is automatically added; check the bill
- Counter service: $1-2 or 10-15%; not always expected
- Buffets: 10-15%—staff still clears plates and refills drinks
- Private dining/events: 20-25%; coordinate with event organizer
- Sommelier: Included in overall tip unless exceptional service
Don't Punish Servers for Kitchen Issues
If your food was wrong or took too long, that's often a kitchen issue, not a server issue. Your server doesn't cook the food. Speak to a manager about food problems, but don't reduce the tip for things outside the server's control.
3. Bar Tipping
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Beer/wine (simple pour) | $1-2 per drink |
| Cocktails | $2-3 per drink |
| Complex cocktails | $3-5 per drink |
| Tab at the end | 18-20% of total |
| Free drinks (comped) | Tip as if you paid full price |
Bar Tipping Tips
- Tip as you go: Better service throughout the night
- Open a tab: One tip at the end is fine, 18-20%
- VIP/bottle service: 20% minimum, often auto-added
- Happy hour: Tip on regular price, not discounted
4. Delivery & Takeout
| Service | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Food delivery (apps) | 15-20% or $3-5 minimum |
| Pizza delivery | 15-20% or $3-5 minimum |
| Grocery delivery | 15-20% or $5 minimum |
| Restaurant takeout | 10-15% (appreciated, not required) |
| Curbside pickup | $2-5 or 10% |
Delivery Considerations
- Weather matters: Tip more in rain, snow, extreme heat
- Distance matters: Farther delivery = higher tip
- Stairs/apartments: Tip more for difficult access
- Large orders: Heavier loads deserve more
Delivery App Tips
Drivers see your tip before accepting orders. Low or no tip often means your food sits longer. Tip well upfront for faster, better service.
5. Coffee Shops & Cafes
| Order Type | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Drip coffee | $0.50-1 (optional) |
| Espresso drinks | $1-2 or 10-15% |
| Complex custom orders | $1-2 or 15-20% |
| Sit-down cafe service | 15-18% |
The rise of tip prompts at every counter has created confusion. You're not obligated to tip for simple transactions, but baristas making complex drinks appreciate it.
6. Hotel Tipping
| Service | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Bellhop/Porter | $2-5 per bag |
| Housekeeping | $2-5 per night |
| Concierge (simple request) | $5-10 |
| Concierge (hard-to-get reservation) | $10-50 |
| Room service | 15-20% (check if included) |
| Valet parking | $2-5 when car is returned |
Housekeeping Tips
- Tip daily: Different staff may clean each day
- Leave on pillow or with note: So it's clearly a tip
- More for suite/extra mess: Larger rooms, bigger tips
7. Travel & Transportation
| Service | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Taxi | 15-20% of fare |
| Uber/Lyft | 15-20% or $2-5 minimum |
| Airport shuttle | $2-5 per person |
| Limo/car service | 15-20% (may be included) |
| Tour guide | $5-10 per person for half day |
| Skycap (airport) | $2-3 per bag |
8. Personal Services
| Service | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Haircut | 15-20% |
| Hair color/styling | 20-25% |
| Massage | 15-20% |
| Spa services | 15-20% |
| Manicure/pedicure | 15-20% |
| Tattoo artist | 15-25% |
| Movers | $20-50 per mover |
9. Special Situations
When to Tip More
- Holidays (Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving)
- Extreme weather conditions
- Exceptional service or extra effort
- Regulars at places you frequent
- When you've been a difficult customer
When Tipping Is Not Expected
- Fast food restaurants
- Business owners (they set their own prices)
- Professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.)
- Government employees (mail carriers have limits)
- Retail sales associates
Digital Tip Prompts
Those iPad screens asking for 20%, 25%, 30% tips at every counter are a modern phenomenon. Remember:
- You can press "No Tip" or "Custom" without guilt for simple transactions
- The percentages suggested are often higher than traditional expectations
- Tip based on the service, not the prompt
10. Tipping Abroad
American tipping culture is not universal. Before traveling:
| Country/Region | Tipping Culture |
|---|---|
| Japan | No tipping (can be offensive) |
| Western Europe | Rounding up or 5-10% for exceptional service |
| UK | 10-15% at restaurants; not expected elsewhere |
| Australia | Not expected; 10% for great service |
| Canada | Similar to US (15-20%) |
| Mexico | 10-15% at restaurants |
The Golden Rule of Tipping
When in doubt, tip. It's better to tip when not expected than to stiff someone who relies on tips. A few extra dollars means much more to service workers than it does to you.
Now That You Know How to Tip...
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