What Do You Tip For?
As a general rule of thumb, in the United States, we tip for anything we could do ourselves, but are having done for us; this mostly consists of tipping for services and tipping service workers in various service industries. The service industry in the USA heavily relies on tips as a significant part of income for workers.
Some of the things we tip for are very obvious, some are less so. It can be overwhelming trying to sort out how tipping customs work in the US, so I made this tipping guide with the goal of removing the mystery.
TL, DR
The big three that I tip for, and you will most likely encounter as a tourist, are servers/ bartenders at sit-down restaurants, delivery drivers, and transport drivers (including cabbies or Uber drivers).
Tipping Guide
Here are the common things you might want to tip for as a tourist in the US.
Understanding the tipping practices in the USA can help you navigate these situations with confidence.
Restaurants and Bars
- Sit Down Restaurant: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. If your service was good tipping 20% is customary, for excellent service we might tip more, but again this is not expected. If you receive superior service, you might consider tipping more than 20% as a gesture of appreciation. If you receive truly bad service you might choose not to tip, and that’s ok, you are tipping for the service.Takeout from sit-down restaurants is fairly common in the US, and tipping etiquette is a bit less clear. Personally, I will tip for takeout, but I know plenty of people who do not, it’s a bit of a grey area. We technically tip servers for table service, so if you do not want to tip for takeout, you do not have to.
- Buffets: 10% of the pre-tax bill.
- Bartenders: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab. If you have an excellent bartender who not only prepares great drinks but also keeps you entertained consider tipping the 20%, they truly appreciate it.
- Cafe/Bakery: Tipping is optional but appreciated; leaving some change or rounding up is common.
- Fast Food Restaurants: We typically do not tip, occasionally very generous people will tip, but it’s not expected.
- Coffee Shops: In places like Starbucks or Gloria Jean’s there are typically tip jars, you can choose to tip if you want, but it’s not expected.
Hotels and Hotel Housekeeping
Some of the things listed here are very niche or only seen in high-end, or possibly themed/old-fashioned accommodations, so don’t be surprised if you don’t encounter a bellhop, concierge, or parking valet.
- Housekeeping: Hotel housekeeping staff typically receive $2-5 per night, left daily. Many people in the US do not tip housekeepers, it’s more of a nice gesture. So you can use your discretion on this.
- Bellhop: $1-2 per bag.
- Concierge: $5-10 for special services like booking reservations.
- Valet Parking: For valet service, it is customary to tip $2-5 when your car is returned.
- Room Service: 15-20% if the hotel hasn’t added a gratuity, your room service slip will have that information.
- Front Desk Staff: We typically do not tip front desk staff, nor is tipping expected. If the hotel you are staying at only has front desk staff and housekeepers, typically only the housekeepers get tipped.
Transportation
Rideshare/Taxi Drivers: For a rideshare or a taxi driver, including cabbies or Uber drivers, it is customary to tip 15-20% of the fare, the lower end is more common unless the driver is super personable and carries a conversation or gives you useful suggestions.
Airport Shuttle Drivers: $1-2 per bag if they load your bags, if not we don’t typically tip.
Limo/Private Car Services: 15-20% of the fare.
Personal Services
- Hairdressers/Barbers: 15-20% of the bill. Additionally, you might tip a few dollars to the shampoo person or blowout stylist. It is uncommon to find a separate shampoo person or blowout stylist in many smaller salons in the US.
- Massage Therapists: 15-20% of the bill.
- Nail Technicians: 15-20% of the bill.
- Esthetician (nonmedical): Tips are appreciated, 15 to 20% is customary, but the amount is up to the client.
Tours and Activities
- Tour Guides: $5-10 per person for a half-day tour, $10-20 per person for a full-day tour.
- Activity Instructors (e.g., kayaking, zip-lining): $5-10 per person.
- Boats/Recreational Vehicle Rental: This can include rental delivery or training. Tips are appreciated, but not required or expected. Anything from a nominal gesture to 5-15% are some of the common tips given.
Other Services
Please note that some of these services are very uncommon to come across (except delivery drivers, we love delivery here in the States).
- Delivery Drivers (food, groceries, etc.): For food delivery or grocery delivery, it is customary to tip the delivery person 10-15% of the total bill.
- Restroom Attendants: $1-2. This service might be found in some upscale places, but I can’t recall ever coming across a restroom attendant.
- Coat Check: $1-2 per coat, we tip when we receive our coat back.
General Tips and Tipping Etiquette
- Cash Tips: Cash is by far the easiest way to tip, I usually keep small bills that I can use for tips
- Credit Card Tips: Most food-related businesses (restaurants, bars, room service, Uber eats, etc.) allow for tipping on your credit card and many will have tip amounts listed as a percentage (typically 10% to 20%) so you don’t have to do any math.
- Service Charges: Check if a service charge is included in the bill, as this may cover the tip.
What Not to Tip For
We do not tip for skilled services in the US- this includes medical service, repair service, any utility or civil service, and any kind of service provided by skilled craftsmen. While some of these services appreciate tips or snacks (see famous Reddit posts about leaving your mechanic donuts, cash, or gift cards), some cannot or will not accept tips.
Are Tipping Customs A Bit More Clear Now?
Now that you know who we tip and roughly how much to tip you can confidently solo travel in the United States. Remember, if you don’t know for sure, just ask. If you feel uncomfortable asking the worker, ask another patron, most people are happy to help. Safe travels!
