However archaic and strange foreigners may find it, tipping is still very much a thing in America. So here’s a comprehensive guide to tipping in the USA: how much to tip, who you should tip, and why it’s even still a thing.
First of all, a common question is: Do I have to tip?
The answer is technically no, but not tipping is a huge social faux pas. People who work in services where you’re expected to tip are usually paid far below minimum wage; for example, waiters can be paid as little as $2 an hour even though the federal minimum wage is $7.25. They make up for this difference with tips.
Foreigners may think it’s ridiculous that the customer has to make up for the difference. While you may be right (this is a debate for another time), do NOT attempt to protest the system by refusing to tip. The only person you will hurt is the waiter (and the rest of the staff – waiters often share their tips) and the managers who put this system into place won’t care a bit.
It is customary to tip the normal amount even if you receive mediocre service. In fact, even if you receive below average service, many people will still tip, albeit a little less. If you receive the worst service ever, even then I would still tip, but leave maybe a penny. Leaving a really low amount like a penny is a clear sign that your service was awful; if you don’t leave anything, they may just think you forgot and won’t get the message.
The next question is, who do I tip and how much?
Transportation
Probably the first thing you’ll do after getting off the plane is get a taxi. Most likely, they’ll help you with your bags and such. Tip 15%-20% of the total, unless you feel the driver has dawdled or been remarkably inefficient. Then you’d tip about 10%.
If you use a valet service, tip $3-$5. The more ritzy the place, the more you tip, is a general rule of thumb.
Hotels
If someone opens the door for you, there’s no tip necessary. If workers help you load your bags onto a cart and wheel them up to your room, it’s usually $2-$3 per bag.
For housekeeping, it’s customary to leave a $2-$5 tip on your pillow each morning. Think it’s a bit overkill? Please remember that the housekeeper theoretically can leave your dirty towels exactly where you left them if they so wish.
If you order room service, sometimes tip will be included bill. If it’s not, slip the worker a 15-20% tip when he knocks on your door.
Restaurant waitstaff
15%-20% depending on how good your service was. It can even go up to 25% at high end restaurants. If you receive awful service, it is customary to leave a 10% tip.
If you’re eating fast food or another place where you go get your own food, a tip is not necessary.
Delivering food
I don’t know about other countries, but in America we love our delivery pizza. Tip the delivery guy 15% for mediocre service, 10% if you’ve been waiting for ages, or 20% if service was unusually quick or if you’re feeling generous.
Bartenders
I’ve heard it’s normal to tip $1 per drink, but I’m a little lacking in experience in this department (it isn’t legal to drink in America until you’re 21). For more information, read this handy article.
Tour guides
Again, 10-15% depending on how helpful they were.
So a good rule of thumb is to tip 15% for okay service, 10% for bad service, and 20% for good service. And don’t worry, I’ve lived in America my entire life and I still had to look a few of these up. If you really can’t remember if you should tip or not, or how much, feel free to ask! No one will get mad at you for trying to tip them the proper amount.
Did this guide help you? What do you think about tipping in America? Comment below!
