Who should I tip? How much should I tip waiters, waitresses, bartenders and taxi drivers? Our guide to tipping in America will tell you everything you need to know.
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Tipping in America can seem complicated, especially if you're visiting from a place where tipping is not the norm. Here's how to keep your waiters, waitresses, bartenders and cab drivers happy, while also fighting wage inequality in the USA.
How much should you tip?
Taxi drivers
Taxi drivers should get tipped 15% of the fare, but a minimum tip is US $2.
Ridesharing services such as Lyft and Uber offer an in-app method for tipping. It's recommended to tip 15–20% for a great service, 10–15% for good service, and 10% for mediocre service. Don't forget, your Uber or Lyft driver will rate you, too.
Bartenders
Tip about US $1 per drink – even during happy hour. If your bartender is making expensive cocktails, pay up with a larger tip. If you're unsure, aim to tip 15% of the bill.
Valet
When you retrieve your car from the valet, US $2 is a standard tip. Some people also tip when dropping the car off. If your valet driver has sprinted three blocks to get your car in a timely fashion, US $5 is a nice gesture.
Bellhop/Concierge
Tip concierge US $1 per bag (US $2 minimum). When you're assisted by a skycap or porter, US $1 per bag is also advised, or US $2 per bag if your luggage is heavier.
Cafe or restaurant
Tip cafe or restaurant staff 20% for good service, 25% for excellent service, and 15-18% for below average service.
Many restaurants and cafes will recommend how much to tip at the bottom of your receipt, which removes a lot of confusion for customers. Many restaurants will include a gratuity on the bill for groups of eight or more; look over your check before paying to avoid leaving two tips.
The only time it's acceptable to not tip your waiter or waitress is if you’ve had a truly awful experience, and you’re confident it’s the wait staff’s fault. Don't take a chef's inadequacies out on your wait staff. Always communicate what the problem was before you leave; you might get a free dessert or a discount for your trouble.
For cafes or takeaway restaurants that do not offer table service, you are not typically obligated to leave a tip, thought it's always appreciated. However, you should tip around 15-20% for delivery. Tips aren't required at fast-food restaurants.
No tip is required for a barista, but dropping any loose change into the tip jar is always a nice gesture.
Hotel stays
Leave US $2–$5 a day for housekeeping staff, depending on the condition you’ve left your room. Leave a tip daily, as the same person may not be cleaning your room each day.
For room service, tip US $5 minimum, but check to make sure the tip hasn't been included on the bill.
The tipping economy extends beyond cabs, restaurants and hotels. In casinos – win or lose – tip your dealer US $5 per hour at minimum, or 10% of your buy-in. Use chips only, never cash. Tip your cocktail waitress US $1 each for free drinks (with either chips or cash).
For spa services, tip 15-20%. Tip your hairdresser or manicurist 20%. Coat checkers should get US $1 per garment.
General tipping advice
Though electronic tipping methods are increasingly common, cash tips are always appreciated. Hair or nail salons may require you tip your hairdresser or manicurist separately, rather than as part of the bill for service, so be prepared with cash, or ask if the worker would like to be paid via Venmo or a similar payment system.
If you're paying for a two-for-one special or are using a discount coupon, your tip should still be based on the full price.
Many Americans in the service industry work for low hourly wages and feed their families on the tips they earn, so failing to tip is a serious, and personal, affront. It can get ugly when confronted by an angry worker who, quite rightly, believes you’ve ripped them off.
Always tip discreetly; don’t make a big deal out of it. Don’t feel obligated to tip if the service has been unacceptable. Perhaps provide the person with polite feedback to let them know why you aren't tipping, and maybe they'll take your advice on board for future customers. But it's better speak to the manager about poor service, rather than leaving no tip at all.
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