In the United States, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, hotels, taxis, tour guides, and other service industries.
For foreigners, this “tipping culture” can be confusing.
Below, we explain everything from the basics of tipping to specific etiquette, payment methods, the concept of gratuity, and important guidelines.
1. What is Tipping?
Tipping is the act of giving a small extra payment to service providers as a gesture of appreciation.
In the United States, tipping is particularly common in the service industry, where many employees rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
2. Why is Tipping Expected?
Many service industry employees in the U.S. receive a base pay that is below minimum wage, as tips are expected to supplement their income.
For example, waitstaff in restaurants are often paid a low base wage, and tips help them make a living.
Therefore, customers are generally expected to tip if they’re satisfied with the service they receive.
3. How to Tip and Tipping Etiquette
Paying a Tip
When it comes to paying a tip, there are different methods based on how you settle the bill:
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Paying by Credit Card: If you pay by credit card, the receipt will typically have a line at the bottom labeled “Tip” or “Gratuity.” Write the tip amount here, add it to the total, and enter the new amount on the “Total” line. After signing, your tip will be included in the final payment.
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Paying by Cash: If you pay in cash, there are two common methods to leave the tip:
- Leave cash on the table and pay your bill separately. Some people place a clean cup or plate on top of the cash tip to prevent it from blowing away.
- If the bill comes in a black folder, you can place the cash tip inside along with your payment. For example, if your bill is $16.50, you could leave $20 and say, “Keep the change,” giving the server a $3.50 tip.
In cases where there is no formal bill (such as tipping a hotel bellhop or airport porter), it’s helpful to carry small bills for convenience.
What is Gratuity?
In addition to tipping, you may also encounter a “gratuity” charge on your bill, especially in restaurants or during large group dining.
Gratuity, often called a “service fee,” is an automatic charge added to your bill to cover the tip for the service staff.
This charge is usually between 15-20% of the total bill and is common in busy tourist areas like New York City.
If gratuity is already included in your bill, there is no need to leave an additional tip unless you received exceptional service and want to provide an extra gesture of appreciation.
Always review your bill to confirm if a gratuity has been added to avoid double-tipping.
Tipping in Restaurants and Bars
- Full-Service Restaurants: A tip of 15-20% of the bill is standard. If the service is exceptional, tipping more than 20% is common.
- Fast Food and Cafes: Tipping is not usually necessary for self-service or counter-service establishments.
- Bars: Generally, $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the bill.
Tipping in Hotels
- Bellhop: $1-2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: $3-5 per person per night. It’s customary to leave the tip under the pillow.
- Concierge: $1-5 for providing assistance with reservations or helpful information.
Tipping for Transportation
- Taxi or Rideshare (e.g., Uber): A tip of 15-20% of the fare is customary.
- Porters at Airports or Stations: $1-2 per bag.
4. Important Tipping Guidelines
Check for Automatic Service Charges
In restaurants, especially when dining in large groups, a “service fee” of around 18% may be automatically added to the bill.
In tourist areas like New York City, this service charge is standard.
Always review your bill to avoid double-tipping.
Situational Tipping Etiquette
- Takeout and Delivery: Generally, tipping isn’t necessary for takeout, but a small tip may be appreciated if you made special requests or received exceptional service. For food delivery, a 10-15% tip is usually expected.
- Hotel Room Service: Room service often includes a service fee, making additional tips unnecessary. However, if the service was especially good, adding a small extra tip is a thoughtful gesture.
Alternative to Tipping Poor Service
If you receive poor service, it’s generally best to leave a small tip rather than no tip at all and then discuss your concerns with the manager.
This approach can help convey feedback without completely withholding gratuity.
5. Changes in Tipping Culture and Emerging Trends
No-Tip Policies
Some restaurants have adopted “no-tip policies,” aiming to provide employees with fair wages by slightly increasing menu prices instead.
This allows customers to avoid the tipping dilemma and ensures that employees earn a stable income.
Although no-tip policies are growing in popularity, tipping remains customary in tourist-heavy and traditional service areas.
The Role of Technology
With the rise of digital payments, apps often allow users to add a tip easily.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, for instance, allow passengers to add a tip directly through the app, making it easier to tip even after the ride.
Adapting to Tipping Culture in the U.S.
Tipping is an essential part of American culture and a primary way of showing appreciation for service.
Learning the appropriate amounts and timing for tipping will help you avoid misunderstandings and embrace this unique aspect of American life.
Be mindful that certain charges, like service fees and gratuity, may be automatically included.
By understanding these tipping practices, you’ll find it easier to navigate life or travel in the U.S. and have a more comfortable experience overall.