Tipping in the USA – The Best Guide for Diners, Hotels & Taxis

Petr Novák

Tipping is a common practice in the USA. For waiters, bartenders, and some other professions, it is directly factored into their salary calculations. Similarly, the minimum wage for these workers is lower, requiring them to earn the difference through tips. How much should you tip in the USA?

Tipping in the USA – The Best Guide for Diners, Hotels & Taxis | © Petr Novák

Table of Contents
  1. The Standard Tip Amount in the USA is 15-20%
  2. Tipping Practices in Restaurants, Bars, and Hotels in the USA

The Standard Tip Amount in the USA is 15-20%

The recommended tipping amount in the USA is 15-20% of the bill amount before tax. In New York City and other major cities, tipping between 20-25% is common. This is especially true in bars and clubs, where rounding up to the nearest dollar for smaller amounts is acceptable.

In some establishments, a gratuity may be automatically added to the total bill. Look for items like “service charge,” “gratuity,” or “tip” on the receipt. If you disagree with a pre-printed tip, notify the staff. Paying a pre-printed tip is not mandatory.

In fast food restaurants, tipping is usually not expected, though it can often be done via tip jars labeled “Tips” near the cash register. Similar jars can also be found in bakeries, pastry shops, and cafés.

Tipping Practices in Restaurants, Bars, and Hotels in the USA

The tipping amounts listed below are general guidelines. If you are satisfied with the service, you may tip more.

🍽️ Tipping in Restaurants

Waitstaff and bartenders typically receive 17-20% of the total bill amount before tax. Tipping more than 20% demonstrates exceptional satisfaction. Unhappy customers usually still leave at least 15%, often politely explaining what they found unsatisfactory.

🍟 Tipping in Fast-Food Restaurants

No tip is expected, but a self-service kiosk screen may prompt you to leave one. Alternatively, you can drop spare change into a jar labeled “Tips.”

☕ Tipping in Cafés

In cafés like Starbucks, tipping is not as common, and it’s usually just small change. When ordering at a self-service terminal, you’ll likely be prompted to choose a tipping amount. Generous customers typically leave around $1.00.

🍸 Tipping in Bars

The average tip for a beer is $1.00, but you’ll make a better impression with $2.00. For cocktails, tipping $2.00 is standard, with higher tips expected for drinks that take longer to prepare. For bills with a total amount, the same rules as in restaurants apply.

🏨 Tipping in Hotels

Bellhops typically receive $2.00 per bag, with a minimum of $5.00 per guest. In cheaper hotels, tipping $1.00 per bag is common, whereas in more upscale hotels, $5.00 is typical. Housekeepers are usually tipped $1.00 to $3.00 per day, and room service deliveries typically warrant a tip of $1.00 to $2.00. Concierge services are usually tipped $5.00 to $10.00, depending on the level of effort involved.

🚕 Tipping Taxi Drivers

Customers typically tip 10-20%. Higher tips are customary for trips to locations where the driver might struggle to find another passenger. Some customers round up to the nearest dollar.

🅿️ Tipping Valet Parking Attendants

It’s customary to tip $2.00 when picking up your car, though a minimum of $1.00 is expected. A tip of $5.00 or more is considered generous.

💈 Tipping in Hair Salons

In hair salons, tipping 20% of the total bill is standard. Frugal clients may leave less than 15%, while tipping over 25% indicates great satisfaction with the service.

🛍️ Tipping in Stores

For bagging groceries, a tip of $1.00 to $3.00 is expected.

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