Coming to USA soon, wondering who i should and shouldn't tip.?

Question

What is the correct tipping amounts/%? Do you tip all service areas e.g. waitress, taxi. Can we tip on how we feel the service has been? Are the tipping % just guidelines on how we should tip?

Answer 1

Americans tip for everything!  There are some people who are unable to take tips, but they will never be offended if you offer.

It depends a lot on where you'll be.  People expect higher tips if they are in an area where the cost of living is higher.  All of these are guidelines, but you should never leave a small or no tip without talking to someone about the service you received.   Ask to speak to a manager bc many service industry people have to pay taxes on a percentage of their bills.  That means if you undertip a waitress, you might actually be taking money out of her paycheck.

It is always acceptable to tip higher, especially around the end of the year.

Tip waiters 15%-20%

At a really fancy restaurant, you might be inclined to tip the Maitre'D $5-$20 if he helps you out with a late reservation or extra good table location.

Bartenders get at least $1 per drink.   For mixed drinks, you should tip the same as waiters.

Cabs are typically 10%-15%.  You should tip more if you have a good driver who know how to get through traffic quickly.

Any sort of salon service should be tipped.  If you are at a fancy salon, you should ask if they split tips or if you need to tip everyone separately. (You might have 3 different people wash, cut, and dry and style your hair)

I tip my mailman, paper delivery, and trash collectors once a year.  

Tip delivery people depending on effort and weather.  I tip furniture delivery men $5-$10 each.  Food is often 10-15%.

Answer 2

TIPPING IS NOTHING BUT A AMOUNT GIVEN TO A PERSON WHEN SHE OR HE SERVES U NICELY ITS NO NEED TO SEE OR GIVE THE AMOUNT ITS UR WISH U CAN GIVE HIM A DOLLAR OR UR WHOLE WEALTH.

Answer 3

waiteress is 15% of total food

Answer 4

I am constantly amazed at how little we Americans know about or service industry professionals. These people work (and I DO mean WORK) hard for a gratuity to support themselves. Now, as far as good tipping guidelines are concerned...At a restaurant, a tip should be 20% of your total bill. The average min. wage for a food server in this country is $2.13/hr. so don't be stingy when you receive quality service. And if you have a problem with your meal, don't "stiff" your waiter!! It may have been something out of his/her control. Ask to speak to the manager and let them know your concerns, often you will win in the long run. As for your bartender, generally $1 per drink is customary. Hotel bellman should get about $1 per item of luggage that they assist you with. Room Service generally is already included in the check. $2-5 is good for taxis. And hairstylists, manicurists, and massage therapists generally get 10% of the bill. A couple final points...Check to see if gratuity has been added to parties of 6 or more when dining out. Even if it has, it typically is 12-18% which really is unacceptable. Remember, "gratuity" comes from "gratitude" so let's show these peole how thankful we are to not have to cook, clean, drive, carry or do anything but enjoy ourselves at their establishments! :-)

Answer 5

20%

Answer 6

From my experiece... I live in a somewhat wealthy town in Florida about 2 hours south of Orlando... the tourist melting pot.  In most restaurants it is expected that atleast 10% is left and that isn't really anything great especially if you are in groups of 5+ . I work at a steakhouse and 20% of the total bill is usually what I receive. So I would suggest on meals during lunch time tip around 10-15% but for dinner more towards 20% as long as your service was what you wanted.  Also, for things such as taxis I would just leave whatever you feel is sufficient.

Answer 7

well, first off, welcome to america! and tipping is usually around 10% but it really depends on the service, if they were nice and courteous then give them a nice tip, if not then they can just take the minimum =]

keep in mind that it's different when and if you're in a bigger group

good luck!