I need some help understanding tipping culture in America
Discussion
I'll spend two months in the States this autumn (possibly even longer). So, the other day, I was trying to figure out some basic things, what to expect when it comes to this and that. What's up with the tipping situation? My head is spinning from everything I read, honestly. From the change in tipping culture and people wondering if everything requires a tip (I saw the word tipflation) to this recent report saying that Americans are tipping less than in the previous six years: "People are tipping less at restaurants than they have in at least six years, driven by fatigue over rising prices and growing prompts for tips at places where gratuities haven’t historically been expected." So, has any of you noticed this change, like you're expected to tip in places you weren't before? For example, do many of you tip at take-out restaurants? And how much do you usually tip if you have dinner at a restaurant? Pretty much anything you could share from your daily experience would be much appreciated.
You may want to consider requesting this be moved to the travel forum, as the viewership here isn't that high. For tipping, you won't go wrong with 15-20% in general.
20% for restaurants/sit-down meals with a server. More if you feel it was worth it, less if you expected better. The same for bars, or, depending on the value, $5-10 for a drink at a bar. Check the bill at the end, as the gratuity may be added automatically. Servers rely heavily on tips, as, depending on where you are, the federal minimum is around $2 per hour.
For hotels, some cash for the porters, valets, and per night for the housekeepers. More for the concierge if they can get you good bookings.
Cabs/taxis are probably the same as in the UK.
As a family, we don't tip often in cafes like Starbucks, but then we don't order anything weird or customized.
Tipping isn't expected with self-service or takeout. Please don't encourage tipping by doing so when using self-serve tills or kiosks, as obvious as that sounds.
20% for restaurants/sit-down meals with a server. More if you feel it was worth it, less if you expected better. The same for bars, or, depending on the value, $5-10 for a drink at a bar. Check the bill at the end, as the gratuity may be added automatically. Servers rely heavily on tips, as, depending on where you are, the federal minimum is around $2 per hour.
For hotels, some cash for the porters, valets, and per night for the housekeepers. More for the concierge if they can get you good bookings.
Cabs/taxis are probably the same as in the UK.
As a family, we don't tip often in cafes like Starbucks, but then we don't order anything weird or customized.
Tipping isn't expected with self-service or takeout. Please don't encourage tipping by doing so when using self-serve tills or kiosks, as obvious as that sounds.
Alexandra said:
You may want to consider requesting this be moved to the travel forum, as the viewership here isn't that high. For tipping, you won't go wrong with 15-20% in general.
20% for restaurants/sit-down meals with a server. More if you feel it was worth it, less if you expected better. The same for bars, or, depending on the value, $5-10 for a drink at a bar. Check the bill at the end, as the gratuity may be added automatically. Servers rely heavily on tips, as, depending on where you are, the federal minimum is around $2 per hour.
For hotels, some cash for the porters, valets, and per night for the housekeepers. More for the concierge if they can get you good bookings.
Cabs/taxis are probably the same as in the UK.
As a family, we don't tip often in cafes like Starbucks, but then we don't order anything weird or customized.
Tipping isn't expected with self-service or takeout. Please don't encourage tipping by doing so when using self-serve tills or kiosks, as obvious as that sounds.
Thank you for writing in detail; this basically tells me all I needed to know. Much appreciated! 20% for restaurants/sit-down meals with a server. More if you feel it was worth it, less if you expected better. The same for bars, or, depending on the value, $5-10 for a drink at a bar. Check the bill at the end, as the gratuity may be added automatically. Servers rely heavily on tips, as, depending on where you are, the federal minimum is around $2 per hour.
For hotels, some cash for the porters, valets, and per night for the housekeepers. More for the concierge if they can get you good bookings.
Cabs/taxis are probably the same as in the UK.
As a family, we don't tip often in cafes like Starbucks, but then we don't order anything weird or customized.
Tipping isn't expected with self-service or takeout. Please don't encourage tipping by doing so when using self-serve tills or kiosks, as obvious as that sounds.
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