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United States Tipping Guide

Tipping Culture: Expected

Tipping Culture Visual Guide
Understand tipping customs and avoid cultural faux pas
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United States

Expected
Average Tip Amount$10-20 per meal
Restaurants
Typical Amount:15-20%

15% for adequate service, 18-20% for good service, 20%+ for excellent service

Taxis & Rideshares

15-20% of the fare

Rounding up is common
Hotels
Bellhop:

$2-5 per bag

Housekeeping:

$2-5 per night

Concierge:

$5-20 depending on service

Bars & Cafes

$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab

Tour Guides

$5-10 per person for half-day, $10-20 for full-day tours

What NOT to Do in United States
  • Never skip tipping without extremely poor service
  • Don't tip less than 15% without good reason
  • Don't forget to tip on the pre-tax amount
Cultural Context
  • Tipping is deeply ingrained in American culture
  • Many service workers earn below minimum wage, relying on tips
  • Automatic gratuity may be added for large groups (usually 18-20%)
When to Tip
  • Always at restaurants (dine-in and delivery)
  • Taxi and rideshare drivers
  • Hotel staff
  • Hair salons and spas
  • Tour guides

Tipping Etiquette in United States

Understanding tipping customs in United States is essential for respectful travel. The general tipping culture here is expected, which means tipping is an important part of service workers' income and is anticipated in most situations.

Restaurant Tipping

Standard: 15-20%
Guidelines: 15% for adequate service, 18-20% for good service, 20%+ for excellent service

Taxi Tipping

Standard: 15-20% of the fare
Round Up:

Hotel Staff Tipping

Bellhop/Porter: $2-5 per bag
Housekeeping: $2-5 per night
Concierge: $5-20 depending on service

Bar Tipping

$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab

Tour Guide Tipping

$5-10 per person for half-day, $10-20 for full-day tours

Cultural Context

Tipping is deeply ingrained in American culture

Many service workers earn below minimum wage, relying on tips

Automatic gratuity may be added for large groups (usually 18-20%)

What NOT to Do

  • Never skip tipping without extremely poor service
  • Don't tip less than 15% without good reason
  • Don't forget to tip on the pre-tax amount

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