Tipping In USA – A Guide
August 16th, 2010 | 
Author: Tipping In USA – A Guide
Tipping is a confusing and sensitive issue with visitors. Overseas visitors are often not sure whether tipping is expected and if it is how much should they tip? In some countries such as Japan tipping is frowned upon. Other countries have different tipping rules depending on the service being offered.
Tipping is very much a part of eating out in the US. Many service providers depend on tips to make a good monthly income. Restaurants are not the only places where a tip is expected. You are expected to tip waiters bellhops taxi drivers delivery people parking attendants car wash attendants and hairdressers. Not to forget miscellaneous other service providers whom you find courteous and helpful. The problem is that it is often difficult to understand where the tipping should stop there have been cases of movie ticket booth operators and train drivers getting “tipped”. So here is a tipping guide for those struggling with unstated and bewildering US tipping norms.
Restaurants
Most middle tier restaurants in the US run on the 20 rule depending on the service you tip 15 to 20 to waiters and waitresses. If you are dining at an upscale restaurant you will be expected to tip everyone right from the waiter up to the matre dhtel and sommelier. Tip 3 for every bottle of wine and 10 to the matre dhtel for any additional services they provide.
Bars
Staff at upscale bars including those in posh hotels expects tips in the 1520 range. For smaller bars a 5 tip is enough. Bouncers get 5 too. If you are handing in your coat at the check in you will need to tip at least 2. Don’t leave a tip if there is a service fee though.
Hotels
Hotels are dangerous territory if you are new to the US tipping culture. In a five star hotel you are expected to oblige everyone from the porter to the concierge. Somewhere between them are room service staff cleaning staff shoeshine and everyone else who offers some kind of service to you. Leave 15 for room service and 10 for other services. Porters who carry your luggage to your room typically expect 1 as a basic amount and 50 of that for every additional bag carried.
Grooming Services
Hairdressers in both men’s and women’s salons are given 15 as tip. Many salons have different employees for shampooing and hair styling. The employee who shampoos your hair should be tipped separately 1 to 3 will do. If you get your shoes cleaned leave 2 as tip.
Residential Area Services
If you live in a residential area you will have to tip the guard janitor and other people who work there. If they go out of their way to do something for you leave a tip. It makes them happy and you can depend on them to do something for you again.
Holiday Season Tipping
Another time for good cheer is the Christmas season especially for people who work in your residential community. The newspaper delivery boys superintendent laundry service people just about everyone expects a tip. It is in your best interests to risk a slight overdrawing on your bank account than leave them without adequate tips; your tips will be reflected in their services for the rest of the year.
About the writer: Tipping is very considered very important in USA. Visit Travel Guide USA for a full article onTipping in the US.
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