Traveling to the US? Here’s how to navigate the tipping minefield.

Tipping is a common practice in the United States, particularly in the service industry. It is a way to show appreciation for the quality of service received and to reward the hard work of the people who provide it. However, the appropriate percentage of tipping can vary depending on the situation. In this article, we will discuss the appropriate percentage of tipping in various situations in the United States.

  1. Restaurants Tipping in restaurants is common in the United States, and it is customary to tip between 20% and 25% of the total bill. This percentage can vary depending on the quality of service received, the location of the restaurant, and the size of the group. For example, if the service was exceptional, you may consider tipping 30% of the total bill. Conversely, if the service was poor, you may decide to leave a smaller tip or no tip at all.
  2. Bars When visiting a bar, it is customary to tip $1 to $2 per drink. If you order a complicated drink, such as a specialty cocktail, you may consider tipping more. If you are running a tab at the bar, you can tip 15% to 20% of the total bill, similar to tipping in a restaurant.
  3. Hairdressers and Barbers When getting a haircut or styling your hair, it is customary to tip between 15% and 20% of the total cost of the service. This percentage can vary depending on the quality of the service received and the location of the salon.
  4. Hotels When staying at a hotel, it is customary to tip the housekeeping staff $2 to $5 per day, depending on the quality of the service received and the size of the room. If you receive exceptional service from the concierge or other staff, you may consider tipping between $5 to $20.
  5. Delivery Services When ordering food for delivery, it is customary to tip between 10% and 20% of the total bill. This percentage can vary depending on the distance of the delivery, the complexity of the order, and the quality of service received. Similarly, when receiving other types of deliveries, such as groceries or packages, it is customary to tip the delivery driver between $5 to $10.
  6. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services When using a taxi or ride-sharing service, it is customary to tip between 15% and 20% of the total fare. This percentage can vary depending on the quality of the service received and the distance of the ride. If the driver provides exceptional service, you may consider tipping more.

Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the quality of service received and to reward the hard work of the people who provide it. The appropriate percentage of tipping can vary depending on the situation, but the general rule of thumb is between 15% and 20% of the total bill or cost of service.