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Tipping Etiquette Guide
Tipping practices vary widely around the world, with expectations differing based on location, service type, and cultural norms. In countries like the United States and Canada, tipping is an essential part of the service industry, while in other regions, it may be less common or even considered offensive.
Standard Tip Rates by Country
| Country/Region | Restaurant | Taxi | Hotel Staff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 15-20% | 15-20% | $1-5 per service | Tipping is expected and often makes up a significant portion of service workers' income |
| Canada | 15-20% | 10-15% | $2-5 per service | Similar to US, though slightly less expected for some services |
| United Kingdom | 10-15% | 10% | £1-2 per service | Service charge often included; additional tipping is optional |
| Australia | 0-10% | 0-10% | Not expected | Tipping is not customary as service workers receive higher wages |
| Japan | Not expected | Not expected | Not expected | Tipping can be considered rude or confusing |
| China | 0-10% | Not expected | Not expected | Tipping becoming more common in tourist areas but not traditional |
| France | Service included | 5-10% | €1-2 per service | "Service Compris" means tip is included; small additional tips for exceptional service |
| Italy | Service included | 5-10% | €1 per service | "Coperto" (cover charge) often included; rounding up the bill is common |
| Mexico | 10-15% | 10% | 10-20 pesos | Tipping expected in tourist areas; less so in rural regions |
| India | 5-10% | Rounding up | 20-50 rupees | Service charge often included; additional tipping is appreciated |
US Tipping Guidelines by Service Type
In the United States, tipping is a significant part of the service economy. Here's a comprehensive guide to tipping across various service categories:
| Service Type | Recommended Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Server | 15-20% of pre-tax bill | 20% for exceptional service; 15% for standard service |
| Bartender | $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab | Higher percentage for complex cocktails |
| Food Delivery | 15-20% of order total | Minimum $3-5; more for bad weather or difficult locations |
| Taxi/Rideshare | 15-20% of fare | Add extra for help with luggage or exceptional service |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $3-5 per night | Leave daily as different staff may clean each day |
| Hotel Bellhop | $1-2 per bag | Minimum $5 total |
| Hairstylist/Barber | 15-20% of service cost | Consider tipping assistants separately ($5-10) |
| Spa Services | 15-20% of service cost | Check if gratuity is already included |
| Tour Guide | 15-20% of tour cost | $5-10 for free tours; more for private or full-day tours |
| Valet Parking | $2-5 | Tip when car is returned |
Tax & Splitting
Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Tipping
One common question when calculating tips is whether to base the tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount of the bill. While there's no universal rule, here are the considerations:
- Pre-tax tipping: Technically, the traditional etiquette is to calculate the tip based on the pre-tax amount, as the tax portion goes to the government, not the service provider. This approach is considered the proper method by many etiquette experts.
- Post-tax tipping: Many people find it simpler to calculate the tip based on the total bill amount (including tax), especially when the tax rate is relatively low. This method results in a slightly higher tip and is increasingly common in practice.
In reality, the difference is usually small (for example, on a $100 bill with 8% tax, the difference between a 20% pre-tax and post-tax tip is just $1.60). Many diners choose to tip on the post-tax amount for simplicity or generosity.
How to Split Bills Fairly
Group dining often leads to the question of how to split the bill fairly. Here are several approaches:
- Equal Split: Divide the total (including tip) by the number of people. This works best when everyone ordered items of similar value.
- Pay for What You Ordered: Each person calculates their own items, tax, and tip. This is most equitable when there are significant price differences in orders.
- Proportional Split: Calculate what percentage of the pre-tip total each person's order represents, then apply that percentage to the final bill (including tip).
- Split by Couples or Groups: Divide the bill by the number of payment units rather than individuals.
Digital payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App have made splitting bills much easier. Many restaurant point-of-sale systems now also offer the ability to split checks by seat or item.
Handling Special Situations
When Service Is Poor: While it may be tempting to leave no tip for poor service, in countries where tipping is customary, a reduced tip (10% in the US) is generally more appropriate than no tip at all. Consider speaking with a manager about serious service issues rather than withholding the tip entirely.
Automatic Gratuity: Many restaurants add an automatic gratuity (typically 18%) for large groups (usually 6-8 or more people). Check your bill carefully to avoid double-tipping. Additional tipping on top of this amount is optional and only necessary for exceptional service.
All-Inclusive Resorts: Even at all-inclusive resorts where tipping is technically included, small tips ($1-5) for exceptional service are appreciated and often expected, particularly in North America and the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Tip on Tax or Pre-Tax Amount?
Etiquette experts generally recommend tipping on the pre-tax amount, as the tax portion goes to the government, not the service provider. However, many people find it simpler to calculate based on the total bill. According to a survey by the Emily Post Institute, either approach is acceptable, though pre-tax tipping is technically the traditional standard.
How Much Should I Tip for Takeout Orders?
For standard takeout orders, tipping is not as expected as it is for table service, but 5-10% or a few dollars is appreciated, especially during busy times or for complex orders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many etiquette experts recommended tipping takeout staff more generously (15-20%) due to increased risks and workloads. For curbside pickup, where staff brings the order to your car, a tip of 10-15% is appropriate.
Is It Ever Okay Not to Tip?
In countries where tipping is customary (like the US), tipping is generally expected for services where it's the norm, even when service is subpar. For truly poor service, a reduced tip (10% instead of the standard 15-20%) sends a message while acknowledging that servers often rely on tips for their livelihood. In countries where tipping is not customary or is even considered offensive (like Japan), following local customs is appropriate.
How Should I Handle Tipping When Traveling Internationally?
Research tipping customs before traveling to a new country. In many European countries, service charges are often included in the bill, and additional tipping is minimal (rounding up or adding 5-10%). In Japan and some other Asian countries, tipping may be considered rude. In tourist areas worldwide, service workers may have come to expect tips from Americans even if it's not local custom. When in doubt, ask your hotel concierge about local practices.
Should I Tip Differently for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner?
The standard tipping percentage (15-20% in the US) generally remains the same regardless of the meal. However, since breakfast and lunch typically cost less than dinner, the actual tip amount will be lower. Some people tip a slightly higher percentage for dinner service, which often involves more attentive service and a longer dining experience, but this is a personal choice rather than an expectation.
How Do I Calculate the Tip When I Have a Coupon or Discount?
Etiquette experts recommend tipping based on the original, pre-discount amount of the bill. This is because the server provided the same level of service regardless of any promotions or discounts you received. For example, if your original bill was $100 but you had a 50% off coupon, you should still calculate your tip based on the $100 amount.
What's an Appropriate Tip for All-Inclusive Resorts?
While tips are technically included in the price of all-inclusive resorts, small additional tips are often appreciated and sometimes expected, particularly in North America and the Caribbean. Consider $1-2 per drink at the bar, $5 per day for housekeeping, and $5-10 per person for a special dinner service. Some resorts have a no-tipping policy; in these cases, respect their rules.
How Much Should I Tip for Food Delivery in Bad Weather?
During inclement weather (rain, snow, extreme heat or cold), it's considerate to increase your standard delivery tip. While the normal range might be 15-20%, consider tipping 20-25% or more during challenging weather conditions. Delivery drivers face increased risks and difficulties during bad weather, and the extra recognition is both appropriate and appreciated.
Should I Tip Differently for Counter Service vs. Table Service?
Yes, tipping expectations differ between counter service and table service. For full table service, 15-20% is standard in the US. For counter service where you order at a register but food is brought to your table, 10% or a few dollars is appropriate. For pure counter service (like coffee shops), tipping is optional but appreciated, typically $1-2 or rounding up to the nearest dollar.
How Do I Handle Tipping When Splitting a Check?
When splitting a check, each person should calculate their tip based on their portion of the bill. If the bill is split equally regardless of what each person ordered, the tip should also be split equally. Digital payment apps make this process easier. If one person is paying the entire bill with plans for others to reimburse them, agree in advance whether the reimbursement will include a proportional share of the tip.
Is the Tipping Percentage Different for Large Groups?
Many restaurants automatically add a gratuity of 18-20% for large groups (typically 6-8 or more people). This policy exists because serving large groups requires more coordination and often results in a longer table occupancy time. Check your bill to see if gratuity is already included to avoid double-tipping. If you receive exceptional service beyond the automatic gratuity, you can add an additional tip at your discretion.
Should I Tip on Alcohol the Same as Food?
Yes, the standard practice is to tip the same percentage on alcohol as on food. While some argue that opening a $100 bottle of wine requires the same effort as opening a $30 bottle, servers are typically taxed based on their total sales, and alcohol service requires knowledge and responsibility. For very expensive bottles (over $150), some diners opt to tip a slightly lower percentage, but this is a personal choice rather than an established rule.
How Much Should I Tip for Room Service?
For hotel room service, check if a service charge and/or gratuity is already included in the bill, which is common. If a service charge is included but gratuity is not, add 5-10%. If neither is included, tip 15-20% of the total bill. Consider giving an extra $2-5 directly to the delivery person, especially for prompt service or special requests.
Is It Better to Tip in Cash or on a Credit Card?
Cash tips are generally preferred by service workers as they receive them immediately and may have more flexibility in reporting them for tax purposes. However, credit card tips are perfectly acceptable and often more convenient for customers. Some establishments pool and distribute tips, in which case the method of payment makes little difference to the individual server.
How Has Tipping Culture Changed in Recent Years?
Tipping culture has evolved significantly, with digital payment systems now often suggesting tip percentages (sometimes starting at 20% or higher) and tip prompts appearing in contexts where tipping was previously uncommon. According to a CreditCards.com survey, average tip amounts increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. There's also growing debate about the tipping system itself, with some restaurants experimenting with no-tipping policies and service-included pricing models.
References and Further Reading
Wikipedia References
Scientific Studies
- A 2023 Cornell University study (DOI: 10.1177/095679762311786) analyzed tipping behaviors across income brackets, finding that middle-income earners often tip at higher percentages than high-income individuals.
- Research from the Journal of Economic Psychology (2020) found that customers tip more when servers write "Thank you" on the bill, demonstrating the impact of perceived gratitude on tipping behavior.
- A 2021 study in the Journal of Consumer Research examined how digital payment interfaces influence tipping decisions, with suggested tip amounts significantly impacting final tip percentages.