I'm visiting USA soon (really really soon) and need advise on tipping.
Hate tipping in general.
My understanding is 15% for any service (sit down meals, tour guides etc).
If I do a $600 helicopter ride am I expected tip another 15%?
What other tricky tipping situations should I expect to arise?
What tricks can I use to avoid tipping :D
Never used Uber before and was thinking about using it to get around in the US, is it expected to tip the driver like you would a taxi?
All those that say " I don't tip " or " I don't agree with tipping " try this. Tip say $50 when you are SEATED at a restaurant. Through the course if the night watch the tables around you. I guarantee you they are not treated the same way & that your night will be a most memorable evening… Money makes the world go around!
Very interesting post. I am visiting USA with family, later this year. We may be ordering frequently via UberEats (and similar companies). Are we expected to tip the delivery person/ rider? If so, any suggestions on what to tip? Thanks.
Yes, yes you are. And to be honest, even in Australia it's not uncommon to tip your delivery guy. C'mon! hahaha The dude who brings me pizzas gets a $5 every time, it's the least I can do if someone is willing to work for minimum wage on a Sunday night.
In the US, tip around 10-15% of your order. I'd only go over if the driver went out of his way to serve me or if it is a particularly hard place to deliver to
But UberEats drivers do not work on a fixed wage. From internet based sources "Drivers are paid for each delivery based on an equation that contains a pickup fee, a drop-off fee, and a mileage fee that covers the distance from picking up the food to dropping it off at the customer." While tipping at a restaurant in a country with a strong tipping culture makes sense, I cant get myself to justify paying 15% of my order to the delivery guy who is not working on a minimal wage.
You obviously don't know any UberEats delivery guys/girls… they make bare minimum money and it is the very fact they're not bound to a minimum wage that allows UberEats to get away with a lot more than would legally be ok in other cases. Some shifts they're lucky to see $15/hr and we're talking about Australia where that kind of wage would be illegal in any industry… so they have to count on the very busy shifts and hope they get the odd tip to balance things out.
Source: I know at least 20 ppl either are or have worked for UberEats. And don't even start me on Deliveroo…
Quick tip: ask to see an itemized receipt (somewhat equivalent to a tax invoice). If you ask just for a receipt, you may only get a credit card slip that shows the amount paid. Reason being, SOME places will automatically put a tip on the bill. But the credit card slip still has a spot for an additional tip. The server will REALLY like if you add an additional tip on top of the tip. Not all are doing this to be dishonest, so don't immediately assume that, but still….
When paying with Groupon or using coupons, it's standard practice to tip on what the full cost would have been.
People argue whether to tip pre or post tax. I base it on post tax.
Tipping for decent service used to be 10% (this was AGES ago), then 15%, now 18% (and of course 18% is harder to calculate than 20%, so we're edging toward 20% being the normal). The argument was that the servers needed the higher percentage because of inflation. That's pure BS because inflation causes ALL prices to go up, including the meal at your table-service restaurant. So if a meal used to be $20 and 15% of that is $3 and now the meal costs $30…15% of that is $4.50. But now they're getting a $6 tip (if you tip 20%) so…yeah.
A lot of states have an extremely low minimum wage for servers ($2.13/hr, that's not a typo), but NOT all. Technically it's (at least) $7.25/hr, because if a server doesn't make enough in cash tips the business has to make up the difference. But virtually no one actually claims they don't make enough in tips, because that's a sure way to be let go due to "low performance". That said, many states have the minimum wage set at the higher $7.25/hr rate (or even higher) for wait staff. Here's a handy site: https://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm . But do note that you're expected to tip the same amount regardless of the state's minimum wage laws.
Quick list of who to tip:
List of who NOT to tip:
Note that if asked, of COURSE an individual would say you're supposed to tip them. They may also give you a sob story. Now, it may or may not be true, just know that hardly anyone will say "oh no, you're not supposed to give ME any extra money" or point out that they get paid higher than minimum wage.
Oh, and someone asked if a person gets to keep all of their tips. I can't speak for everyone, but my wife was a waitress ages ago, and she would have to tip out the bus boy and the bartender at a bare minimum. Cooks and hostesses are often tipped as well. So if you don't tip your waitress, you are literally costing her money (she still needs to tip out the other support staff regardless). This is the reason that 10% is regarded as the minimum even for poor service. If you're going to tip even lower than that, you better be complaining to the manager (because a legit complaint against the level of service is the only reason to go lower than 10%).
You're supposed to tip the Shuttle bus drivers? I've never seen that. Some of these Shuttle buses carry 50 people. Assuming he makes 2 trips an hour, if everyone gave him $1 he'd be on $100 per hour + what his company gives him.
We had a complementary shuttle from our RV park to the casino/town in Vegas. Had been on it a couple of times before we realised virtually everyone else was tipping. Oops
Look at the dash as you get off. Do you see a jar with money in it? You're expected to tip. If you don't see a jar with money in it…do you see a guy standing there (maybe the driver, maybe an assistant) semi-discretely accepting tips? You're expected to tip. If there is a guy standing there, you'll see a mix of people either ignoring him completely, or stopping very briefly; the guy taking tips will likely nod and be saying something to the ones who stop briefly (something like "thank you"). Just have a couple dollars ready and see what everyone else is doing.
I'm sure they CAN make some good money, but it really depends. #1, you're assuming that everyone tips in the US. We don't. I'll admit to not always tipping (but half of the time it's because I didn't know…I didn't realize I should tip someone who cuts my hair until I paid once with a debit card, and there was a spot for a tip…ack!). #2, you're also assuming they are driving full shuttle buses all day long. It may only be busy for a few hours total per day, worse if you're a shuttle driver taking people to a cruise port (you'll be busy for several hours for the first half of the day when a ship is in, and there likely isn't a ship in port every day).
OP, ignore the posts saying 'Don't tip because we don't tip here in Oz'. You can group those plebs with the Chinese tourists that don't know how to behave in a civilised manner here. You're in their country so abide with their customs, even if you don't agree with it.
Minimum 20% tip is typically a good amount and you'll be treated very well during your stay. This is especially true in restaurants and bars if you're out with friends. You'll notice the bartenders/waiters will attend to your group very quickly and make sure you're well accommodated.
If you're not sure if you should tip in a situation, just tell the person you're not too familiar with the tipping customs and ask if you should tip, very simple.
Simple, just don't tip. You don't HAVE to. I go to Vegas regularly and tip very, very few places.
Just don't go to the same place twice as they will likely remember.
Once you get your head around the whole 'tip is part of the price' concept then tipping isn't so bad, for the small stuff it can be kinda fun actually, $1 for him, $2 for her, like you're in an American movie lol
Restaurants tips are a bit more pricy but again 'tip is part of the price' and that price is generally a whole lot less than a comparative meal would cost in Australia.
Service is generally amazing though. The wait staff are actual professionals rather than the part time students and other min wage workers you get here in Australia.
They are engaging and attentive, never feels like they are reading off a script like in Australia. They never come interrupting at the wrong moment, but always right there when you need something. All the meals will be ready and arrive at the same time, and your waiter will know who ordered what and won't be wandering around asking 'who ordered the chicken' etc They know they whole menu have tried every dish, and can advise on any aspect of the food/drinks. You glass will never sit empty on the table, as soon as you're empty your waiter will be there to remove the empty glass and ask if you want another. Empty plates and unused glasses and other table clutter are removed promptly, not sitting around all over the table like we are used to lol. You can make weird requests and it will be done, I've seen people specifying random things how many ice cubes they want in their water and it's all done with a smile.
After you've experienced great service it's always pretty disappointing back home. I'd be glad to tip here if we got professional service like that.
What Disneyland movie have you walked into? That might be your experience but, over the years, I’ve been to the US quite a bit, and eaten out here a lot, but I’ve not noticed the US wait staff are appreciably better than ours. If you are friendly you get treated pretty good in either place. The difference is the US people know you are forced to tip them.
Rather glad that people don't pick me for Australian while overseas and that I can say I'm from somewhere else given many of the comments posted.
Its rather embarrassing reading through many of the comments and understand why Australians aren't seen very well in some parts of the world.
As for tipping.
Yes do it, its part of how things are in the US.
Having several trips a year to the US yes you should tip at restaurants, cabs, uber (via app) and hotel staff (Housekeeping, concierge, people who do valet parking etc). Most of its been covered in other posts but you get the idea, service based lower skilled jobs and hospitality related stuff for the most part.
You wouldn't tip doctors or lawyers or anyone in professional positions.
Yes its weird at first but it becomes a normal thing and you get used to it.
Can anyone give some insight into tipping when travelling as a group? Do we have to tip 4x the tip just because there's 4 of us, but exact same service if there was just 1 person? Ie. Taxi
Cab's, restaurants etc just base it off the value of the service or meal as in most of the other posts.
It's not X% per person handing over tips each, its just a X% of the total of the bill.
If you're all paying your own way as such just a few bucks each (at the percentage you find appropriate within reason) thrown in together to make up an acceptable tip for the full order value so some might chip in more than others depending on the order, cash for this kinda stuff is easiest. I do pretty much everything on card for restaurants and uber so just work out a percentage, add it on and try work it out to round numbers.
I keep small notes on hand for hotels staff and bars where often you're already paying cash.
Check for anything about larger groups as often groups of 6+ incur an automatic gratuity built in to the invoice for service for a group that size or bigger.
I've not come across that in groups smaller than 6, but just check the invoices before making payment so you're not doubling up.
For Cab's or uber maybe just rotate who pays (unless its a family group I guess) and then one person picks up the ride and the tip and next time someone else pays. Unless everyone only wants to pay their exact share, in which case good luck.
Its not that scary, tipping or the USA. Lots to see, plenty of nice people, great food and shopping.
I'd not let any of the BS in various other posts put you or anyone else off going.
There's really no hard and fast rule, but…
Cab, should be fine tipping 10-15% of the total fare. Regardless of how many people. If you have luggage, about $2 for the first bag and $1 each additional for anything they have to handle (so let them get the heavy stuff, you take the smaller stuff in the cab with you). So if the cab ride was $40 and the driver put five bags total in the trunk (boot), I wouldn't tip less than $10. $15 is just a tad generous. Feel free to tip more if he/she really went out of their way (i.e., you got a really nice "free" tour out of the deal and some great info to boot).
If we're talking about a tour group, again, either method should be fine. 10-15% of the total price paid, or a few bucks per person. If it's not obvious that your group is traveling together (you're all spread out on the bus), I'd recommend individually tipping a few bucks each. If it is obvious you are traveling together (mom is wrangling kids while dad brings up the rear), it's fine for just one person to leave a larger tip to cover everyone.
The worst are the dudes in bar dunnies that sit on the little stools next to the sinks. I remember going to one joint and every time I took a piss the dude who put a bit of soap in my hand and offered me some after shave would expect a tip, by the end of the night I was just holding it in.
Lol i read that as "Tripping in the USA", got excited, clicked on it only to realise its just about "Tipping" ..meh im out.
I just came back from a 3 week trip in the US and I think you just have to use common sense and your own judgement. At the end of the day, it is your money and those guys can yell/be upset/scream as much as you want, but technically tipping is up to you.
It is true that Americans are used to tipping (just as much as they tend to put listed prices as before tax and seem to be really comfortable having their credit cards disappear when their payment is being processed). I have my own opinions on the tipping culture and how Americans seem to view it, but I am digressing from the question if I were to explain it here.
Apart from restaurants (which has suggested percentages printed), I don't think there is any hard and fast rule (and everyone would probably have some opinions). In general, you would tip the hotel ppl (bell man, concierge, etc)… amount is up to you and it depends on the establishment. From my experience in New Orleans (reaction from the hotel bellman was immediate), $10 seems generous and $5 seems acceptable. One thing that you might not be aware of (which I was surprised with) is that housekeeping do accept tips, so don't leave any money around… they would just take it and expect that you leave tips. One hotel we stayed in actually had an envelope for this.
Another thing that seems weird is that in the US, many airports have what they call kerbside check-in where you just put your luggages on the kerb and someone will check those in for you. These people EXPECT tips (one Southwest staff in Orlando told me that straight up), even though the airline websites just say something "gratuities are welcome but not mandatory"… so if you see something like that, it means "we want tips".
Other places are a bit more straight forward and says things like "it is customary in the US to give 18% tips, etc". From memory, there was only 1 place that said "we're not a tipping establishment", but put something like 18% tax on the bill… which is basically mandatory tip
This is the rule i followed while i was there (and i didn't receive any weird look, screaming, or yelling):
- Put 10% tip and round up to the nearest dollar to what you think is reasonable(I just put the number 10% as I think it's ridiculous to have 18%, 20%… Isn't it better for them to put the price up by 18% to 20%, pay their staff an actual wage, make tipping really really optional, and it's australia)… again that's my view
- Tip where you think it's reasonable (e.g. some bus/shuttle drivers may deserve it, but if you feel like giving your money as tips to the doorman/concierge for whatever reason, do so.. it's your money)… I tipped a bus shuttle driver as he was really nice and helpful… It was only $2-3 from memory
- Make sure you have $1 bill always… you just never know who you need to give tips to.
- Surprisingly, some places like coffee shops and other takeaway places accept tips even for takeaway (I don't know why)… takeaways seem to be more easy going, but I see most ppl in business attires when they were getting their morning/afternoon coffee
- Street vendors (there are plenty of street food in the US) also take tips and i was surprised how Americans do tip quite generously to those guys… I think tipping is just ingrained in their culture.
Have fun and enjoy the country… there are several things that might shock you (tipping is probably not one of those)… but it was my first trip and one thing I took away was "I am so glad to be living in Australia"
Hairdressers need to be tipped, found out the hard way.
So what happened?
Pro tip: Free pouring of spirits is done in many bars in the USA…. some bartenders ‘reward’ their better tippers.
I found this the most useful advice on tipping:
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel-g191-s606/United-State…
There are a heap of useful forums for the US on TripAdvisor. Enjoy your trip!
Dup
Get a tipping calculator on your phone. Tip at restaurants that you are sitting at, not fast food or coffee shops like Starbucks.
Tip your Taxi/Uber Driver
Tip the bus driver with a $1 or $2
My personal opinion is they should pay people a proper wage and then don’t tip. In my experience you don’t really get better service from the tipping culture and if they think the tip is too small they get surly. Every time you look at a menu you do the “add in the tax and tip” dance in your mind. Just can’t be bothered with the hassle anymore. My two “go to places” in America are San Francisco and New Orleans, but I won’t cry buckets if I never go back to America again.
Agreed. America is a one and done place for me. The "greatest" country in the world is laughable. Besides its national parks it really isn't great at all.
I think a viewing of the opening scene of Reservoir Dogs is in order.
Love that scene!
America land of the extra gratuities and toxic commercialism.
Tip $1 per drink at bars. 15% at restaurants is the minimum unless you got terrible service. For excellent service, tip 20%. Nearly all places have excellent service though, pretty much everywhere the staff go above and beyond.
Things I didn't expect - you have to tip the people who clean your hotel rooms, and you have to tip the croupiers/dealers at casinos.
Be wary of restaurants that bring you the bill where you write in the tip amount at the bottom, and then use your card to pay - they will often put the total including the tip into the EFT machine which then prompts you to tip a second time. This caught us out twice before we cottoned on.
Tipping in USA is not compulsory. Not sure where anyone gets idea that it is.
If you get terrible service you should see the restaurant manager & ask for bill to be reduced. Forget about tipping.
We tip a few dollars at proper restaurants by leaving some cash. Never ever more than 10% usually way less. The suggested tipping % on the bill, are put there to make the staff happy.
Many Americans no longer tip. At a very good restaurant in New York recently. Food wasn't cheap, neither were drinks, but on menu, it said no tipping required, so we didn't tip. Service was great & apparently many people wanted to work there, as they paid a good hourly rate.
So its interesting that in Australia in general we don't tip. BUT we have this recently breaking huge furore over "wage theft" in the Hospitality (and probably others)industry.
No such concept of "wage theft" in the US.
They expect the end user to supplement a wage.
I really don't know but I assume to have endemic tipping, the US must have "weak" employer laws and tax laws. Here it is the liability of the employer to pay tax and super etc on behalf of the employee.
Can you imagine the uproar here if the OZ government changed the system and said " We are changing the wage law, everyone in a service industry is getting 15% less to ensure that end users get good service. It will be up to the customer to decide whether or not you get it.."
The place would get burned down.
The problem is you are expected to tip whether you get good service or not and the percentage amount of money to be tipped is going up. The American system is so broken that they, usually, don’t include taxes in their pricing and, in my experience, this is even at department stores; so it is difficult to know what the bill is until it arrives. They really need to get over themselves and pay a decent wage, include their taxes in the pricing, and stop fooling themselves they are cheap. Frankly I’m happier with Australian service, there isn’t the dance of “just how big is the tip going to be”. I can relax and pay the bill and, maybe, kick in a bit more if the service really is exceptional.
This is true i had to physically stop my Aunties from California here from tipping everyone when they came down for my wedding! in Australia we dont tip unless you really really want too!
They feel bad because they dont understand that the low skilled workers here make a decent hourly rate unlike in the USA