Results are estimates. Not professional advice.
Gratuity and Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is a standard practice in many service industries to show appreciation for excellent service. While the exact amount can vary based on the country and quality of service, having a general guide helps ensure you're being fair to the service providers.
Standard Tip Percentages
15% - 20%
Restaurants (Sit-down)
10% - 15%
Taxi Drivers & Delivery
15% - 25%
Salons & Spas
Hotel Tipping Guide
Hotel tipping can be confusing because different staff members receive tips at different times and in different amounts. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate hotel tipping etiquette:
Housekeeping Staff
Tip $2-$5 per night, left daily in an envelope or with a note marked "Housekeeping." For longer stays, consider $3-$5 per night. Leave the tip in a visible location on the dresser or bathroom sink each morning. Avoid placing tips on beds or nightstands where they may be lost during sheet changes. Cash is preferred.
Bellhop / Porter
Tip $1-$2 per bag when they help you with your luggage. For heavier or special items, consider $3-$5 per bag. Tip when they deliver your bags to your room, not at check-in.
Concierge
Tip $5-$10 for simple requests like restaurant recommendations. For more complex services like securing hard-to-get reservations or tickets, tip $10-$20 or more depending on the difficulty and value of the service.
Room Service
Tip 15%-20% of the bill, similar to restaurant service. Check if a service charge is already included on the bill. If it is, you may still want to add a small additional tip for exceptional service.
Valet Parking
Tip $2-$5 when your car is returned to you. For frequent in-and-out service, tip each time. In upscale hotels, $5 is more appropriate.
Doorman
Tip $1-$2 for hailing a taxi or helping with bags. For special assistance like finding transportation during busy times, $3-$5 is appropriate.
Other Common Tipping Scenarios
Bars & Bartenders
$1-$2 per drink or 15%-20% of the total tab
Coffee Shops
$0.50-$1 per drink or round up to the nearest dollar
Food Delivery
15%-20% of the order, minimum $3-$5
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
15%-20% of the fare, or $1-$5 for short trips
Tour Guides
$5-$10 per person for half-day, $10-$20 for full-day tours
Takeout Orders
Optional: 10% or $1-$2 for large orders
How to Calculate Tip Manually
If you don't have a calculator handy, a quick trick is to find 10% first (by moving the decimal point one place to the left) and then doubling it to get 20%. For example, on a $50 bill:
- 10% of $50: Move decimal left = $5.00
- 20% of $50: $5.00 × 2 = $10.00
- 15% of $50: $5.00 (10%) + $2.50 (half of 10%) = $7.50