Note: There are no hard and fast rules about tipping, nor are there laws requiring tipping in the United States. The list below are generally accepted guidelines. |
Waiters/Waitresses:
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15% – 20% for average – good service, More for exceptional service.
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Headwaiter/captain:
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May get a cut of table server’s tip; so tip your server extra to reward captain, or tip captain separately.
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Bartenders:
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$1 – $2 a round -or- 15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, $1 per alcoholic drink
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Cocktail Waitresses:
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$1 – $2 per drink
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Sommelier or wine steward:
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15% of cost of the bottle
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Buffet Servers:
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At least $1 per head if you get your own beverages. If you order beverages (or more) from the server, then you should tip 10-20% of the bill based on service quality.
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Coatroom attendant:
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$1 per coat
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Room Service:
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15% – 20%. You may want to see if gratuity has already been included in the tab.
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Valet Attendant:
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$2 – $5 average for each trip to the car, more may be appropriate given conditions. (Like weather or location)
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Pool Attendant:
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$1 – $2 for each service (providing towels or lounge chairs)
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Showroom Maitre d’:
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$1 – $2 for preassigned seats. For unassigned seating, you may tip according to where you want to sit (usually a tip over $50 will guarantee your seat)
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Washroom attendant:
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50 cents to $1
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Taxi driver:
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Varies depending on locality. Assume 15% will be enough; an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags.
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Food delivery person:
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The Greater of 15% of the bill or $3.00. Should tip 20% or more for a difficult delivery.
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Grocery loader:
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Check with store policy if tips are accepted. If so, $1 for bringing bags to car; $1.50 to $3 if you have more than 3 bags.
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Barber:
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15% to 20%, minimum $1, for a haircut. For other services (shampoo, shave or manicure) tip $1 to $2 to service provider.
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Hairdresser:
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15% to 20%. (It is acceptable to tip owner, unless he or she says otherwise.)
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Shampoo person:
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$2
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Manicurist:
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15%
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Spa service:
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15% to 20%. If service is provided by owner, no tip.
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Coffee/food retailers w/ tip jars:
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Tip is optional.
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Handyman:
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Tip is optional.
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Gas attendant:
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Tip is optional.
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Skycap at airport:
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$1 per bag if you check-in curbside; $2 per bag if skycap takes bags to check-in counter.
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Hotel doorman:
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$1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person for hailing a cab
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Hotel bellhop:
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$1 per bag for bringing luggage to your room (but a $2 minimum if you have just one bag)
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Hotel housekeeper:
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$2 to $5 per night
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Hotel concierge:
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$5 for getting you tickets or reservations ($10-plus if they’re hard to get). No tip required when you ask for directions.
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Cruise:
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Varies. Ask cruise line about customary gratuities.
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Movers:
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Tip is optional, but recommended.
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Tattoo/Body Piercing: | 20%. More for custom or difficult work. Tattoo touch-ups min. $10, Jewelry insertions min. $5.00. | |
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If you have information about tipping standards, customs or practices anywhere around the world please contact us. We are always looking to improve our data and expand our knowledge base.
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