Tipping in the USA

[Minimammoth]

I have trip coming up shortly, have never been before. Can anyone advise me on the appropriate level of tips to give. And what services expect a tip?

think its 20% for waiters

when we went we just tipped everyone!

A rule of thumb is when you get your bill, tax is shown separately. You wont go far wrong if you double the tax for the tip.

And yes, tip everyone. Taxi drivers, doormen, bar staff, waiting staff, chambermaids and concierge. It soon mounts up mind you.

Get plenty of $1 bills and keep them separate from other notes. This is to save yourself from inadvertently giving $5 or more for a small service.

Food is 10% and drinks 15% on top of the bill in my experience.

Thanks for the...er...tips

Food and drinks - usually a minimum of 18%
Doorman, bellhop etc just a few singles

This is what I usally do - not sure if it's 100% right, but I am very conscious of under tipping as Brits (esp in Florida) have a bad rep for not tipping. Bar and wait staff get crappy low wages and depend on tips so you NEED to tip unless service is crap.

20% of the pre-tax amount (or 20% of whole bill if pissed...) for food. (NOT buffet/cafeteria places - in those places just leave a few dollars for your drinks server ($5+))

$1 a drink at bars, $2 if it's for complicated mixed ones at a nice place! (or the usual 20% of the bill if you have sat all evening chatting to the bartender and have run up a tab!)

At least $2 a day left out (obviously) on the bed for housekeeping. Again, they are very low paid and need it.

$1 a bag for doormen, people who deliver your cases to your room etc.

Some restaurants add a service charge automatically so check bills carefully.

Bellhops - that's the word I was missing!

I've never heard of tipping based on the pre-tax amount of a bill. My family and I have always done the whole bill. I do 20% usually, 15% minimum if I'm a bit skint, and 10% if I'm not satisfied with service. I read once that paying any less than 10% can cut into the hourly pay of the waiter, which is usually less than $3 an hour. Something to do with how much the government taxes tip income. I haven't bothered to look up details - I am not Steve Buscemi in Reservoir Dogs when it comes to tipping. :-p Some restaurants also make the waitstaff split their tips with the busboys, bar and kitchen - they don't necessarily get to keep all of that 20%.

Some restaurants do add service charge, but this is usually only tacked on if you have a large party - say, 8 or so (at least, was the case when I waited tables).

I also tip the shuttle bus drivers at the airport that haul my suitcases into the vehicle. It is supposed to be $1 a bag, but I never have singles right away when I land, so they usually get a $5 or sometimes $10 if I'm very unprepared.

I have heard of $1 a beer at bars. If you don't tip the bartender, you will likely be politely ignored the second time you're up for someone else who does tip.

Thanks this is all helpful.

I think 15-20% is expected. From what I understand, waiters have to share their tips with the kitchen staff etc and it makes up the main part of their wage.

In the main, especially in Florida, when we tipped it was always accepted with gratitude whatever the amount but we did have one bad experience in TGI Fridays on 5th Avenue in New York when apparently our tip wasn't good enough and we were harrassed by the waiter for more money. My tip - don't go there.

I tipped the security guard who kept a discreet eye on me during my midnight strolls up and down the street during my last Florida jolly. He was lovely despite his very big gun.
I also tipped our housekeeper.

Min of 18% for waiters - many are taxed on the assumption of tips.

$1 per bag for bellhops.

A few dollars for taxi drivers.