The Do's and Don'ts of Tipping: Navigating the Unspoken Rules

The Do's and Don'ts of Tipping: Navigating the Unspoken Rules

Everyone has been in an awkward situation over tipping. You don't know whether to give something extra, and then you're concerned you haven't done enough. Or, you don't know the accepted rate for each service. To ensure you are thanking service providers in the right way, it helps to know the do's and don'ts of tipping. In this article, we will give you a useful guide to navigating the unspoken rules of tipping.


We will explore the traditional services that we regularly tip for, and explain the accepted rate of tipping. We will also share some tips and tricks to ensure you don't end up treading outside those unspoken rules. With insight into when you should (and should not) tip, you will have the knowledge you need to ensure smooth transactions every time.


Restaurants


At restaurants, it is customary to tip between 15-20% of the total bill. This is usually based on the overall quality of the service and food you received. To make calculations easier, you can double the amount of the tax on your bill and use that as a basic guideline. For example, if the tax on your bill is $4, a 15-20% tip would be between $8 and $10. When you have a large group, it is common to double the tax plus $1-$2 per person.


Bars


When you're having drinks or having a meal at a bar, you should tip between 15-20% as well. If you are served by multiple bartenders, recommended is to tip each bartender. Depending on the type of drinks you order, it is common to tip anywhere from a quarter to a dollar per drink. If you are served quickly and politely, consider adding a few extra dollars at the end.


Delivery Services


When you receive food or packages through a delivery service, it is customary to leave a 15-20% tip. You should always leave extra for the driver too if they have gone out of their way to deliver the good or service to you. This could include offering to bring the goods up multiple flights of stairs or driving in a snow storm, for example.


Hotel Room Service


When you order food or drinks to your hotel room, you should leave 15-20% of the total bill as a tip. This should be done in cash and you should also leave a few extra dollars if the order is complex or completed swiftly.


Hotel Staff


If you are staying in a hotel for a long period of time, it is common to leave a tip for the staff like the valet, housekeeping, or bell stand. For each service completed for you, it is recommended to leave $2-$5. For example, you should leave $2 for the valet, $2 - $3 for the housekeeper, and $2-$5 for a bellhop


In sum, restaurant, bars, delivery services, and hotel staff all appreciate tips when they offer their services. When you dine in a restaurant, the norm is to leave between 15-20% of the total bill. For bar services such as having drinks or food, it is also customary to leave a 15-20% tip. When you use a delivery service, you should leave 15-20% of the total bill and an extra tip for the driver if they went out of their way. Lastly, when ordering food or drinks to your hotel room, tip 15-20% of the total bill with a few extra dollars if the order was complex or completed quickly. For all hotel staff, a recommended tip is to leave $2-$5 per service. By following these guidelines, you will be sure to show your appreciation for the services you received.

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