The U.S. is a tipping country, and many people struggle with how to tip correctly. Based on a summary report by CNN on March 2nd, we’ve listed some tipping references for you below.
First, the parking attendant. If they greet you with a smile throughout the service, provide a ticket for your luggage, and share an unspoken understanding with you, then giving them $5 (about 31.4 RMB) when you retrieve your car is appropriate.
Next, the bellhop. Tip $2 (about 12.5 RMB) for the first piece of luggage, and $1 (about 6.3 RMB) for each additional piece.
Then, the front desk staff. They can provide information about good nearby restaurants and help you successfully book hard-to-get reservations, so the tip can range from $5 to $20 (about 125.5 RMB) depending on the situation.
Then there’s the taxi driver (10%–20% of the fare), who takes you to the restaurant you want to go to. If you want a good window seat, remember to secretly slip the maître d’ $10 (about 62.7 RMB). If you order wine, don’t forget to tip the sommelier (discretionary), and of course, the essential restaurant server (15%–20% of the meal cost) and the restroom attendant (tip $1 if they give you towels and mints; tip more if there’s an emergency or quick marriage advice).
Back at the hotel, if you find your room has been properly prepared, you should also tip the invisible but important housekeeper—around $2 to $5 per day depending on the situation.
If you need other services, you might also tip the massage therapist and hairdresser (15%–20% of the service price), airport porters ($1 per bag, $2 for heavier ones), and tour guides (ideally around 15% of the day’s travel cost).
At some non-chain pizza shops, gourmet taverns, and ice cream stores, you can also pay tips by card. You can choose on the screen to tip 10%, 15%, 18%, or 25% of the bill, up to 30% (if you ordered something special). The staff won’t look at what you chose out of politeness. Of course, there’s also an option at the bottom of the screen to not tip. If you choose not to, don’t worry about anyone’s disapproval—customer is king, and whatever you do is fine.
Social Contract
Besides customs officers (tipping is not recommended), are there any service workers in the U.S. that don’t require tips?
“Tipping service workers in the U.S. is a kind of social contract,” says Michael Lynn, a professor at Cornell University and an expert in consumer psychology, explaining the significant socio-economic impact of tipping. “When tourists come to the U.S. and accept the services provided by the staff here, it’s as if they implicitly agree to this contract. Tipping according to custom aligns with our national norms.”
No one is legally obligated to tip. According to a survey by renowned economist Ofer Azar, Americans voluntarily pay nearly $40 billion (about 251 billion RMB) in tips each year, little by little, without any legal requirement.
The U.S. imported the concept of tipping from Europe and made many improvements upon adopting it. Initially, the tipping system was not popular in the U.S., and in the early 20th century, six states even explicitly outlawed it. There was once a U.S. anti-tipping social organization (mainly composed of street vendors) that even labeled a Humphrey Bogart movie (at least one) as anti-American.
However, the tipping system in the U.S. has survived such an environment and continued to thrive. Foreign visitors nowadays might find it bizarre, but the U.S. has always taken tipping more seriously than any other time or place. A recent study by a U.S. university shows that 44% of Americans hope restaurant employees would receive higher base salaries rather than relying solely on tips.
Now, most U.S. states allow employers to implement a tip credit system, which ensures employees receive at least $2.13 (about 13.4 RMB) in tips, thereby reducing their minimum hourly wage.
Ubiquitous Tip Jars
On the other hand, compared to Europe, where tips are directly included in the bill, 95% of Americans still prefer to tip. However, as the domestic tourism market in the U.S. heats up, many cruise tours offered in port cities (like Miami) attract more and more foreign tourists—some of whom are reluctant to tip, while others pay reluctantly just to be polite.
“Heck, I hate the American tipping habit,” a New Zealand businessman complains. “I just wish Americans could understand foreigners like us who don’t know how or why to tip—or at least not ask for small bills. I think replacing wages with tips is terrible,” says a seasoned backpacker in New York. “We’re certainly willing to give servers reasonable tips, but the total with the bill does get a bit expensive.”
Let’s put all the complaints aside for now. What’s the right amount to tip to satisfy both sides? When should you tip? And why did it change from 25% of the total to 18%? Also, what about those ubiquitous tip jars by the cash register—can they really measure a person’s conscience? Is there a perfect tipping guide that can answer all these questions?
“There isn’t one authoritative tipping guide,” Professor Lynn says. “Experts have done a lot of research on how to tip correctly, and the issue is indeed somewhat complex—it’s often not straightforward.”
However, from Professor Lynn’s research, it can be found that the general tipping suggestions in travel guides and the actual tipping behavior compiled from small academic studies online are largely consistent. He also points out that Americans tip not only to get better service but also for other reasons, including social norms, alleviating guilt, and a general sense of basic moral obligation.
The good news is, if you’re just visiting the U.S., you can set aside all the reasons for tipping. But you should still tip—no reason needed. This doesn’t mean you have to add 30% to an already pricey meal, but at least tip 10%, unless you’re genuinely unhappy or pretending you’re still in 1958 (and even then, only if you’re in Ohio, not Copenhagen).
“Research shows people still tend to tip,” Professor Lynn says, “and the greater the cultural difference between locals and visitors, the more confused people become.”
But you won’t be one of them. Because below, we’ll provide you with some practical tipping tips.
Dining
Generally, 15%–20% of the pre-tax bill (Professor Lynn says some expect 15%–30%) is an average level for service staff, and a bit more can get you excellent service. Only tipping 10% indicates dissatisfaction with the service, and not tipping at all shows serious unhappiness.
The old-fashioned “throw two coins on the table” will now only anger the waitstaff (it’s a clear insult, suggesting you almost forgot to tip). If you really almost forgot, just hand it to the duty manager instead.
For bartenders, the tip is usually $1 to $2 per drink or the same ratio as for bar servers. And usually, you don’t hand the money directly to the bartender or server but leave the tip on the table or bar counter after the bill comes—you can then leave, and no one will steal it. This might seem unbelievable to some foreign tourists (especially those who think there’s a bad guy lurking in every dark corner of the U.S.), but in American bars, this is standard practice.
Packing services generally do not require a tip, but for special packing services such as restricted items or particularly large orders, it’s best to give around 10%. For most delivered meals, especially pizza and Chinese food, a tip of 10%–20% is expected.
Hotels
Smiling, opening doors, and giving directions are typically not tipped for, or you can tip the concierge separately at different locations. It’s good practice to tip upon arriving at your room (about $1–$2 per piece of luggage).
Tip housekeeping staff $2–$5 per day, either placed under the pillow or with a note that says "For Housekeeping." Make sure it goes to the right person to ensure your room is kept the way you like it throughout your stay.
For room service, tip at least $5 per order, unless it’s already included in the bill.
Transportation
Valet Parking: Typically tip $2–$5, usually given when you pick up your car.
Airport Transfers: Tip $1–$2 per bag if the driver helps with your luggage.
Taxis, Limousines, Vans, and Other Paid Transport Services: Tip around 15% of the fare, or up to 20% for exceptional service.
Personal Services
Haircuts: Generally 15% is enough, but for styling or hairdressing services, 20% is typical.
Massages: Same as for haircuts.
Shoe Shining: As one shoe shiner in New York put it, 10% = dissatisfied, 20% = did a decent job, 30% = wow, that was great, 40% = you made my day, so I’ll make yours.
Before tipping, always check if it’s already included in the bill.
If you’re paying with a discount voucher or gift certificate, still tip the full amount and be polite.
If you’re unsure, ask what the usual tip is or what would be appropriate (it’s best to ask the receptionist or front desk, not the person you’re tipping).
Annoyed by those pesky tip jars? Absolutely. Required by law? No. Generally expected? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. You can avoid the risk of being scolded by ignoring them, but in the U.S., it’s still better to put in a little money and say thanks.
Smiling, opening doors, and giving directions at hotels typically don’t require tips, or you can tip the concierge separately at various spots. A tip upon entering your room is also appreciated (about $1–$2 per piece of luggage is fine).
Tips for massages and hairstyling are similar to those for barbers and nail technicians—usually around 15%, or 20% for exceptionally good service.
Airport porters have a tough job handling luggage. Tip $1 per bag, or $2 for heavier ones—that’s considered very fair by airport baggage handlers.
The average tip for luxury sedans, regular taxis, and other paid rental cars driven by taxi drivers is 15% of the total fare. You can give 20% if the driving is particularly good.
Restaurant waitstaff Waiters and waitresses can pull all kinds of tricks, so make sure to tip well. The general standard is 15% of the total pre-tax meal cost. A 10% tip indicates you weren’t very satisfied with the service, while 20% or more shows that you were extremely pleased.
Parking attendants Five dollars is the new one dollar. It’s no longer the 1980s—$1 doesn’t even buy a gallon (3.8 liters) of gas anymore. For parking attendants who find you a spot at a restaurant, hotel, or elsewhere, a tip of $5 or more will get you better service.
Tour guides Finding a good tour guide can be tough. The average tip for a tour guide is 15% of the total cost, but if they’re exceptionally good, 20% is standard.
Room cleaners Rooms don’t clean themselves. Since room attendants are often out of sight, they rarely hear thanks from guests. You can leave a tip of $2 to $5 under the pillow as a gesture of appreciation—but make sure it goes to the right person.
Envelope etiquette Marriott International places envelopes in over 160,000 rooms across the U.S. and Canada, where guests can leave tips for housekeeping staff.
More unexpected surprises Some places have creative ways of tipping. Who would win in a battle between Patrick Stewart and Justin Bieber? At Oasis Cafe in Portland, Oregon, you can use your tip as a “wager.”