Restaurants & Bars
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Per complex drink
At large chains, tip is completely optional. At smaller shops, tip $1 per cup or more for difficult orders.
Minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, $1 per alcoholic drink.
Per coat
There is no tip necessary for accessories such as scarves.
Tip when the car is returned to you.
Of cost of the bottle
At most restaurants, it's okay to just tip 15-20% of the final bill and let the restaurant divvy it up.
No less than 10% for poor service
Consider giving more for extras such as mints, perfume, or cologne.
At least $1 for bills up to $10. Should tip 15-20% for a difficult delivery.
Tip is completely optional. Consider tipping a dollar or 2 in harsh weather conditions.
(If bags are brought to car)
Check with your grocery store or super market to make sure employees can accept tips.
Tip is completely optional.
Per person
Tip more for difficult situations (e.g. 2 or more flights of stairs, multiple gates, etc.)
Consider tipping more for repeat visits.
$1 minimum. If the driver is loading your bags: $2 for the first bag, $1 for the second.
Minimum $1 for a haircut. For other services (shampoo, shave or manicure) tip $1 to $2 to service provider.
It is now acceptable to tip owner, unless he or she says otherwise.
If they do exceptionally good work and do little extras, tip an additional $5.
No tip if at doctor's office. 10-15% otherwise. If they come to your home or hotel room, find out in advance whether a tip is included in the price.
Gratuity is added to your bill on Holland America and Princess. Check with your cruise line for further information.
First bag
Per additional bag
Additional service
Tickets & reservations
No tip required when you ask for directions.
Per bag
Hailing a cab
Tip extra for holding an umbrella for you or handling extra heavy bags.
Per night
Tip daily. The same maid may not service your room every night of your stay. If you wait until check-out time to tip for the entire stay, your tip may not go to the right person.
Curbside
Per Bag (indoor)
For bags taken inside, tip $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag.
In the 16th century in England, brass urns were placed in coffee houses and local pubs with the inscription "To Insure Promptitude" or "T.I.P." and wasn’t vital to business.
When the custom of tipping made its way to the United States, many people weren’t too happy about it. In the late 1890s, a movement began against tipping as Americans believed tipping allowed service workers to be dependent on the higher class. An anti-tipping bill ultimately failed due to protests from both employers and service workers.
Today, many service workers rely on tips as a substantial part of their income and can be a good indication of how well they are servicing their customers.