Tipping and Etiquette in the United States

Note: This information is not official. It is merely toexpected. However, for any special individual or
serve as an example of what to expect whenunusual service, a tip is appreciated.
traveling in the United States.In-suite dining waiter: Always read the bill, if there is one
Restaurantsincluded, it will be on the bill breakdown. Inquire with the
Restaurants with table service: In the U.S., tips areserver if you're not sure. It is no longer the norm for
expected in restaurants. As a general rule of thumb,the hotel to add the gratuity to the bill. Any "service
people tip based on the quality of service. A 15% tip ischarge" or "convenience fee" goes to the hotel, not
standard. If you receive exceptional service, it isthe server. If there is no gratuity added, tip the server
customary to it between 15-20%. For large parties of 615-18%.
or more, it is common for the restaurant toBellman/porter: If the bellman or porter takes your
automatically add 15-18% to the bill. If you're with aluggage to your hotel room, it is customary to tip $1-2
large party, be sure to check your bill for "gratuity" toper bag.
see if it was already included. If you receivedTaxi driver: It is customary to tip between 10-15% of
exceptional service, you can request to add more tothe taxi fare, based on service.
the gratuity. And, of course, if you did not receiveHotel limo driver: If your ride from the airport was
adequate service, you should inform the management"free," it is customary to tip the limo driver between
before paying your bill and have the gratuity adjusted.$10-20.
In most states, a meals tax is applied to the bill and isDrink server: While in a casino or bar, it is customary to
clearly indicated as such on the bill or check. In thosetip the drink server $1-2 per drink. Some tip $5 for the
states where the meals tax is 5% (Massachusetts asfirst drink to make sure the waitress "remembers"
an example) or 6% it is simple to calculate by roundingthem and returns often.
the tax up or down to the nearest dollar and thenValet Parkers: For valet parking, it is customary to tip
multiplying by three.$2-5 when they pick up your car.
Buffet restaurants: At buffet restaurants with limitedCasinos
table service, a tip of 10-15% of the bill is stillCasino dealers: While seated at a table game in a
recommended because the servers typically workcasino, it is customary to tip the dealer 5% of bet
harder keeping the buffet line stocked and clean. As aamount at end of session, or occasionally bet for
rule of thumb, the minimum tip should be $1 per person.dealer in amount of your normal wager (the dealer can
As always, if you feel you have not been well-served,show you where to place bet).
adjust the gratuity down, or add to the gratuity forSlot machines host: If they make a hand payout (over
exceptional service.$1,000), slot machine hosts are generally paid between
Fast food or counter service: Restaurants often leave$10-20.
tip jars on the counters, but you are not required to tip.Drink server: While in a casino or bar, it is customary to
If the service is exemplary or unusual requests aretip the drink server $1-2 per drink. Some tip $5 for the
made, then they are expected.first drink to make sure the waitress "remembers"
Hotelsthem and returns often.
Housekeeping and maid service: For hotelSpas
housekeeping and maid service, it is customary to tipMassage therapist: For a massage or other treatment,
$2-3 per night. It is customary to tip up to $5 init is customary to tip between 10-20%. Some spas will
high-end hotels, or f there are more than 3 people in ainclude a gratuity on your final bill, so be sure to ask if it
room or suite. Leave them on your pillow with a notewas included. Most spas will provide you with an
that says "thank you" so housekeeping knows theenvelope to leave at the reception desk for the
money is intended for them. If you have additionalperson who gave you your treatment. Also, if you
items delivered to your room, such as extra pillows,wish to leave a small gratuity of $2-5 for the spa
hangers, luggage racks, tip the person who brings themattendant who showed you around the spa and got
$2 or $3.you situated, it is well appreciated.
Concierge: If you inquire with the concierge aboutHairdresser or manicurist: For a hairdresser, manicurist,
directions or restaurant reservations, tipping is notor like service, it is customary to tip between 10-20%.