A look at tipping etiquette in various scenarios and in different countries. Part I of our continuing series. In this segment, we focus on tipping in United States.
United States
Restaurants
waiter or waitress 15% to 20% of bill. If you receive excellent service or if it is a 4 star + restaurant or large parties, a 20% or greater tip is recommended.
headwaiter / maitre'd $20 - $100 or more depending on the occasion, the restaurant, your frequency, and of course, whether you like to be taken good care of or not.
owner none
wine steward 15% of wine bill
bartender 10-15% of bar bill
busboy none
servers at counter 15% of bill
coat check attendant $1 for one or two coats
rest room attendant 50 cents to $1
car park attendant $1
Note: The Tip calculation should be based on the PRE-TAX amount. Also, tips involving liquor should follow the following guidelines:
* If one bottle of wine was ordered, then it is usually okay to include it's cost into the tip calculation.
* If there is a lot of wine ordered or if the price of a single wine bottle is above $10, I think it's cost should NOT be included in the final tip calculation.
Casinos
Blackjack Dealer $5 Check (or more) per session. Also it is common to place a bet beside yours for the dealer. This side bet can be as large as 10% of your bet but usually is a $1 check.
Craps Dealer Craps Dealers like to be part of the action with you! It is common to place as much as 10% ($1 Check is common) beside your bet whether betting pass line, Don't Pass, Place bet or Prop box. Craps Dealers are usually only allowed to let a "Prop" box bet ride one time (if it hits) before they have to take it down. The designation for these "dealer" bets is called "Betting for the Boys". "$1 'Yo for the boys!"
Drink Waiter/Waitress $1 Check (or more) per drink
Keno Writer/Runners $1 when they first run your ticket, more if you play alot. If they make lot of mistakes, its ok not to tip. If you win, 10% is appreciated
Poker Dealers $5 (cash or check) per session, win or lose. Winners should tip at least $10 (cash or check) but 10% or more is not uncommon.
Roulette Dealers $5 Check (or more) per session
Slot Attendants $1 - $2 when they repair your machine, fill it with coin, etc.
Slot Machine Changer $1 Check or more per change served 10% on a jackpot
If you hit a Jackpot It has been suggested that 10% of the winnings is great but 5% is good. I guess this depends if you are at a table game or any game with a dealer. If you win at a slot machine, tip the machine attendant 1% to 2%.
Cashier 5% of your cash out value is considered a good gesture if you have a big win.
Note: A "check" is also known as a "chip".
Hotels
chambermaid $5 a night minimum. More if long stays (over a week) Consider $7 to $9 a night.
room service waiter 15% of bill
bellhop $10 for bringing you to your room with luggage; $5 dollars for opening and showing the room
lobby attendant none for opening door or calling taxi from stand; $1 dollar or more for help with luggage or finding a taxi on the street
desk clerk none unless special service is given during long stay then, $5
concierge $5-$10 Average. More for special services or favors
Holiday Tipping Guidelines
Apartment Building Staff
Custodian $20 - $30
Doormen $25 - $100 each. Depends on how fancy the building. Take into consideration how nice they are to you. If you get lot's of visitors or lots of deliveries. If they have actually opened the door for you always. To maintain this level of quality service, you have to pay for it. So just do it.
Handymen $20 - $30 each
Superintendent $30 - $100 Depends on the type building and how the super has been with you through the year.
Health Club or Spa
Locker Room Attendant(s) $5 - $10
Trainer(s) $50 more or less depending on how much personal attention you get
Others
Baby Sitter two nights pay or more, maybe a gift as well
Beauty Salon the cost of a regular session plus a gift. No less than $5 per staffer. Depends of course on the setup of the place and how much work you regularly get done.
Cleaning Person a weeks pay or more
Day Care Service $15 - $25 and a gift
Garbage Collector(s) $15 - $20 each
Mail Carrier As with any civil servant, government agencies prohibit employees from receiving money as a gift or gratuity. The U.S. Postal Service is no exception, but they do allow people to be nice during the holidays and they accept the fact that it happens. The USPS asks that gratuities have a cash value no more than $20 and a letter of appreciation to the supervisor.
Newspaper Delivery Person Daily delivery $15 - $25
Weekend Delivery only $5 - $15
Parking Attendant(s) If you care enough about your car, tip generously to each and every attendant individually. As a rule, you can give each attendant $10 to $20 dollars each. If you have unusual times when you bring your car in or take it out, or if you like to have your car ready when you get there, or any other service where they go out of the way for you, a half month's rate divided amongst the attendants is considered good practice. If you don't care much about your car park it in the street.
