Living in the United States, "tipping" is a potential rule; whether in restaurants, hotels, or other aspects of life, if someone provides you with a service, you are expected to tip. Many American immigrants often feel anxious when they first start tipping, unsure of how much is appropriate. Below, I have compiled some experiences regarding tipping in the United States, and I believe that after reading this, you will not feel unfamiliar with tipping.
(1) Various Services in Hotels
Bellhop service: $2 to $3 per bag
Room service with included tip: $2 to the delivery person
Room service without included tip: 20%
Grooming or towel delivery service: $2
Staff arranging taxis: $1 to $5
Concierge service for special requests: $5 to $25, such as purchasing tickets for sold-out shows
Housekeeping service: $1 to $5 per day
Remember not to leave tips for maids on the nightstand, as this has a special connotation and may be associated with sex work. The most appropriate practice is to leave the tip on the table or counter.
As for how much to tip in restaurants, it should depend on the service provided, including whether the order was correct and if the server checked on the customer's satisfaction with the food. Hoffman advises not to tip based on the taste of the food, as the servers are not responsible for that.
(2) Restaurant Tipping
Waitstaff: 13% to 20% of the bill
Takeout: No need to tip, but if the server packs your food, you can tip $1 to $2; for sushi takeout, you can tip 10% to the sushi chef.
Tip jars at fast food restaurants: No need to tip.
(3) Traveling
Cruise staff: Different cruise lines have different tipping policies, and guidelines are provided before boarding.
Airport curbside baggage check: $1 to $2
Taxi: 15% of the fare
Airport shuttle bus driver: $2 to $3
Ride-hailing driver: 10% to 20% of the fare
Car rental service: No need to tip
(4) Wedding Tipping
General staff: $20 to $25
Bartender: $20 to $25
Coat check staff: $1 per guest
DJ: $50 to $100
Wedding officiant: Some prefer to donate to their church
Flower girl: $10 to $15
Wedding planner: $50 to $100
Any tips received by staff at the funeral home are handled by the funeral home; sometimes, these fees are already itemized on the bill or included in the total amount. Funeral officiant: $50 to $300, if the fee is not predetermined.
(5) Hair and Beauty
Many employees in beauty services receive only part of their pay or earn minimum wage, making tips a primary source of income.
Massage therapist: 10% to 20%
Hair stylist: 10% to 20%
Nail technician or beautician: 15%
Shampoo assistant: $2 to $3
Pet groomer: 10% for short-haired pets, 15% for long-haired pets, 20% for unruly pets
Tip indicators are merely a reference; a sincere smile and thank you from customers are invaluable respect for service industry personnel.