The Ultimate Guide to Tipping: When, Where, and How Much to Tip

Tipping is an essential part of modern society, but knowing how much to tip and when can be confusing. This guide will help you navigate tipping etiquette across various industries, ensuring you show appreciation while avoiding social faux pas.

1. Why Tipping Matters

Tipping is a way to reward good service, supplement wages, and express gratitude. In some industries, such as hospitality and food service, tips make up a significant portion of workers' earnings. Understanding the importance of tipping helps ensure fair compensation and good service for everyone.

2. Tipping in Restaurants & Cafés

Full-Service Restaurants

• Standard tip: 15–20% of the total bill before tax

• Exceptional service: 25% or more

• Poor service: 10%, but consider speaking with the manager instead of skipping the tip entirely

Buffets & Self-Service Restaurants

• Standard tip: 5–10%

• If there is table service (e.g., drink refills, dish clearing): 10–15%

Fast Food & Counter Service

• Not expected but leaving small change in a tip jar is appreciated.

Cafés & Coffee Shops

• Standard tip: $1 per drink or 10–15% for larger orders

• If you frequent the café regularly: Consider tipping baristas extra for consistent good service.

3. Tipping in Bars & Nightlife

Bartenders

• Standard tip: $1–$2 per drink

• For cocktails or complex drinks: $2–$3 per drink

• If running a tab: 15–20% of the total bill

Coat Check & Restroom Attendants

• Coat check: $1–$3 per item

• Restroom attendants: $1–$2 if they provide service (towels, mints, etc.)

Bouncers & Doormen

• Not required, but a $5–$20 tip can help with faster entry.

4. Tipping for Personal Services

Hairdressers & Barbers

• Standard tip: 15–20% of the total service

• Assistants (shampooers, etc.): $3–$5 if separate from main stylist

Nail Salons & Spas

• Standard tip: 15–20%

• For exceptional service: 25%

Tattoo Artists & Piercers

• Standard tip: 15–20% of the total cost

• If the work is highly detailed or custom: 20% or more

Massage Therapists

• Standard tip: 15–20%

• If receiving medical massage (covered by insurance): Tipping is not required.

5. Travel & Hospitality Tipping

Hotels

• Bellhop: $2–$5 per bag

• Housekeeping: $2–$5 per night (leave daily, as staff changes)

• Concierge: $5–$20 for special requests

• Valet: $2–$5 when retrieving your car

Taxis & Rideshares (Uber/Lyft)

• Standard tip: 15–20%

• For extra service (help with bags, pleasant ride): 20%+

Airport & Luggage Handlers

• Skycaps & porters: $2–$5 per bag

Tour Guides

• Group tours: $5–$10 per person

• Private tours: 10–20% of the total tour cost

6. Tipping in Delivery Services

Food Delivery (DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, etc.)

• Standard tip: 15–20% of the total order

• Bad weather or long delivery times: 20% or more

Grocery Delivery (Instacart, Amazon Fresh, etc.)

• Standard tip: 10–15% of the total order

• For larger orders: 15–20%

Furniture & Appliance Delivery

• Standard tip: $5–$20 per person, depending on size and effort

• If assembly is included: Consider tipping more.

Movers

• Standard tip: $20–$50 per mover

• If packing/unpacking is involved: $50 or more

7. Tipping in the Gig Economy

Freelancers & Contractors

• Not expected, but a tip or bonus for excellent work is appreciated.

Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers

• Standard tip: 10–20% or one extra day's pay during holidays

House Cleaners

• Standard tip: $10–$20 per cleaning

• For deep cleaning: 20% of the total cost

Babysitters & Nannies

• Occasional sitters: $5–$20 extra for good service

• Full-time nannies: A holiday bonus equal to one week's pay is customary.

8. Holiday & Special Occasion Tipping

Who to Tip for the Holidays

• Mail carriers: Gifts up to $20 in value (cash tips not allowed)

• Garbage collectors: $10–$30

• Teachers: Gift cards or classroom supplies ($20–$50)

• Building Superintendents: $50–$100, depending on service level

Weddings & Large Events

• Catering Staff: 15–20% of total bill

• Photographers/Videographers: $50–$100

• Wedding Planners: 10–20% of their fee

• DJs/Bands: $50–$100 per member

• Officiants: $50–$100 donation if not paid directly

9. International Tipping Etiquette

Countries with Strong Tipping Culture

• USA & Canada: 15–20%

• Mexico: 10–15%

• Argentina: 10%

Countries with Limited or No Tipping Culture

• Japan & South Korea: Tipping is rare and may be considered rude.

• China: Not customary except in tourist areas.

• Australia & New Zealand: 10% for exceptional service.

Europe

• UK, France, Germany: 5–10% (service charge may be included)

• Italy & Spain: Round up or leave small change

Tipping with Confidence: Everything You Need to Know About Tipping

Understanding when and how much to tip can help you show appreciation while navigating social expectations. While tipping amounts can vary, the key takeaway is to always consider the level of service provided and tip accordingly. With this guide, you'll never have to wonder about tipping etiquette again!

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur, musical artist A.L.I.A.S., and Travel Partner #20735937284 for discounted & free vacations!