What are the rules for tipping in America? A US traveller’s survival guide.

ShahdagMountains

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Jan 16, 2012
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As British travellers discover on a first visit to the US, tipping is deeply embedded in the culture. And it is all too easy to breach etiquette.

The matter was thrust into the spotlight again recently when an American server shared their displeasure with a specific group of diners on Twitter.

“Lmao I f***ing hate Europeans sometimes on god,” wrote user “brecht apologist” on the social media platform. “This table just left $70 on a $700 check after chilling for HOURS. My manager even asked about their service and they were OVER THE MOON about my service so he explained the customary tip is 20% and they were like ‘ok.’ and left.

Cue a quickly escalating debate beneath the original post, with Europeans, and Brits in particular, keen to explain that, in fact, US tipping culture is not just alien to us, but completely baffling.

So join me, reader, as I attempt to unpack the myriad rules that apply when it comes to obligatory tipping across the Pond.

 
As British travellers discover on a first visit to the US, tipping is deeply embedded in the culture. And it is all too easy to breach etiquette.

The matter was thrust into the spotlight again recently when an American server shared their displeasure with a specific group of diners on Twitter.

“Lmao I f***ing hate Europeans sometimes on god,” wrote user “brecht apologist” on the social media platform. “This table just left $70 on a $700 check after chilling for HOURS. My manager even asked about their service and they were OVER THE MOON about my service so he explained the customary tip is 20% and they were like ‘ok.’ and left.

Cue a quickly escalating debate beneath the original post, with Europeans, and Brits in particular, keen to explain that, in fact, US tipping culture is not just alien to us, but completely baffling.

So join me, reader, as I attempt to unpack the myriad rules that apply when it comes to obligatory tipping across the Pond.

Tips are NOT required unless you are notified of a service charge. They have become customary. I will tip if the service is good. The amount is up to you. When I reached adulthood, customary was 10% (different tasks have different customs e.g. barbers, luggage handlers etc.) Since that time, customary has inflated from 10 to 15, 18 even 20% is ridiculous. Personally, I think the idea of paying someone over $100 for working a couple of hours in addition to a $20/hr wage. Tip whatever feels right to YOU. I once hears that TIPS is an acronym for To Insure Prompt Service.
 
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As British travellers discover on a first visit to the US, tipping is deeply embedded in the culture. And it is all too easy to breach etiquette.

The matter was thrust into the spotlight again recently when an American server shared their displeasure with a specific group of diners on Twitter.

“Lmao I f***ing hate Europeans sometimes on god,” wrote user “brecht apologist” on the social media platform. “This table just left $70 on a $700 check after chilling for HOURS. My manager even asked about their service and they were OVER THE MOON about my service so he explained the customary tip is 20% and they were like ‘ok.’ and left.

Cue a quickly escalating debate beneath the original post, with Europeans, and Brits in particular, keen to explain that, in fact, US tipping culture is not just alien to us, but completely baffling.

So join me, reader, as I attempt to unpack the myriad rules that apply when it comes to obligatory tipping across the Pond.

There are no set "rules" on tipping here in the US. But as a simple guideline, If you are poor, then tip 10 percent or not at all. If you are doing ok then tip 15 percent minimum. Those people work really hard for their money. If you are traveling, then you are probably doing ok, loosen up those purse strings!
 
There are no set "rules" on tipping here in the US. But as a simple guideline, If you are poor, then tip 10 percent or not at all. If you are doing ok then tip 15 percent minimum. Those people work really hard for their money. If you are traveling, then you are probably doing ok, loosen up those purse strings!

On my very first trip to the US, still trying to figure things out, after drinking my coffee, somewhere in the South Street Seaport, and walking out, the waiters followed me outside, and literally dragged me back inside, all the while informing me of the tip l should have given them.
 
On my very first trip to the US, still trying to figure things out, after drinking my coffee, somewhere in the South Street Seaport, and walking out, the waiters followed me outside, and literally dragged me back inside, all the while informing me of the tip l should have given them.
I would have told them to go piss up a wet rope. You are under no obligation to tip anything unless a service charge is indicated on the menu before you order. It is customary to tip, but you cannot be extorted for it.
 
On my very first trip to the US, still trying to figure things out, after drinking my coffee, somewhere in the South Street Seaport, and walking out, the waiters followed me outside, and literally dragged me back inside, all the while informing me of the tip l should have given them.
OK that is extreme. especially if we are talking a few bucks for coffee.
 
I would have told them to go piss up a wet rope. You are under no obligation to tip anything unless a service charge is indicated on the menu before you order. It is customary to tip, but you cannot be extorted for it.

Well, l was new then, to the whole culture. Even at JFK, l was informed immediately about how much l was supposed to tip by the intimidating taxi driver. I’ve since learnt to use the airport bus, or fly to Newark, where a train takes you into Manhattan.

In Germany earlier today, l tipped the waitress 5%, on a credit card. But l didn’t have to.
 
Well, l was new then, to the whole culture. Even at JFK, l was informed immediately about how much l was supposed to tip by the intimidating taxi driver. I’ve since learnt to use the airport bus, or fly to Newark, where a train takes you into Manhattan.

In Germany earlier today, l tipped the waitress 5%, on a credit card. But l didn’t have to.
5 percent? So I'm thinking that whole "Ugly American" thing is long gone since we tip 3 or 4 times what you guys tip. :)
 
Well, l was new then, to the whole culture. Even at JFK, l was informed immediately about how much l was supposed to tip by the intimidating taxi driver. I’ve since learnt to use the airport bus, or fly to Newark, where a train takes you into Manhattan.

In Germany earlier today, l tipped the waitress 5%, on a credit card. But l didn’t have to.
You are under no obligation here either. I usually start at 15% and if the server is less than I expect, I drop it from there. We often have four adults and two kids on a typical dinner so the dinner often goes over $200. I have no qualms with leaving a $20 tip for a dinner that takes an hour--a $30 or $40 tip for taking orders and delivering six plates and drink is ridiculous. Recent events with the minimum wage in this country have thrown a lot of wrenches in historical norms though. The increased wages have necessarily increased costs and in so doing they have also increased amounts due to percentages. When the prices increased due to wages, I believe the percentages of tips should be reduced--the servers are getting more from their wages.
 
You are under no obligation here either. I usually start at 15% and if the server is less than I expect, I drop it from there. We often have four adults and two kids on a typical dinner so the dinner often goes over $200. I have no qualms with leaving a $20 tip for a dinner that takes an hour--a $30 or $40 tip for taking orders and delivering six plates and drink is ridiculous. Recent events with the minimum wage in this country have thrown a lot of wrenches in historical norms though. The increased wages have necessarily increased costs and in so doing they have also increased amounts due to percentages. When the prices increased due to wages, I believe the percentages of tips should be reduced--the servers are getting more from their wages.

I’m not much good at maths, to work out the %. :08621:
 
I’m not much good at maths, to work out the %. :08621:
Ten percent is easy--just drop the last digit off of the dollar amount. Fifteen, split the ten percent number in two and add the result to the ten percent. Over fifteen percent is reserved for a server that does something over and above what is expected and it doesn't have anything to do with a percentage in my mind.
 
Ten percent is easy--just drop the last digit off of the dollar amount. Fifteen, split the ten percent number in two and add the result to the ten percent. Over fifteen percent is reserved for a server that does something over and above what is expected and it doesn't have anything to do with a percentage in my mind.
My experience is now a 15 percent is a bit of a "low ball" tip.
 
I can’t do that. I’m illiterate. :oops:

Someone told me to double the tax.

These days, l usually get treated to lunch.
Doubling the tax can work sometimes, but what if you are in a municipality that has a ten percent sales tax. I realize that I will be referring to Canada but if you did that in British Columbia, you would be leaving a 60% tip as they have a 15% provincial tax and a 15% federal goods and services tax. Bottom line, if you feel the service was worth more than your bill, just leave what you feel comfortable with. If you don't think the service rated an extra fee, don't leave one.
 

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