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

[Deplorable Yankee]

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.

What are the rules for tipping in America?

A campaign to make 20 per cent the bare minimum for restaurant meals is having some effect

www.independent.co.uk

10% on a $700 check with great service is disgracefull

some Europeans just have no class at all

 

[ShahdagMountains]

just leave what you feel comfortable with

And that’s another thing. “They” don’t always feel comfortable with it.

The look on the guy’s face when l think l undertipped him at Dulles airport.

 

[MarathonMike]

And that’s another thing. “They” don’t always feel comfortable with it.

The look on the guy’s face when l think l undertipped him at Dulles airport.

You are well off enough to travel the world. Most of the people waiting on you are not. Nuff said.

 

[ShahdagMountains]

You are well off enough to travel the world. Most of the people waiting on you are not. Nuff said.

Are you moralising?

 

[Muhammed]

Service charge is included in the prices.

But it seems to be an obligatory thing in the States. Like an extra tax.

There is also a rack tax.

If a waitress has nice big tits you are supposed to give her a $20 bill and pinch her ass.

Failing to pinch her ass is considered rude.

 

[Concerned American]

There is also a rack tax.

If a waitress has nice big tits you are supposed to give her a $20 bill and pinch her ass.

Failing to pinch her ass is considered rude.

I would always ask a well endowed waitress, "How do you feel?" When she responded with the usual "fine," I would ask, "May I check for myself?"

 

[ShahdagMountains]

I would always ask a well endowed waitress, "How do you feel?" When she responded with the usual "fine," I would ask, "May I check for myself?"

Just wait till l wait on you.

 

[luiza]

The most important aspect is that when seeing an American out walking without a guide dog , go over to them and tip them over . And shout out, Geronimo .

 

[Concerned American]

Just wait till l wait on you.

LOL, I don't do it anymore---I got tired of being laughed out of the place.

 

[ShahdagMountains]

LOL, I don't do it anymore---I got tired of being laughed out of the place.

That’s what men fear more than anything else.

Being laughed at by women.

 

[MarathonMike]

Are you moralising?

It's always a good thing to share with people less fortunate than you. Is that "moralising"?

 

[ShahdagMountains]

It's always a good thing to share with people less fortunate than you. Is that "moralising"?

You don’t know who l am, or where and why l travel. Or anything to do with me, for you to change the narrative, which was focused on practical issues.

So l guess that’s the end of the discussion. Sorry to have bothered you.

 

[Concerned American]

It's always a good thing to share with people less fortunate than you. Is that "moralising"?

You are being a bit judgemental. Tipping is a personal event and shouldn't be judged. Do you tip your car valet? luggage handler, hotel maid, bartender, Mickey Ds clerk? If not, why not. Don't be so quick to judge. Many servers don't deserve the wage that they are paid let alone a tip.

 

[MarathonMike]

You are being a bit judgemental. Tipping is a personal event and shouldn't be judged. Do you tip your car valet? luggage handler, hotel maid, bartender, Mickey Ds clerk? If not, why not. Don't be so quick to judge. Many servers don't deserve the wage that they are paid let alone a tip.

I'm not judging anyone. I'm offering my opinion to a foreign traveler on tipping low wage workers. In my opinion it's more than just a "calculation". The person waiting on you is probably struggling to make ends meet. I tip generously and give homeless people money, food and care bags.

 

[Concerned American]

I tip generously and give homeless people money, food and care bags.

Commendable. However, tipping isn't a blanket thing and all servers are not low-paid. I don't consider $20/hr low paid. Tipping has gotten out of hand in this country and it has had a detrimental effect on my practices. I believe in a fair wage for a fair days work. Skills and labor are a commodity that deserves to be fairly compensated. Unskilled labor does not deserve the same compensation that those with skills can demand.

 

[MarathonMike]

Commendable. However, tipping isn't a blanket thing and all servers are not low-paid. I don't consider $20/hr low paid. Tipping has gotten out of hand in this country and it has had a detrimental effect on my practices. I believe in a fair wage for a fair days work. Skills and labor are a commodity that deserves to be fairly compensated. Unskilled labor does not deserve the same compensation that those with skills can demand.

How does tipping have a detrimental effect on you? I'm curious. That aside all I'm saying to the OP is consider the reason those workers are getting angry with him over his tips. Even at $20/hour it is a struggle to pay your rent, put gas in your car and feed yourself and/or your kids.

 

[Concerned American]

How does tipping have a detrimental effect on you?

I didn't say it had a detrimental effect on ME. I said it has had a detrimental effect on my practices. I don't give to panhandlers and tipping has become the new way of panhandling. When people are judged because they don't leave EXTRA for someone who is paid to do a job, that is wrong. Anyone who has problems supporting themselves on $20/hr needs to take a class in economics. Supporting yourself does not include the best phone, phone plan, internet, computer, athletic shoes, etc. Priorities.

 

[MarathonMike]

I didn't say it had a detrimental effect on ME. I said it has had a detrimental effect on my practices. I don't give to panhandlers and tipping has become the new way of panhandling. When people are judged because they don't leave EXTRA for someone who is paid to do a job, that is wrong. Anyone who has problems supporting themselves on $20/hr needs to take a class in economics. Supporting yourself does not include the best phone, phone plan, internet, computer, athletic shoes, etc. Priorities.

Oh I thought you owned a few medical practices or something like that. Everyone has their own perceptions with regard to tipping and the people who work those jobs. I just see people working hard jobs for not much money so I'm happy to tip 20 percent or more sometimes. I even tip 15 percent when I pickup drive through at my favorite local restaurants.

 

[Captain Caveman]

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 hardly ever tipped in the US because it's not something I really do. My advice is, even if a menu states, "A PORTION OF CHIPS", it's still crisps.

 

[The Duke]

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.

What are the rules for tipping in America?

A campaign to make 20 per cent the bare minimum for restaurant meals is having some effect

www.independent.co.uk

DGAF, 20% or less. Cash. Always cash. No card tips.
If they don't take cash tips, they get nothing. (as a general rule)
Now if you get some extra great service, that's a good time to tip a little more.
I appreciate seeing a job well done. That goes for everything, really.