Buzz
Understanding gracious tipping customs in the U.S. and around the world
Tipping your server is customary in the United States, but determining the appropriate amount can be tricky. You want to express appreciation without overspending. How much should you tip? Is there such a thing as too much? (Hint: Not according to your server!) We'll guide you through the nuances of tipping percentages, proper etiquette, and international tipping advice.
Essential Knowledge
- Consider tipping a minimum of 15% of the bill, with 20-30% for exceptional service.
- Calculate your tip amount by multiplying the total bill by the desired percentage.
- Research local tipping customs when traveling abroad.
Instructions
Ensuring the Right Tip
When in the US, ensure you tip your server a minimum of 15 percent. In American restaurants, it's customary to leave a tip of at least 15 percent. However, this is typically seen as the bare minimum. Offering less than this amount could be viewed as disrespectful by your server.
- Note that tipping only 15 percent might signal to some servers that the service was merely average. Consider increasing your tip if you found the service to be above average.
- For good service, consider tipping 20 percent; for great service, 25 percent; and for exceptional service, 30 percent.
- Some suggest tipping $2 per person at the table if this amount exceeds the percentage tip.
Utilize a simple math trick to determine the tip. Calculating 15 percent can be challenging for some. Here's a quick math hack to help you figure out the appropriate tip:
- To calculate the tip, round your bill up to the nearest $10.
- Move the decimal point one place to the left to find 10 percent of the total. For example, if your bill is $55.00, 10 percent is $5.50. To find 15 percent, add half of $5.50 to $5.50, resulting in $8.25.
- For a 20 percent tip, again move the decimal point left and double the amount.
Confirm whether gratuity is included. Some situations may already include the tip in your bill:
- Gratuity may be automatically added at a rate of 15 or 18 percent, particularly for large groups.
- This precaution prevents servers from potentially receiving inadequate tips from groups.
- Check in advance or consult the bill/menu to see if gratuity is included.
Mastering the Art of Tipping
Consider Other Staff Members When Tipping. If you've received assistance from additional restaurant staff, it's customary to tip them as well.
- For instance, if a wine steward helped you, it's appropriate to tip them 15 percent of the wine bottle's cost.
- Coatroom attendants can receive around $1 per coat, while parking valets or garage attendants can get $2 per car.
- Washroom attendants usually receive 50 cents to $1, and you might want to tip the headwaiter separately.
- Remember, when ordering over the counter, tipping is generally not expected.
Utilize Tip-Calculating Apps. Use smartphone apps to effortlessly determine your tip amount.
- Most smartphones include calculators for manual tip calculations based on your desired percentage.
- Websites also offer tip calculators where you input your bill amount and desired tip percentage.
- In some states with a 5 percent sales tax, you can triple the tax amount to estimate a 15 percent tip.
- If you've used coupons, base your tip on the pre-discounted bill to avoid penalizing the server for discounts.
Understand the Significance of Tipping. Many servers heavily rely on tips for their livelihood, as their wages are often minimal.
- Server wages can be as low as $2.13 per hour before tips, which is well below minimum wage.
- Some servers are required to share tips or contribute to a tip pool, reducing their overall earnings.
- While tipping isn't legally mandatory, it significantly impacts servers' income.
Adjust Tip Amounts Based on Service Quality. In cases of poor service, it's acceptable to leave a smaller tip.
- Communicate politely with the server about your concerns before adjusting the tip.
- If the service was subpar, you can justify leaving less than the standard tip.
- Consider explaining the reduced tip on the bill to provide constructive feedback.
- Assess whether service issues were within the server's control before adjusting the tip.
Express Appreciation for Excellent Service. Let your server know when they've provided outstanding service.
- Leave a note on the bill or speak to the manager to commend the server's exceptional performance.
- Always interact with your server politely and acknowledge their hard work.
- Service roles can be stressful, so a kind word or smile can go a long way in brightening their day.
Navigating Tipping Etiquette Globally. Tipping customs can be complex and diverse worldwide.- Ensure tipping is customary before offering gratuity.
- Respect local norms and avoid tipping where it may be frowned upon.
- Research specific country practices to tip appropriately during your travels.
Understanding Tipping Customs Abroad. Before tipping abroad, ensure that tipping is culturally appropriate and accepted.
- In some places like all-inclusive resorts, tipping may not be allowed or necessary.
- At events like weddings where gratuity is often pre-paid, extra tips can still be appreciated.
Be Mindful of Tipping Norms in Europe. Tipping practices in Europe differ from those in the US.
- Check if service charges are included in the bill; if not, leaving 5-10% is usually sufficient.
- European servers often have higher base pay, so tips are seen as bonuses rather than necessities.
- Handing the tip directly to the server is preferred in some European countries.
Adapting Tipping Etiquette Worldwide. Tipping customs vary greatly depending on the destination.
- In the Middle East, modest tips are appreciated, with some places having mandatory service charges.
- Research tipping norms before traveling to countries like Canada, Australia, and South American nations.
- In Mexico, cash tips ranging from 10-15% are customary.
Exercise Caution When Tipping in Asia. Tipping practices in Asia vary, and tipping may not always be appropriate.
- Countries like China and Japan generally have no-tipping cultures, while Thailand may accept modest tips.
- Always research local customs to avoid inadvertently causing offense.
Insights
- Remember to tip for take-out orders as well; it's a common practice that helps support service workers.
- Tip jars are increasingly found in small take-out establishments where employees often earn low wages and rely on tips to supplement their income.
Considerations
- In the US, servers, bartenders, and baristas are taxed based on assumed tip earnings, so not tipping can have financial implications for them.
