A GUIDE TO TIPPING IN THE USA

Ugh. Tipping in USA. It’s quite the unexpected travel expense on your USA trip. It can feel complicated and frustrating. As a foreigner, you might not understand it, nor like it.

TIPPING

IN AMERICA

It's the cultural norm and is done as an expression of gratitude for service provided.I’ve been living and traveling in the United States on and off since 2004 and am constantly bewildered and frustrated with it, especially how much to tip and when.

When we make the decision to travel to foreign lands, it’s important to respect their cultural ways, whether you like it or not.

So keep your wallet filled with extra one dollar bills, you’ll be using them.

1

positive thing about tipping in the US is that you will receive good service.

IT RARELY FEELS INGENUINE

Americans have a unique way of connecting and engaging with you. Generally, they love chatting with you and are well mannered and curious. So it makes sense the service you receive reflects your gratuity.

Tipping Etiquette

Basically, tip anyone who serves you within hospitality and the tourism industry. This includes tour guides, wait staff, bar staff, hotel housekeeping, valet drivers, taxi drivers and bell boys.

Important Note About Tipping Amount

You DO NOT have to tip on the TOTAL AMOUNT of your bill. The total amount includes SALES TAX. Look at the TOTAL BEFORE SALES TAX IS ADDED ON. It should be itemized on every receipt. Tip your 15 –20% on that amount..

BONUS TIP

Don’t forget to save for sales tax as well. It’s a hidden cost of traveling the US as it’s not included in the original price, it gets added on when you go to pay. Every state has a different amount of sales tax, but as a general rule, it’s around 8- 10%.

How Much to Tip Bar Staff?

Typically you tip $1 for a round of drinks. If there is only 1 drink in a round, this can make your drinks pretty darn expensive. If you are staying in a bar for a few rounds of drinks, open a tab and put your card behind the bar. This will save you tipping a $1 every time for your round, which, depending on what you are buying, can end up expensive. Leave it to the end and then add on your tip. It may save you money.?

TIPPING

GOES BEYOND THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

SWIPE UP NOW FOR EVEN MORE INFORMATION ON WHO, HOW, AND WHEN TO TIP WHEN VISITING OR LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA