Tipping guidelines to consider when traveling in the United States - by Kim Smith
Tipping can be a sensitive topic, since there are many opinions on how to tip and whom to tip. Generally speaking, the following is good advice to any traveler who feels their service was good. You can always tip more for outstanding service, and if you're unhappy with the service provided, don't feel obligated to give that person a tip.
Transportation
Taxi driver
Consider 15%, that is if he/she went out of his/her way to get you there quickly, safely and comfortably.
Tour guides and charter bus drivers
You might consider $5 for a full day tour, and anywhere from $5 to $10 per day for a weeklong trip. Typically, the tour guide gets a higher rate than the driver.
Cruise Ship Personnel
While there may or may not be a note left in your room outlining tipping suggestions, a rule of thumb is $3 per day for your cabin and dining room stewards and $1.50 per day for the bus boy. Generally, placing tips in an envelope to be given at the end of the cruise, rather than on a daily basis, is more convenient. However, if you have more than 2 people in your party, your tip should be more, as the cruise personnel are working harder to serve your party.
Valet Parking attendant
A valet parking attendant retrieves your car whenever you want it -- $1 to $5;
Porters
Train, airport and hotel porters, and hotel
$1 per bag, $2 if the bag is especially heavy or awkward. If you don’t want to pay for this service by way of gratuity, then perhaps consider buying and using luggage with wheels and/or pulling it yourself.
The hotel concierge
A hotel concierge can make your stay in a specific city a memorable experience. He/she may have gotten you a table at a much sought after restaurant for that special occasion, when you couldn’t. The amount you wish to tip that individual will naturally depend on what special services he may have delivered to you. You may also wish to tip for each individual service or at the end of your stay. A special tip given upon your arrival may also ensure that the concierge treats you exceptionally well.
Doorman
A doorman will hail your cab or shelter you from the rain by holding an umbrella over your head as you run for that cab -- $1 may be typical; but, if it’s rained a lot you may wish to show your appreciation by giving just a little bit more.
Service Professionals
Cloakroom attendant
$1 to $2 is appropriate, where there is no set charge for checking your coat or baggage
Bartender
Usually $1 to $2 for a drink order, but if this person has gone out of his/her way to mix you that perfect drink -- 5% is not unreasonable.
Waiters/waitresses
15% is the norm, and 20% where the individual has given you extraordinary service.
Waitstaff at a buffet
10%, but check your bill to be sure that a service or gratuity charge hasn’t already been included.
Food Service delivery person
A good maid works hard, remaining unseen, while providing a clean room for you and your family. Typically, tips should range from $1 - $5 per night, depending on the size of the room, the number of people and realistically, how messy the room is left. (Room service should not be included here, as the Room Service attendants should be tipped separately).
Hotel maid
Anywhere from $1 to $5 would be construed as appropriate, depending of course on the size of the delivery, the distance and their timing. Base your tip on the size of your order, the distance traveled and the weather conditions during the delivery. If you ordered a loaded party sized pizza delivered 5 miles hot and fresh during rush hour you may consider giving a bit more than for a small pepperoni pizza delivered from the shop two doors down.
Tips and gratuities can add up, and should be considered when budgeting for your trip. Have a great vacation!
|
