Tipping in USA

Woolwich_Kim

Hi, I'll be off to San Francisco in less than 2 weeks and I am up booking my transfer.

It's only after I had booked my transfer voucher that I read the driver expects tip and some reviews I've read weren't so good (supershuttle)

I have been to the US before some 13/14 years ago but don't remember too much.

As a general rule, I don't like to tip here in the UK anyway not because I am stingie but because I don't agree with the culture of it.

For recent or regular travellers, what other businesses are expecting a tip? surely tip means I give what I want, when I want rather than a % they tell me to right? also, is it optional over there as it is here?

duchy

Nothing has changed in the USA tip-wise since you were last there

Transfer driving a dollar per bag is acceptable.......eating out 20% -15% if you're stingy - bars dollar or two per drink.

No it isn't "as optional" as it is here -there is no minimum wage for waiters etc- it's very common they will be earning $2 or $3 per hour and their wage is made up with tips....It means service in the US is usually far better than here but if you walked out after a good meal with good service and didn't tip it isn't unknown for the waiter or manager to follow you out to demand to know why you haven't tipped. Entirely different culture to here.

duchy

Nothing has changed in the USA tip-wise since you were last there

Transfer driving a dollar per bag is acceptable.......eating out 20% -15% if you're stingy - bars dollar or two per drink, bell hops $1 a bag-what other services might you be using ?

No it isn't "as optional" as it is here -there is no minimum wage for waiters etc- it's very common they will be earning $2 or $3 per hour and their wage is made up with tips....It means service in the US is usually far better than here but if you walked out after a good meal with good service and didn't tip it isn't unknown for the waiter or manager to follow you out to demand to know why you haven't tipped. Entirely different culture to here.

Mr_Wang

And this was exactly my point in the thread a few weeks ago. People heading to the States concern themselves about tipping like it is something you must adhere to.
It's at the point where people concerning themselves about tips is like people asking whether they should cover their shoulders in Mosques around the world - That is respecting culture, removing your shoes prior to entering a Buddhist temple is respecting culture.
Throwing dollars at someone for doing their job is tradition.

To the OP, I have been to the US countless times, and simply leave a couple of dollars in a restaurant and round up the fare in a taxi (as I do everywhere in the world) People on here will tell you this percent and that percent but it's just their opinion. I have never had any issues whatsoever so really, don't concern yourself about it and just look forward to your holiday.

jackieblack

I think that 'When in Rome, do as Romans do'.
If you choose to travel to another country you should make yourself aware of their culture, traditions, expected practices and etiquette, and be prepared to do likewise. If you don't agree with, or don't wish to abide by, those then don't go to that country.
Not to do so is impolite and ignorant IMO.

Doshwaster

Getting the popcorn ready. This is always a lively discussion.

For the record I'm in the "when in Rome" camp rather than believing that it doesn't matter since you'll never be there again or that you are against tipping on principle.

ferf1223

I'll have some of that popcorn, please...though expect everyone to say exactly the same things as last time (and the time before)...so a bit of a rerun of an old movie that you hate that you love.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4772133

opinions4u

I would much rather not to have to worry about tipping. But unlike a trip to the Middle East where I would make a point of not stealing, there is a high likelihood of me needing to buy food and drink in NYC.

So I play the local game. Purchase and tip.

[Deleted User]

Last time I was in the states (NYC), we tipped about 10% and didn't get too much bother about it. I've been previously to a few other states, and generally tipped $1 per drink in the bar, and nothing too big in a restaurant. No one got too upset really.

claire16c

I tip about 15% in restaurants and a dollar or so per drink in a bar.

You should also leave $2-3 per day in your hotel for the maid.

I tip the transfer guy maybe $2 if they carry bags.

I prefer the tipping culture because service in the US is far superior to here because they work for their tips. Whereas here you gt bad service & there's nothing you can do about it.

ferf1223

opinions4u wrote: »

But unlike a trip to the Middle East where I would make a point of not stealing...

I am not sure how appropriate it is but this did make me laugh.