Nothing ruins a nice meal like uncertainty about the tip. How much is expected? Should you tip on tax? What about takeout? This guide clarifies tipping customs so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Tipping in the United States
Restaurants
- Full service: 15-20% of pre-tax bill (18-20% standard, 25%+ for exceptional service)
- Buffets: 10% or $1-2 per person
- Takeout: Optional, 10% appreciated
- Counter service: Optional, round up or $1-2
Calculate tips quickly with our tip calculator.
Delivery Services
- Food delivery: 15-20%, minimum $3-5
- Pizza delivery: $3-5 or 15-20%
- Grocery delivery: 15-20%
Personal Services
- Hairdressers: 15-20%
- Massage/spa: 15-20%
- Tattoo artists: 15-25%
- Taxi/rideshare: 15-20%
Hotels
- Housekeeping: $2-5 per night
- Bellhop: $1-2 per bag
- Concierge: $5-20 for special assistance
- Valet: $2-5
Why Americans Tip
In the US, tips supplement wages for service workers. Federal law allows a lower minimum wage for tipped employees, assuming tips make up the difference. Not tipping effectively means the worker earned below minimum wage.
This system is controversial, but as a customer, understand that tips are expected—not optional rewards for exceptional service.
International Tipping Customs
Europe
- UK: 10-12.5% for table service, often included as "service charge"
- France: Service included (service compris); small cash tip for exceptional service
- Germany: Round up to nearest euro or 5-10%
- Italy: Small cash tip (coperto covers service), 5-10% at restaurants
- Spain: Round up or leave small change, 5-10% at restaurants
Asia
- Japan: No tipping! Can be considered rude. Excellent service is standard.
- China: Not expected, sometimes refused. High-end tourist areas may accept.
- South Korea: Not customary at most places
- Thailand: Appreciated but not expected; 10% at restaurants
Other Regions
- Australia/NZ: Not expected; 10% for exceptional service
- Canada: Similar to US, 15-20%
- Mexico: 10-15% at restaurants
- Middle East: 10-15% where not included
Quick Mental Math for Tips
Calculate 15%
- Find 10%: move decimal left one place
- Find half of that (5%)
- Add together
Example: $47 bill → $4.70 (10%) + $2.35 (5%) = $7.05
Calculate 20%
- Find 10%: move decimal left one place
- Double it
Example: $47 bill → $4.70 × 2 = $9.40
Even Faster: Double the Tax
In many US states, doubling the sales tax gives approximately 15-17%.
Tipping Controversies
Tip on Pre-Tax or Post-Tax?
Traditionally pre-tax, but many people tip on the total. Either is acceptable.
Automatic Gratuities
Many restaurants add 18-20% for large groups. Check your bill—you may not need to add more.
Tip Jars at Counters
Entirely optional. Feel free to ignore or add a dollar for friendly service.
When NOT to Tip
- When service charge is already included
- In cultures where it's not customary
- For business owners (traditionally they don't receive tips)
- For terrible service (though you might address this with management)
Tip Calculation Tools
- Tip Calculator - Calculate tips quickly
- Percentage Calculator - Any percentage math
- Discount Calculator - Calculate savings
Our tip calculator splits bills among groups and calculates various tip percentages instantly.
