Tipping in the United States

Restaurants

At a sit-down restaurant, 18–20% of the pre-tax subtotal is the standard today; 15% signals that service was just okay, and 22–25% is for outstanding service or fine dining. Sales tax (roughly 0–10% depending on the state and city) is added to the bill — you can tip on the amount before tax, though many people simply tip on the total. Card terminals often suggest 18%, 20% and 25%, sometimes calculated on the post-tax total; use "custom tip" if you prefer. Check for an automatic gratuity: many restaurants add 18–20% for groups of six or more, and some add a "service fee" — read what it covers before tipping on top. For takeout, 0–10% is optional.

Hotels

Tip bellhops $1–2 per bag ($5 minimum is common at upscale hotels). Housekeeping usually gets $3–5 per night, more at luxury properties or if you leave the room messy; leave it daily with a note saying "Housekeeping", because different staff may clean your room. Tip valet parking attendants $2–5 when your car is brought back, a doorman $1–2 for hailing a cab, and the concierge $5–20 for real effort such as hard-to-get reservations. Room service often includes a gratuity or service charge — check the slip.

Taxis & Transport

How much to tip a taxi in the US: 15–20% of the metered fare, with a $2–3 minimum on short rides, plus $1–2 per bag if the driver handles your luggage. For Uber and Lyft, tip 15–20% in the app after the ride — tips go to the driver, and you can add them later too. Airport shuttle drivers usually get $2–5 per person or $1–2 per bag. Limo or private car services often build in a 15–20% gratuity, so check the receipt before adding more.

Tours, spas, cafés & more

Bars: $1–2 per beer or simple drink, or 15–20% of the tab for cocktails or table service. Coffee shops: tipping at the counter is optional — $1 or the change for complex drinks is plenty, even when the screen suggests 20%. Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, pizza): 15–20%, at least $3–5, more in bad weather. Hairdressers, barbers and nail salons: 15–20%. Spa massages: 18–20%, unless a service charge is included. Tour guides: 10–20% of the tour price, or $5–10 per person for a half-day group tour; tour bus drivers $2–5. Movers and furniture delivery: $10–20 per person.

Common practice

Restaurants 18–20%, bars $1–2 per drink, taxis and rideshares 15–20%, delivery 15–20% (minimum $3–5), hairdressers 15–20%, housekeeping $3–5 per night. Tipping is expected wherever someone serves you at a table, drives you or provides a personal service.

Typical examples

A $60 dinner for two (pre-tax): 18% is $10.80, 20% is $12. A $120 group bill with a 20% auto-gratuity already added: no extra tip needed. A $25 taxi ride: tip $4–5. Two cocktails at a bar: $2–4. A $40 haircut: $6–8. For a British visitor, $12 is roughly £9 — exchange rates fluctuate, so treat conversions as approximate.

Frequently asked questions