You’re visiting the US for the first time. The check arrives at the restaurant. Your meal was $47.50, and now you’re staring at the tip line wondering if you’re about to commit a social faux pas.
Or maybe you’re American and still not sure what to tip the hotel housekeeper, the hairdresser, or the Uber driver. You’re not alone — tipping culture is complicated, inconsistent, and constantly changing.
Here’s the definitive guide.
Restaurant Tipping
Sit-down restaurants: 18-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for good service. For exceptional service, 20-25%. For poor service, 15% (never zero — if service was truly terrible, speak to a manager).
Buffets: 10-15%. Someone is still clearing plates, refilling drinks, and maintaining the buffet.
Counter service / fast casual: 0-15%. Tipping at counter service places is optional. The tip screen at checkout creates social pressure, but there’s no obligation.
Bartenders: $1-2 per drink for beer/wine, $2-3 per cocktail, or 18-20% of a tab.
Takeout: 0-15%. Increasingly common post-COVID. Tip more for large or complex orders.
Delivery Tipping
Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats): $3-5 minimum or 15-20% of the order, whichever is higher. In bad weather, tip more. Remember that drivers use their own gas and car.
Pizza delivery: $3-5 for a normal order. $5+ for large orders or long distances. At least $3 even for a single pizza.
Grocery delivery (Instacart): 15-20% of the order total. Your shopper is selecting items, carrying heavy bags, and driving to you.
Personal Services
Hair salon: 15-20% of the service cost. If the salon owner cuts your hair, tipping is optional but appreciated.
Nail salon: 15-20%. Cash is strongly preferred.
Massage: 15-20% of the service price.
Spa services: 15-20%. Check if gratuity is included.
Tattoo artists: 15-25%. For large pieces, some people bring food or drinks as well.
Travel Tipping
Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per night. Leave it daily (different staff may clean each day) with a note saying “Thank you” so they know it’s a tip.
Hotel bellhop: $1-2 per bag, minimum $3-5.
Hotel concierge: $5-20 depending on the complexity of help provided (restaurant reservations vs. hard-to-get tickets).
Valet parking: $3-5 when your car is returned.
Taxi/rideshare: 15-20%. Many ride-share apps make this easy with post-ride tipping.
Tour guides: $5-10 per person for group tours, more for private tours.
Quick Mental Math
The easiest way to calculate a tip: find 10% by moving the decimal point, then adjust.
For $47.50: 10% is $4.75. For 20%, double it: $9.50. For 15%, add half of 10% to 10%: $4.75 + $2.38 = $7.13.
Or use our free Tip Calculator to instantly split the bill and calculate the perfect tip amount for any group size.