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If you’re like me you probably struggled with the whole concept of tipping, like how much to tip and for what. Wherever you go in the world there are different customs. Usually when planning for your trip you make sure to investigate these customs. Is there anything I shouldn’t do while I’m there? Things I should avoid saying? Do I have to dress a certain way?
For instance in China it is impolite to accept a compliment when it is first offered. This can be seen as a sign of vanity. Selfies on the other hand? Strongly encouraged.
In Thailand it is seen as taboo to visit a temple wearing a sleeveless shirt that bares the shoulders for women. Men are expected to wear long pants and not shorts. I ended up having to buy shirts and pants when I got there, which you’ll have to do if you’re unprepared.
North American custom: how much to tip?
Then there’s the biggest of the North American customs…Tipping! While in some countries like China tipping can be seen as rude, it’s very much the norm in North America, especially the United States. It’s such a customary act that there are generally gratuity guidelines mentioned with most services that expect it.
I understand tipping is a very divisive concept. There’s always another article stating that tipping should be abolished. That employers should pay the staff a decent living wage to start with so that we don’t have to tip more. It’s a good point. Why should it be up to us if the employer is not willing to look after their staff? While I don’t claim to be on either side of this argument, there is a simple answer as to why you should tip – it’s customary!
When in Rome…
It’s like making sure you take your shoes off in Japan when entering someone’s home. Or buying ‘a round’ for your friends in a pub in the U.K. Tipping is something you should embrace if you are travelling to the United States or Canada. I’ll admit, being British I had no idea what to tip for anything when I first came to Canada. I did however read up on it before I got here so I knew it was somewhat expected for certain services. What are some things you might want to know about traveling solo? Read more here.
So what do I tip for and how much to tip?
I’m not going to list everything here, but will point out some of the more common things you would tip for while on vacation in North America.
Tipping your taxi driver
You’ve just got off a 10 hour plane ride and you’re sleepily making your way out of the airport. You join a line for a taxi ride to your hotel. You spend the whole journey just trying to stay awake. The car stops and you jolt to your senses and get out. You ask the driver how much and hand over your bills. But you might want to think about adding in a 10-20% gratuity for your driver. They helped handle the suitcase at both ends of the journey. You know the one you prayed the check in staff at the airport wouldn’t realize was overweight? Because you brought enough shoes for the full 2 weeks “and an extra 2 pairs for good luck”.
Tipping bell staff at hotels
The bell staff take over where the cab driver left you at the front door of the hotel. Carrying your bags into the lobby, and loading them onto the luggage cart to be delivered to the room while you check in. Or perhaps you have to check out but have a late flight. The bell staff take your bags for the day and carry them to the storage room while you enjoy your day before returning later. I usually leave about $2-$5 per bag as a tip.
Tipping for room service
You’ve had a long day exploring your new surroundings. You get back to your room and can’t move to even turn on the TV. What are you going to do for food? Well, you’re on vacation, why not indulge in some room service. If you’re willing to spend $25 on a burger from room service, you can probably spare a couple of dollars for the staff member bringing it up to you as you exert the effort to open the door. Tip on tipping: A lot of times this gratuity is automatically included, so make sure to check the menu.
Restaurant tipping – the big one
If you decide room service isn’t for you, you might head out to that restaurant around the corner you saw earlier today. The host seats you, brings you your menu and a drink to start. Your server is at your table with introductions and a warm smile (despite being on hour number 7 of the shift and relaying the specials of the day for the 100th time).
“I’ll have the chicken…no wait, the burger. Onions? Yuk, no make sure they leave those off. But the other burger came with avocado so can I add that?” You’ve customized your meal and it was delicious. Now you have to figure out appropriate tip amounts. Anxiety creeps over you as the server brings over the bill. Lucky for you in North America they have started putting gratuity suggestions on most bills, calculating the amounts you may wish to include depending on service – 15%, 18%, 20%. Tip on tipping: 15-20% is customary, but make sure to calculate based on the pre-tax amount.
Tipping your bartender
Usually in a bar there is no table service. If you end up getting your drinks at the bar, the usual tip is about $1 a drink, or between 10-20%. There will likely be a tip jar on the bar you can just throw your money into.
Why tip at all?
I appreciate you may feel it’s ‘not your problem’ that employers don’t pay their staff enough. But remember that your server has been running around after you for an hour after you picked apart the menu to create your own signature dish. The cab driver didn’t have to make conversation about your plans for your trip or help with your luggage. The hotels staff carry your heavy luggage, show you to your room and bring your room service.
These service staff also often rely on tips for a decent living wage, and generally your service is better for it. For example I’ve been in restaurants where gratuity is automatically included, and there’s usually a discernible difference. While North America is big on tipping, that’s not the case everywhere so make sure to do your research into this and any other local customs before travelling.
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Very helpful tipping advise.
This is very helpful! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for checking out my blog
interesting article, what was even more interesting was the very first time I visited the states. I offered to tip and everyone shook their head and declined my tip. maybe I don’t know how to tip then