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TIPPING // NORTH AMERICATipping is expected

Tipping in United States

Tipping is expected everywhere and is a core part of workers' pay.

The short answer

Tipping is expected everywhere and is a core part of workers' pay. Servers are often paid below minimum wage and rely on tips — under-tipping reads as a complaint.

What to tip, service by service

Restaurants
18–22% at sit-down restaurants; 15% is the floor for adequate service.
Bars & cafés
$1–2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab.
Taxis & rideshare
15% of the fare, or round up generously.
Hotels
$2–5 per night for housekeeping; $1–2 per bag for the porter.
Tour guides & drivers
15–20% for tour guides and drivers.
Good to know

Servers are often paid below minimum wage and rely on tips — under-tipping reads as a complaint. Customs shift over time and by venue, and tourist areas often expect more than locals give. When in doubt, a small tip in the local currency and cash is rarely wrong.