Here is a guide to help you determine how much tip to give:
By Geography:
Asia and the Pacific
Central and South America
North America
Europe
Middle East and Africa
Tipping guidelines in this region can be very complicated. In most Asian countries, tipping is optional, but it is very much welcomed. However, there is a “No Tipping” rule in Japan. In most places, giving a tip really helps in getting a faster and better service.
Most of the time, restaurants and hotels already add a service charge to the bill. As a result, tipping is no longer necessary, unless you want to compensate the staff for the excellent service you received. Be sure to check your bill to see if a service charge was already included before adding any additional tip.
In America, tipping is automatic as people expect it all the time. Proper tipping etiquette requires that in restaurants, customers give 15%-20% of the total bill (prior to any tax).
More often than not, hotels and restaurants in Europe already include a service charge. Thus, tipping is not an obligation. For some places where there is no service charge, a 10% tip is considered adequate and 15% tip is considered generous.
Tipping is not as essential and you can follow your gut feeling. If you feel that the person deserves to be additionally compensated, then give by all means do so.
Here are the most common tipping practices per category:
Before checking-in, be sure to ask whether gratuities are already included in the room rate. If there is no tip included, you can use this tipping guide:
Bellman/Doorman- $1-$2 per bag.
Valet parking attendant– $1-$3 for returning the car
Housekeeper– $2-$5 per night. It is advisable to leave the tip daily rather than at the end of your stay because different people might be assigned to clean your room, depending on staff schedule. If you decide to tip the housekeeper at the end of your stay, just make sure to leave a note for them or they may not receive it.
Room Service– For extra items requested, like extra towels, pillows, blankets, etc., you can give $2 or $3. For food service, gratuity is usually included in the bill. If not, you can give 15%-20%.
Concierge– For general advice, tipping is not really expected but appreciated. You can give $5-$20 for your entire stay, depending on how helpful the person was.
Spa and Salon Services– 10%-20%.
Tour guides– 10%-20%.
Shuttle drivers– $1-$3 per bag.
Porters– $1-$3 per bag.
Wheel chair pusher– $2-$5 per person
Taxi drivers– 10%-20%, minimum $5.
Check your bill if gratuity is included or not. If it is already included, there is no need to give any additional tip unless service was exceptional. If the tip is not added to the bill, normally 15%-20% is good.
Bartenders– $1-$2 per drink
Remember, wrong tipping etiquette can potentially ruin your trip as it can give you unpleasant experiences.
Please note, that these are only guidelines and suggestions and there are no strict rules on tipping. It is definitely upon your discretion, however, it is always safe to follow the common practice. When in doubt, you can always ask and most of the time, they will be more than happy to let you know.
Related Articles:
Guide To A Safe and Healthy Travel
Pack Smart For Your Trip
How To Avoid JetLag
7 Wonders of The World
Travel Tips For Seniors
Other SeniorCareHomes.com Helpful Links:
Copyright © 2008-2010 SeniorCareHomes.com. All Rights Reserved.
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
One of the Leading Operators of Senior Living Communities in the U.S. (Click…
My elderly father is now 90 years old, and my mother is just three years…
The "Next Level" Medical Alert System FACT: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states…
Alzheimer's Disease Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Fortanasce, Neurologist / Alzheimer's Expert Why is Alzheimer’s such a huge…
Assisted living costs are getting more and more expensive. In fact, the average annual…
Residential Care Home vs Assisted Living Community Being in the Senior Care Industry for…