General Tipping Guide
The following chart covers tipping guidelines for three of the most common times tipping is expected: at restaurants, during travel, and at salons.
Restaurants:
| Service | Appropriate Tip |
|---|---|
| Wait service (sit down) | 15-20%, pre-tax |
| Wait service (buffet) | 10%, pre-tax |
| Host or Maitre d' | No obligation for greeting you and showing you to your table. $10-$20 for going above and beyond to find you a table on a busy night or on occasion, if you are a regular patron |
| Do You Tip for Take Out? | No obligation; 10% for extra service (curb delivery) or a large, complicated order |
| Tip for Delivery | 10-15% of the bill, $2-5 for pizza delivery depending on the size of the order and difficulty of delivery |
| Bartender | $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the tab |
| Tipping jars | No obligation; tip occasionally if your server or barista provides a little something extra or if you are a regular customer. |
| Restroom Attendant | $0.50-$3, depending on the level of service |
| Valet | $2-$5. Tip when the car is returned to you. |
Travel:
| Service | Tip |
|---|---|
| Skycap | $2 first bag, $1 per additional bag |
| Doorman | A smile and a "thanks" when he opens the door, plus $1-$4 for carrying luggage; $1-$2 for hailing cab (add an extra $1 if it's raining); $1-$4 beyond the call of duty. |
| Bellhop | $2 first bag; $1 per additional bag; $2-3 for each additional service, such as room delivery. |
| Housekeeper | $2-$5 per day, left daily with a note marked "Housekeeping - Thank you" |
| Concierge | No obligation for answering questions. $5-10 for tickets or restaurant reservations; $15 for hard-to-get tickets or reservations (or 10-20% of the ticket price) |
| Taxi Driver | 15-20% of the fare, but minimally $1; $2 for the first bag carried, $1 per additional bag. |
Salon/Spa:
| Service | Tip |
|---|---|
| Hair Salon | 15-20%, ask to be split among those who served you |
| Manicurist | 15-20% |
| Facial, Waxing, Massage | 15-20% |
For more information, read about the finer points of tipping, end of summer tipping guide, and holiday tipping.
