Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or bar, getting a haircut, or taking a taxi, knowing how much to tip can be tricky. In the U.S., service workers often depend on tips to make a living, as many earn minimum wage. The amount you want to leave as a tip or gratuity should reflect the quality of service you received.
Generally, you’ll want to tip between 10-20% of your total bill, with the standard tip being:
Remember that a service charge may be automatically added to your bill, especially for large groups. Always check if gratuity is already included before leaving an additional tip.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on tipping customs for different service workers:
| Service | Typical Tip Percentage |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Server | 15-20% Consider leaving a bigger tip for exceptional service |
| Bartender | 15-20% Tip bartenders more for complex cocktails |
| Hairstylist / Barber | 15-20% Add extra for additional services like styling |
| Taxi Driver | 15-20% Consider traffic and weather conditions |
| Tour Guide | 15-20% per day More for exceptional knowledge and service |
| Food Delivery | 10-15% Minimum $3-5, more in bad weather |
| Hotel Housekeeper | $3-5 per night Leave daily as different staff may clean |
| Spa Service | 15-20% Split between multiple service providers if applicable |
| India | • 5-10% if you enjoyed the service • Check if service charge is included • Not common in small establishments |
| Valet Parking | $2-5 More in inclement weather |
Tip is generally expected in situations where you receive personal service.
Consider leaving a tip when:
The level of service should influence how much you decide to tip. Great service deserves recognition with a bigger tip, while basic service might warrant the standard percentage.
When it comes to tipping, etiquette varies significantly around the world. While it’s customary to leave a 20% tip in U.S. restaurants and bars, tipping is not expected in many other countries. Before traveling, you’ll need to decide how much to tip based on local customs.
Here’s a simple guide to tipping customs around the world:
| Country | Tipping Custom |
|---|---|
| United States | • 15-20% is customary in restaurants and bars • Tipping is expected and servers depend on tips • Some restaurants have an obligatory minimum tip when dining in a large group. |
| United Kingdom | • 10% if service charge not included • Service charge (12.5%) often automatically added • Leave the change in pubs and cafes |
| European Union | • 5-10% if you like the service • Service charge usually included • Round up to nearest euro in cafes |
| Japan | • Tipping in Japan is not expected and may be perceived as rude • Japanese believe excellent service is standard • Service charge may be included at high-end restaurants |
| Australia | • 10% for exceptional service • Not required or expected • Round up if you want to thank your server |
| Canada | • 15-20% standard, similar to U.S. • Gratuity may be automatically added • Common practice in restaurants and bars |
| Mexico | • 10-15% in restaurants • Service charge may be included • More expected in tourist areas |
| China | • Tipping is not expected • Exception: 10% in western-style restaurants< • No obligation to leave a tip |
| India | • 5-10% if you enjoyed the service • Check if service charge is included • Not common in small establishments |
| Middle East | • 10-15% when no service charge • Varies by country • Check bill for included charges |
Important Tip: Always check your bill first to see if a service charge is already included before you decide to leave an additional tip.
Our free tip calculator makes it easy to figure out how much to tip. Here’s how to use the tip calculator:
The calculator will also calculate the amount per person if you split the bill among multiple people.
To calculate a tip manually:
For example, for a 20% tip on a $50 bill:
Want to know exactly how much to leave a 20% tip? Here’s the quickest way to calculate it:
Example for an $80 bill:
For a 15% tip (generally the minimum tip at restaurants and cafes), use this trick to save time:
Example for a $60 bill:
Using these methods will help you know exactly how much to tip without needing a calculator. However, when you want to save time or split the bill among multiple people, our tip calculator makes the process even easier.
