With the way that tipping etiquette changes based on the country you’re in or even the region, it is no wonder travelers get confused over how much to tip.
Just where did this strange custom of tipping come from anyway. Wikipedia tells us that the phrase itself comes from a 16th century verb tip which means to give unexpectedly. Everyone easily identifies the term today as a gratuity for excellent service.
When you travel you should try to remember that those who are helping you along the way, making your trip more enjoyable are typically paid low wages and rely on tips to supplement their income.
Your first chance at tipping will come at the airport and try to be prepared with some single dollars so you have the correct change. If you take a taxi or limo there you should be ready with $2 or $3 minimum and more if it was a long distance or the driver helped you with your baggage or took extra measures to get you there on time.
There will also be sky captains at the airport to assist you with your luggage and their usual is $1 per bag. More if a bag is especially heavy.
You will have plenty of opportunities to tip when you arrive at your accommodations.
- The bellman follows the standard of $1 per bag when he shows you to your room and again upon checkout. Consider tipping more if any bags are extremely heavy or if he provided any added services.
- If the doorman hails a cab a $1 tip is appropriate and more if he assisted you with any bags or shielded you from the elements with an umbrella.
- For parking attendants consider a $1 or $2 tip appropriate when your car is delivered.
- Coatroom attendants traditionally receive $1 or $2 if there is no fee for the service. If there is a fee a tip is not needed.
- The most forgotten people are the hotel maids. The standard for tipping maids is $1 per person for every day spent at the hotel. Maids are easy to forget because you typically don’t see them but leave your tip in a clearly marked envelope or they won’t touch it.
Tipping for entertainment and dining
While on your trip you will have opportunities to dine out and enjoy what the area has to offer for entertainment. This will present you with more tipping opportunities.
- Wait staff typically receive between 15 and 20% of the bill prior to adding tax. Before you tip make sure that the gratuity was not already added to the bill as some establishments do this for large parties. Oh, and don’t forget that room service waiters are also included.
- If you are part of a tour consider tipping the guide or charter bus driver. The amount really depends on the type of service and length. $1 is standard for a half day group tour and $2 for a full day. Private guides should receive more.
- Don’t forget that bartender who has been serving you. By tipping with that first drink you will ensure that the next one will be there on time.
- When you get special assistance from the concierge or are expecting assistance with tickets, reservations or other entertainment $2 to $10 is a standard tip. If you know you are going to need help arranging something special you should consider tipping the concierge $10 to $20 upon arrival.
Sometimes you may feel it appropriate to tip the servers or wait staff on the last day of your stay. To do this, make sure that you genuinely thank them for making your stay so enjoyable while discretely handing them their tip. To avoid awkward situations take care of change issues beforehand. There is nothing more awkward than asking for change while showing your appreciation.
