Tipping FAQ

Absolutely. In the US, 20% is the gold standard for good service at a sit-down restaurant. It tells your server they did a great job. Some people tip 25% or more for exceptional service, but 20% is generous and always appreciated.

Not necessarily. 15% used to be the standard tip and is still acceptable for average service. That said, expectations have shifted upward over the years, and many servers now consider 18-20% the baseline. If the service was genuinely poor, 15% is a way to signal that without stiffing your server entirely.

Traditionally, you tip on the pre-tax subtotal since the tax goes to the government, not the restaurant. But honestly? Most people just tip on the total, and no server will complain about a slightly larger tip. Either way is fine.

The US tipping system exists because the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is just $2.13/hour. Tips make up the majority of a server's income. Whether you agree with the system or not, skipping a tip directly hurts the person who served you. It's deeply embedded in American culture and unlikely to change anytime soon.

Your server loses income — it's that simple. In the US, servers often earn just $2-3/hour before tips. Not tipping also affects bartenders, bussers, and food runners who share in the tip pool. While there's no legal obligation, not tipping is considered very rude and can even result in being remembered (not in a good way) if you're a regular.

Legally, no. Culturally, yes — at least for sit-down dining, delivery, and personal services. Think of it less as a bonus and more as part of the cost of the service. If the price of your meal is $50, budget $60-$70 including tip. Some restaurants have started adding automatic service charges, which is essentially a mandatory tip.

Even with poor service, most etiquette experts suggest leaving at least 10-15%. The server might be having an off day, be understaffed, or dealing with kitchen issues beyond their control. If something was truly terrible, speak to a manager — but don't take it out entirely on the tip. Zero tip should be reserved for genuinely offensive behavior.

It's not expected the way dine-in tips are, but 10-15% is a kind gesture — especially for large or complex orders. Someone still had to bag your food, double-check the order, and include utensils and condiments. Since COVID, tipping on takeout has become much more common.

Traditional fast food (McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, etc.) — no. You're not expected to tip at counter-service spots where you order at a register and pick up your food. The tip jars and screen prompts at some fast-casual places are optional. Don't feel pressured, but a dollar or two is nice if someone went above and beyond.

Yes, tip 10-15%. Even though you're serving yourself the food, someone is refilling your drinks, clearing your plates, and keeping the table clean. They deserve recognition for that work.

Check what the service charge covers. If it says "gratuity included" or "service charge," that usually goes to the staff and you don't need to tip extra — though you can if the service was outstanding. If it's labeled as a "facility fee" or "surcharge," it might not go to the staff, so ask your server.

Many restaurants automatically add 18-20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. If they don't, tip at least 20%. Large tables are harder to serve — more orders to track, more refills, and the table is occupied longer. Your server is working harder, so tip accordingly.

At least $3-5 for a standard delivery, or 15-20% of the order total — whichever is higher. Remember, the delivery fee mostly goes to the platform, not the driver. Your tip is their main income. For long-distance deliveries, bad weather, or large orders, consider tipping more.

Yes, 15-20% is standard, similar to a traditional taxi. You can tip in the app after the ride. For short rides, $2-3 minimum is a good baseline. Tip more for help with luggage, long trips, or if the driver was especially friendly and helpful.

The general rule is $20-50 per mover for a full day of work, or $10-20 per mover for a half day. Moving is backbreaking labor — if your movers are careful with your stuff, navigate stairs, or deal with heavy items, err on the generous side. You can also offer water and snacks during the move.

Yes! This is one of the most overlooked tips. Leave $2-5 per night on the desk or nightstand with a note that says "thank you" so they know it's for them. Different housekeepers may clean your room on different days, so it's best to tip daily rather than leaving a lump sum at checkout.

No — and you really shouldn't. In Japan, tipping is considered rude or confusing. Excellent service is simply the standard, and workers take pride in doing their job well without extra payment. If you leave money on the table, your server might chase you down thinking you forgot it. Just say "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) instead.

It depends on the country. In most of Western Europe, a service charge is included in the bill. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is common but not expected. In the UK, 10-12.5% is standard at restaurants. In Scandinavia, tipping is rare. Eastern Europe generally expects 10-15%. When in doubt, check the bill for included service charges.

Even though everything is "included," tipping is still appreciated and often expected. Budget $1-2 per drink at the bar, $2-5 per day for housekeeping, $1-2 per meal for your waiter, and $5-10 for any exceptional service. Bring small bills in the local currency — staff often prefer cash tips.