practical tips for travellers

tipping

 

When the hotel bellboy stands long in front of your door, it is probably not because he enjoys your company. When the waitress keeps asking if you are ok, then it is probably not because she thinks you are cute…Tipping is a US tradition you must read about.

 

Tipping is an American institution that can, initially, be a little confusing for foreign visitors. Waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers, porters, bellboys, hotel maids etc. work in the service industry and are paid rather low wages. Americans like to decide how much the service they receive is worth and compensate them directly. So tips are actually part of their salary. Tipping is not really an option and there are some indicators set for the different services.

 

In a restaurant the gratuity is normally between 15 % and 20 % of the net amount on the bill (the amount before taxes). This is about 2 to 2.5 times the tax amount. No gratuity is necessary at fast food restaurants or self-service dinners. Bartenders get about 50 cents per drink. Hotel maids should be tipped about $ 1 a day, leave the tip daily, as maids work in shifts. Bellboys get $1 to $2 per bag, depending on the weight of the bag. After porters have called you a cab and opened the door for you they expect about $1. Add about 10 % to taxi fares, 15 % if you have luggage. Valet parking is worth about $2, to be given when your car is returned to you.

 

 

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