How much to tip for everyday things
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In the U.S., workers in service industries often earn well below minimum wage, some as low as $2.13/hour federally, and rely heavily on tips. In 2023, consumers tipped $77.6 billion at restaurants, averaging about 15% at full-service venues.
A Pew poll determined that Americans are generally supportive if not conflicted about the practice of tipping, with only about a third saying it’s easy to know how much to tip in a particular situation and 40% opposing when businesses use suggested tip amounts.
These guidelines reflect current norms based on a mix of expert advice, industry standards, and everyday practices across the U.S. to help simplify expectations, so you’re not caught off guard the next time you pay for a service or encounter a tip screen.
Tipping by situation
Sit-down restaurants
Standard: 15–20%
Excellent service: 20–25%+
Poor service: 0–10% or inform management
Takeout and delivery
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Takeout: optional 10–15%; 15% if counter service is full.
Delivery: $5 or 20%, whichever is higher for simple orders; 18–20% for complex ones.
Coffee, fast-casual, and to-go
Coffee shops: 10–15% or $1 per drink
Fast-casual: tipping not required, but 10% helps support staff
Bars and cocktails
Beer/wine: $1 per drink
Cocktails: 15–20% or $1–2/drink
Open bar events: tip $1/drink or 15–20% overall
Taxis and rideshares
Tip 10–20% of fare
For rideshares, app-based 3–5% is often too low, consider 10%+ in cash
Airport shuttles/private drivers: $2–5 per passenger
Hotels and lodging
Bellhops: $1–5 per bag depending on hotel type
Housekeeping: $1–5/night, left daily to account for staff shifts
Concierge: $5+ for simple help; $10–20+ for special assistance
Other services
Service | Tip Range |
Hair & beauty | 15–20% |
Spa & massage | 15–20% |
Barber | 15–20% |
Dog groomer/walker | 10–20% |
Movers & labor | $10–20/person |
Tattoo artist | 15–20% |
Global tipping norms
Canada: Similar to the U.S. (15–20%).
United Kingdom: Tipping is customary in restaurants at 10–15%, but service charges may already be included.
Western Europe (e.g., France, Germany): Tipping is appreciated but more modest, such as 5–10% or simply rounding up to the next dollar.
Nordic countries (e.g., Sweden, Norway, Denmark): Tipping is not expected but rounding up is a polite gesture.
Japan and South Korea: Tipping is not customary and may even be considered rude.
Tipping during and after the pandemic
Generosity increased early in the pandemic, pushing norms upward. Though inflation strains budgets, industry consensus still encourages 15–20% as the baseline, but tip what you can afford.
Do I always need to tip?
Sit-down dining: Yes.
Fast-casual/counter: Optional but appreciated.
Takeout: No obligation, but 15% is nice.
International: Follow local norms, and research before traveling.
What most people do
While tipping habits can vary widely, most people in the U.S. stick to the 15–20% rule for dining out, with many opting for 20% to ensure service workers are fairly compensated. Tipping slightly more for exceptional service or during busy periods is also becoming more common.
Tips for tipping wisely
Check if gratuity is included, especially for large parties or in hotels.
Tip cash when possible because it reaches workers directly.
Tip daily for housekeeping, different staff may clean your room nightly.
Adjust for context, such as weather, time, complexity, local customs.
Be gracious when appropriate. If service is poor, tip little but consider providing constructive feedback.
Simplifying the numbers
That’s a lot of variation and numbers to keep in mind. It can help to break it down to the basics: 15–20% in sit-down settings, $1–5 for ancillary services, and adjust based on effort and context. Worldwide, remember cultural norms and adapt with grace.
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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
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