Travel Savvy: Tipping Tips

Tipping is more confusing than ever. Here’s expert advice for navigating today’s service culture.

By Erica Sweeney

When checking out at a clothing store recently, Mariah Grumet was unexpectedly prompted to tip the sales associate. She decided to give $5 because she says she received “wonderful service.”

Still, it was an unusual request, says Grumet, founder of Old Soul Etiquette in New York City. “I typically wouldn’t have thought to tip her or felt that it was technically necessary if the prompt didn’t show up [on the payment terminal], but I was happy to give because she was extremely helpful.”

While Grumet is always willing, she says, to show appreciation for someone’s hard work and great service, she feels that tipping culture is changing, and consumers are increasingly being asked to tip in new situations. She’s not alone in feeling this way.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans said they believe tipping has gotten out of control recently, according to a 2024 WalletHub survey. Sixty-four percent think you should tip when you “feel like it” instead of it being something you always have to do, and half of those surveyed leave tips out of social pressure rather than because of good service.

While you likely expect to tip at a restaurant or hair salon, hospitality and etiquette experts say new tipping expectations are emerging, and it can be confusing to know when to tip and how much. They have some explanations for the expansion of the culture of tipping, and a few pointers.

Why does tipping seem so complicated now?

Tipping isn’t new, of course, but there are several reasons why it seems to be more complex than ever, says Amanda Belarmino, associate professor of hospitality management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

One is that businesses are looking for ways to increase their employees’ wages without increasing costs, she says. Millions of workers, particularly women and people of color, rely on tips as part of their income, and many consumers, concerned about workers earning a living wage, have a desire to help them. However, more than 37 percent of people surveyed said they feel businesses should pay their staff better and not rely on tips, according to a 2024 Bankrate report.

At the same time, consumers are feeling the pinch of inflation and a pressure to tip in instances in which they previously haven’t been asked to, Belarmino says. Americans spend $454 a year on tipping on average, according to Talker Research.

Touch-screen payment terminals with tipping prompts are also becoming more common, which
Grumet says “has contributed to creating this new expectation and level of pressure that did not seem to be there before.” That pressure can make it difficult to know when it’s necessary or expected to tip, and tipping norms can vary by location, she says.

How to decide whether to tip

Despite the confusion, it’s always a good idea to tip when a service has been performed, especially when it’s good or outstanding, says Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette consultant known as the Golden Rules Gal. Services include manicures, haircuts, massages, and dining out.

Another appropriate occasion for tipping is when someone relies on it as part of their income, Grumet says, or if they’re doing a task that makes your personal life easier—such as bringing your bags to your hotel room or fetching your car from valet parking.

“If you don’t know whether or not you should tip in a certain situation,” she says, “give what you can when the service you are receiving is well done.”

But don’t feel obligated if it’s an instance in which you wouldn’t normally tip and you don’t feel there was a high level of service, Belarmino says.

When and how much to tip

Businesses often recommend tip amounts when you pay, especially on touch-screen monitors. But Belarmino says not to feel obligated to give suggested amounts. Instead, tip what you think is fair. If you’re not sure what amount that should be, says Grotts, 15 to 20 percent of a total bill is a good general rule in most instances, such as restaurants, bars, salons, and spas. Here are some specific guidelines.

Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops

You likely tip at sit-down restaurants, where it’s customary to give 15 to 20 percent (or more when the service is exceptional), Grumet says. In some instances, a gratuity has already been added to your bill, so Bankrate recommends checking before deciding whether or not to add to it. Waitstaff typically depend on tips as part of their pay.

It gets a little more confusing at counter-service or grab-and-go eateries. Grumet says, “If you’re ordering at a counter and food is being brought to you, you may want to consider tipping a few dollars.” A gratuity isn’t necessary, however, if you’re grabbing food or drinks yourself and bringing them to the checkout, Grotts says. “The only service being performed is by you.”

Tipping for takeout is a personal choice. Some people tip, but Grumet says it’s usually not necessary.

At bars, $1 per beer or glass of wine is a good rule, according to Bankrate, but 18 to 20 percent for cocktails, which take time to make. Tip baristas at coffee shops or cafés 15 to 20 percent.

Salons and spas

Nail techs, hairstylists, massage therapists, and aestheticians should be tipped 15 to 20 percent of the cost of the services, Grotts says. You can leave more or less based on the quality of the service. These services are also usually customized for you, which Belarmino says you should consider when you tip. Also, tip the same amount even if your hairstylist or manicurist owns the salon or spa.

“I don’t think you should penalize them for being an entrepreneur,” she says. “They would appreciate it, and they’re providing a service for you.”

Hotels

Most people don’t tip hotel housekeepers. But Belarmino says you should, as these staff perform strenuous work in keeping your room tidy. It’s recommended to tip housekeeping $3 to $5 a day for up to three people per room or $10 at a luxury hotel, according to Bankrate, which suggests tipping daily, as housekeeping staff rotate.

Between $2 and $3 per bag (or $5 at a luxury hotel) is recommended for someone bringing your bags to your room, and $5 for a concierge who helps you get tickets to an event, makes a restaurant reservation, or fulfills another request.

Delivery drivers

These days, we’re getting more and more things delivered: food, groceries, alcohol. “Delivery drivers often rely on tips as a significant part of their income, similar to workers in other service industries,” Grotts says.

When ordering via a restaurant delivery platform, delivery fees aren’t the same as tips for the drivers, according to Grubhub. The company suggests tipping at least $5 or preferably 20 percent of the meal’s cost. For grocery delivery, tip 15 to 20 percent of the total bill, according to Bankrate. The same goes for alcohol delivery.

“If the service was exceptional or if the delivery required extra effort—such as carrying heavy items up several flights of stairs—you might consider tipping on the higher end of the scale,” Grotts says.

Transportation

Rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, may suggest tip amounts, such as a few dollars, to make it easier for users. But AAA recommends considering the total price of the ride and tipping 10 to 20 percent of that amount. For taxis, tip 15 to 20 percent of the total fare, AAA says. It’s also recommended to tip shuttle drivers that carry people to the airport, for example, about $3 and more for a ride.

The bottom line with tipping is that it’s always appreciated, so give what you can, Belarmino says. But it’s also a barometer of a service or experience, so she says not to feel obligated to overtip in situations that you feel don’t measure up.

“Tipping is a way to show your appreciation,” Grotts says. “Kindness and generosity are a match made in heaven. When in doubt, make someone’s day.” EW

Erica Sweeney is a freelance journalist whose work appears in the New York Times, Men’s Health, Business Insider, HuffPost, Reworked, and many other publications.