Tipping Tips and Guidelines

!±8± Tipping Tips and Guidelines

One of the more confusing things that people run across when they are traveling is tipping for services that they receive. Questions such as...

do I tip? is the tip included? how much do I tip? do I tip even if the service I received is not up to standard?

Many services that are provided to you while you travel are widely known to be a service that is tipped. These services include (but are not limited to) restaurants, bars, valet parking, luggage handlers at the airport and at your hotel, etc. If you receive good service from a person providing a service that is tipped service - the service comes with an implied obligation to tip for that good service. For example, when a waiter at a restaurant provides you service - they are providing this service to you with the expectation of being tipped/compensated a minimum of 15% for quality service.

So keep this tipping guide (alphabetically listed for your convenience) handy at all times so you'll know exactly how much to reward all those who help you achieve the vacation of your dreams.

A Traveler's Tipping Guide

Luggage Handler such as Bellman/Baggage Porter -2 per bag, more if extremely heavy Assistant waiter/busboy on a cruise per person/per day Bar Waiter or Bartender 15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, per alcoholic drink Cabin Steward on a cruise per person/per day Concierge -10 each time you receive personal assistance Doorman/Hailer of Taxis Housekeeping/Maid per day Room Service 15% of your order Shuttle/Bus Driver from the airport to your hotel per person Taxi Driver - this varies depending on the location. Ask your bellman at your hotel what the custom is for tipping taxi drivers. Normally it is 10-15% of the fare, and then to for each bag they assist you with. Tour Guide (short tour) per person for a half-day tour, for full-day tour Tour Guide (long tour) -8 per person per day Valet Parking Attendant -2 to bring your car to you Waiter on a cruise (waiter) per person/per day Waiter 15% of bill (excl. tax) for adequate service; 20% for very good service; no less than 10% for poor service. (Some restaurants in Europe and Asia automatically add 15 percent to the bill. When this happens tipping is not expected. If unsure if this charge has been added to your bill ask your waiter.)