Here is what you need to know before you tip. The first rule of tipping is to always tip! People who work in the service industry often rely on tips to supplement their income. The three most common times you will find yourself tipping for services you receive is at restaurants, when you are traveling, and at salons.
If you are able to, tip in cash. If you don’t have cash on hand, put the tip on your card. Just be mindful that credit card companies take out a small percentage of your tip. At restaurants and salons, tipping between 15% and 20% is standard. However, if you are getting takeout, there is no obligation to leave a tip. When you are at the spa or salon, if you have had multiple people wait on you, then you should tip each person separately. Tipping when you are traveling is also important.
The hotel staff is there to make your stay as pleasant as possible, so don’t forget to tip them as well. If a doorman helps you carry your luggage in or out of a hotel, you should tip him $1 to $2 dollars per bag. Also, you should tip your taxi driver 15 – 20% of the total fare. Even though you don’t see them, there are men and women who clean your room daily when you are staying at a hotel. You should tip the housekeeping staff $2 to $5 each day.
What about the tip jars at your favorite neighborhood spot? This one is totally up to you, but the workers will definitely appreciate it! The most important part of tipping is that it shows gratitude to the people who are serving you. There is never a reason to hesitate or feel awkward about it.
