When you receive good service in a restaurant, the usual custom is to give a monetary tip. And many people tip for other services like food delivery, cleaning, ride share, and others.
But there are times when how you tip and when you tip is rude. And depending on where you are or which service is provided to you, there may not be a need for a tip.
Tipping Isn’t the Same Worldwide
Unlike in the United States, tipping is unusual in many parts of the world. For many years, tipping was considered rude in places such as China and Hong Kong, although tipping is becoming increasingly common in some popular tourist areas.According to Global Rescue, tipping is uncommon in Swede, Norway, Iceland, South Korea, and Finland.
Many European countries tack on a service fee. In those cases, an individual tip from you is not needed unless you receive excellent service and feel generous.
When you’re traveling, be aware and adhere to local tipping practices. And in countries where tipping is not expected, find alternative ways to say thank you.
Not Writing the Tip on the Tip Line
Even if you’re in a hurry, always fill out the tip line when paying by card. The tip line is under the meal and tax total. Once you write the tip down, add up the total you will be paying.By filling out the tip line, you avoid confusion, especially if you’re rounding up or adding an even amount. Leaving the tip line blank will be unclear for both the worker and the manager.
Don’t Tip According to Discounted Prices
Coupons or gift cards are great. But you still need to tip like you’re paying for the whole meal. Remember, the server is doing the same amount of work regardless of what you pay for your meal.You also need to tip according to the full price if the manager comps you an appetizer or another item. The tax amount should also be included when figuring out your tip.
Avoid Tipping With Coins
Cash used to be king when it came to tips. But with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tips are no longer taxed.But you might still be using cash. Not all cash is a good tip. Dropping dimes, nickels, and quarters on the table may feel like an insult to a server. This is especially true in higher-end spots, according to FODMAP Everyday.
Tipping Below the Standard in the US
There seems to be debate over what the standard tip should be in the United States, and tipping differs according to state.According to Education First, the consensus is that 15–20 percent is a normal tip, although some servers consider anything less than 20 percent a bad tip.
Qantas Travel Insider says a gratuity of 20–25 percent on top of the bill is standard. If you’re feeling generous, you can always give more.
But according to Square One in 2024, the average tip in the United States for a full-service restaurant transaction was 15.4 percent. The two states with the highest average tipping are Virginia (17.16 percent) and Iowa (17 percent). The two lowest-tipping states include Hawaii (14.17 percent) and California (14 percent).
But, ultimately, it’s a personal and financial choice on how much to tip. According to Pew Research, 57 percent of U.S. adults say they tip 15 percent or less at a sit-down restaurant.
When Food Is Late or Service Is Bad
Delays can happen when the kitchen is backed up. There may be short staffing or busy periods that prevent your food from coming out in a timely fashion. It’s seldom the server’s fault.It’s still a good idea to tip, especially if your server was communicative during the wait.
If you feel you receive poor service, don’t walk away and leave a zero tip just to teach a lesson. The server won’t know why you did that. Instead, discussing the service with the manager before you leave goes further than a zero tip.
Tipping for Non-Restaurant Services
Although tipping in a sit-down restaurant is common, there are other times when you may want to tip. According to the UCLA Dashew Center, they include:- Bartenders: $1–2 per drink
- Food delivery: $2–5 (depending on how big the order)
- Hair stylist: 10–15 percent of the bill
- Valet parking: $1–2 (pay when they bring your car)
- Ride share or taxi: $2 for short trips, 15–20 percent for long trips
Why Should You Tip
Tipping is expected in the United States. According to UCLA, people who work in the service industries receive minimum wage. This typically falls between $2 and $8. The rest of their income is derived from tips, with the average restaurant worker in 2024 earning 23 percent of their income from tips.The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. NTD does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. NTD holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
From The Epoch Times