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    Home » Travel

    How much do you tip?

    Published: Jun 12, 2014 by Kerri Jablonski · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    How much do you tip?

    I can't tell you how many times I've been involved in this conversation. With the blogging conference season entering full swing, the tips and traveling comes up in nearly every group I am in. So, I searched around the Internet and compiled a list. Now this is all according to the Internet, and it's not complete, but it covers the basics with a little extra on how much do you tip.

    EVERY DAY LIFE

    Food delivery person:* 10% of the bill (excl. tax), at least $1 for bills up to $10. Should tip 15%-20% for a difficult delivery. Don't ever assume that the driver gets a cut of the delivery fee many places tack on. Give a little more for bad weather, crappy neighborhoods etc.
    Groceries: Check with store policy if tips are accepted. $1 for bringing bags to car; $1.50 to $3 if you have more than 3 bags.
    Taxi driver: Varies depending on where you are. 15% is usually enough; and give an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags.
    Barber: 15% to 20%, minimum $1, for a haircut. For other services (shampoo, shave or manicure) tip $1 to $2 to that person as well.
    Hairdresser: 15% to 20%. (It is now acceptable to tip owner, unless he or she says otherwise.)
    Shampoo person: $2
    Manicurist: 15%
    Spa service (e.g., massage, facial): 15% to 20%. If service is provided by owner, generally no tip.
    Staff at coffee/food retailers with tip jars: No tip required. Some may argue otherwise, though I usually throw a buck in.

    RESTAURANTS/BARS

    Waiter/waitress: 15% of bill (excl. tax) for average service; 20% for very good service; no less than 10% for poor service. Please don't skip the tip, your server may share tips with busboys or host staff.
    Wine steward:15% of cost of the bottle and always ask before bringing your own bottle as many restaurants don't allow this!
    Bartender: 15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soda/juice etc, $1 per alcoholic drink. My feeling is even if you're sitting at the bar, drinking fizzy water and eating peanuts, you should still tip!
    Coatroom attendant: $1 per coat or bag
    Parking valet or garage attendant: $2 when they bring you your car

    TRAVEL

    Skycap at airport: $1 per bag if you check-in curbside; $2 per bag if skycap takes bags to check-in counter. (This to me, so worth it, especially when traveling with kids)
    Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person for hailing a cab
    Hotel bellhop: $1 per bag for bringing luggage to your room (but it's nice to give $2 if you just have one bag)
    Hotel housekeeper: $2 to $5* per night (put in an envelope with a note so they know it's the tip and not random money)
    Hotel concierge: $5 for getting you tickets or reservations (give them extra if they're hard to get). No tip required when you ask for directions.
    Cruise: Varies. Ask about customary gratuities. Maybe some of my DisneyCruise blogger friends can chime in.

    In addition, if you have a coupon for a service or restaurant, your tip is based on the before discount cost! So keep that in mind too!

    And when tipping, saying Thank You is always nice too.

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    About Kerri Jablonski

    Kerri Jablonski is a Seattle Mom Blogger. She lives with her 3 kids (2008, 2010, 2013), her husband and cats. Two of her children have Autism. Kerri enjoys cooking, travel, movies and spending time with her family.

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    1. Leila

      June 12, 2014 at 1:08 pm

      We don't typically do food delivery anymore, but I admit, I never paid much attention when we did tip...
      For hair cuts (I don't do a salon or fancy, just Great Clips) I tip $5 and when I actually get my nails done I tip $5.
      Wait staff gets 10% if it's bad service; 15-18% for good service; and 20% or above for great service. I have been known to tip upwards of $20 for exceptional service.
      The only other place I frequent that requires tipping is tattoos/piercings and I generally tip a flat $10.
      This was a great reference though! (I think I may be over-tipping in certain areas!) And if I happen to come across any other areas of life where I need to tip, I will def refer back to this!

      Reply
      • TheMaven

        June 12, 2014 at 1:16 pm

        I love that you bring up tipping your tattoo artist or piercer!

        Reply

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