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A trip to the United States isn’t complete without encountering the great tipping conundrum. Tipping in America is legally optional but generally expected. Etiquette expert Daniel Post Senning, in a statement to HuffPost, highlights that while tipping is appreciated, it’s never obligatory.
He advises that the key to tipping correctly is to see it as an expression of appreciation rather than an obligation. We often feel pressured to tip, even in places where it is unnecessary. Knowing when to tip and when to save your dollars can be tricky. Here are 26 places where tipping is expected but not mandatory.
Coffee Shops
You might feel the pressure to throw some change into the tip jar every time you grab your morning latte, but tipping at coffee shops isn’t a norm. According to a report by Square, tips at coffee shops in the U.S. have risen by 10% over the past year.
Tipping here is more of a cherry on top than a standard expectation. The next time you decide whether to toss a buck into that tip jar, know it’s entirely up to you.
Fast Food Chains
Fast food tipping is largely uncharted territory. Andrew Rigie, the Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, notes that fast-food employees are generally paid with the understanding that tips are not part of their compensation.
Places like McDonald’s or Taco Bell operate on an assembly line model. So, while your generosity is welcome, it’s not a customary protocol in the fast-food world.
Buffets
Buffets come with a backdrop of endless food options and self-service stations. You may wonder where tips fit in. Since you’re doing most of the legwork here, tipping isn’t necessary.
Buffets typically place less emphasis on tipping compared to traditional dine-in services, where you might expect to tip between 15% and 20%. However, a small gratuity (around 5-10%) is often appreciated, given that servers still provide services such as refilling drinks and clearing plates.
Self-Service Yogurt Shops
As the name implies, self-service yogurt shops don’t require much staff assistance and offer self-checkout services.
There isn’t a standard expectation to tip in these establishments, but if you feel inclined, throwing some spare change into the tip jar is always appreciated.
Ride-Sharing Apps
Ride-sharing apps have become a popular mode of transportation in the U.S., especially in urban areas. Tipping here isn’t mandatory, but it is greatly appreciated by drivers who rely on tips to supplement their income.
Don’t hesitate to show your appreciation with a little extra if you’re feeling particularly generous or your driver goes above and beyond with good conversation or music choice.
Airport Shuttle Drivers
Tipping isn’t necessary, especially if you’ve lugged your bags onto the shuttle. But if the driver assists you with your luggage, consider a small tip.
Tipping drivers is customary in many situations, but it’s not as expected when it comes to shuttle services from airports.
Salons and Spas
Tipping in salons and spas is very common, but it’s not mandatory. According to the Spa Industry Association, the general rule of thumb is 15-20%.
The decision to tip and the amount to give rests with the spa guests, influenced by their experience and level of satisfaction with the service provider.
Food Trucks
Food trucks have become increasingly popular in cities across the U.S., offering a variety of delicious and often affordable meals on wheels. Since most food trucks operate as cash-only businesses, tips are usually given sparingly, if at all.
However, if your experience was particularly exceptional or you want to show appreciation for supporting a small business owner, feel free to tip a few dollars.
Grocery Baggers
Quite a few U.S. grocery stores also have baggers available to help pack your groceries. They are not paid per se but make most of their income from tips.
Although tipping is not expected and is a personal choice, you may want to do so. Be ready to tip $1-2 per bag of 10% of the total bill if you think the service was handy and swift.
Gas Station Attendants
The majority of gas stations in the U.S. are self-serve, and they let you fill your tank yourself. However, in some states like Oregon and New Jersey, gas stations are full-service operations.
Trained attendants are required by law to pump gas. Tipping these attendants is not expected or customary.
Food Delivery Services
Meal delivery has recently become more of a trend, thanks to the services of Uber Eats and DoorDash that have been increasing in popularity as food delivery options so long as you can find restaurants in your area who will deliver.
It is not mandatory, but tips are always appreciated as this helps drivers add up to their earning. Reward them with a tip for providing your food fast and in great shape.
Movie Theatre Ushers
Movie theatres typically don’t have ushers like they did in the past. You rarely encounter someone who shows you to your seat or assists you with finding a theatre.
Tipping here is optional. Consider tipping them as a kind gesture for their service.
Public Restroom Attendants
Some establishments have attendants in public restrooms who provide hand towels, mouthwash, and other amenities.
Tipping is not mandatory in these situations, but showing your gratitude for their services is always appreciated.
Outdoor Tour Guides
Tipping outdoor tour guides isn’t a standard expectation. A tip is appreciated on smaller or private tours where you receive personal interaction. The expected tip is usually 10-20% of the total cost of the tour.
You can tip more if you were particularly pleased with the guide or had an exceptional experience. Check in advance if gratuity is included in the tour price.
Baby Sitters
Tipping babysitters isn’t a common practice, but it’s become more accepted in recent years. The decision to tip depends on various factors, such as the length of time spent with your child, the level of responsibility required, and overall satisfaction with their services.
Consider giving an extra $5-10 per hour or a small gift to show your appreciation when a tip feels appropriate.
Valet Parking Attendants
Valet services are available at many restaurants, hotels, and events. They usually charge a fee for their services, but tipping is not required.
Consider showing your appreciation for the convenience of valet parking if you receive exceptional service by tipping $2-5 per vehicle.
House Sitters
House sitters are usually paid daily or weekly rate for their services and do not expect a tip. A fridge stocked with snacks might be enough of a reward.
However, if they went above and beyond their duties, consider giving them a small bonus or gift to show your appreciation.
Pet Groomers
Pet industry experts report a substantial increase in spending on pet grooming services. The American Pet Products Association revealed that $147 billion was spent on pets in 2023.
Regular grooming keeps pets looking their best and improves their health and well-being. Tipping isn’t obligatory, but many pet owners tip their groomers as a gesture of gratitude for keeping their furry friends happy and healthy.
Furniture Delivery
There is a fee for furniture delivery, but there is no need or expectation of tipping. You can tip a driver who is extra thorough when picking up your furniture and maneuvering in tight areas.
You should expect to tip $5-10 per person.
Home Services
Cleaning, lawn services, and handyman repairs don’t need tips, but it is a great gesture. Most are also willing to tip for outstanding or exceptional services.
Offer snacks or beverages to workers when they’re at work in appreciation of the effort.
Car Wash Attendants
Tipping is not customary for car wash attendants unless they go above and beyond to ensure your vehicle is spotless.
Consider giving a small tip as a token of appreciation if you are happy with their services. Only tip for full service washes or detailing if you feel inclined.
Hotel Housekeeping
It is common to leave a tip for housekeeping, but it’s not a hard rule. Statistics from a survey conducted by Worldmetrics revealed that 71% of guests say they tip housekeeping staff, yet less than that actually do so during their stay.
These individuals go above and beyond to ensure your stay feels like a home away from home. Therefore, a few dollars per day is a kind gesture for those fresh towels and perfectly made beds.
Dry Cleaners
Dry cleaners do not require tipping, but many customers tip a few dollars for excellent service or when the cleaners go out of their way to accommodate special requests.
Show your appreciation by bringing some treats or snacks for the staff during busy times like holidays.
Convenience Stores
These bustling little hubs have become essential pit stops for many Americans. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) reported that there are over 150,000 convenience stores across the U.S., each serving approximately 1,100 customers daily.
Convenience stores operate on tight margins and don’t usually have a tipping culture. However, if you received exceptional service or assistance from an employee, feel free to leave a small tip to show your appreciation.
Takeout Orders
Takeout orders have surged in popularity, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of convenient apps like Grubhub and DoorDash. According to statistics, 60% of Americans order takeout at least once a week.
Tipping isn’t mandatory for takeout, but it’s a thoughtful way to acknowledge the effort in preparing and packaging your meal.
Storage Unit and Moving Companies
You don’t need to tip storage unit staff or moving crews. Tipping is to be paid at your discretion based on the service. There is no obligation if you are not satisfied with their work.
Tipping is allowed if you are happy with the work and they handled your things very well. There is no set tipping amount when moving, but the most common is between $20-40 per mover or 10% of the cost of the move.
