Tipping culture in the United States can be confusing, especially if you're visiting from a country where service charges are included in the price. This guide covers every common tipping scenario with specific percentages so you always know what's expected.
Restaurant Tipping: The Basics
For sit-down restaurants in the US, tipping is not optional — it's an essential part of how servers earn their living. The federal minimum wage for tipped workers is just $2.13 per hour, with the expectation that tips will make up the difference.
15% is the minimum for acceptable service. 18% is average and what most people tip. 20% is for good service and increasingly becoming the new standard. 25%+ is for exceptional service.
Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax
Technically, you should tip on the pre-tax subtotal. But honestly, most people tip on the total including tax because it's simpler and the difference is small. On a $100 bill with 8% tax, a 20% tip would be $20 (pre-tax) vs. $21.60 (post-tax). Either is perfectly fine.
Every Tipping Scenario
| Situation | Standard Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 18–20% | Higher for large groups or complex orders |
| Buffet | 10–15% | Someone still clears your plates and refills drinks |
| Takeout / pickup | 0–10% | 10% if order is large or complex |
| Food delivery | 15–20% | Minimum $3–5 even on small orders |
| Coffee shop | $1–2 or 15% | More for complex specialty drinks |
| Bar / bartender | $1–2 per drink | Or 15–20% on a tab |
| Taxi / rideshare | 15–20% | $2 minimum for short rides |
| Hair salon | 15–20% | Tip each person who services you |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 per night | Leave daily, not just at checkout |
| Valet parking | $2–5 | When your car is returned |
| Movers | $20–50 per person | More for long or difficult moves |
When NOT to Tip
You don't need to tip at fast-food counters, self-service establishments, or retail stores. If a restaurant includes a mandatory service charge (common for groups of 6+), check your bill — an additional tip is optional unless the service was outstanding. Some restaurants have moved to a no-tipping model with higher menu prices; respect their system.
Splitting the Bill
When splitting, calculate the tip on the full bill first, then divide the total (bill + tip) by the number of people. Don't let each person tip separately on their share — this often results in under-tipping because rounding down compounds across the group.
Tip: $120 × 0.20 = $24
Total: $144 ÷ 4 = $36 per person
Tipping Outside the US
Tipping norms vary dramatically worldwide. In Japan and South Korea, tipping can be considered rude. In most of Europe, service is included in the price — rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected. In Canada and Mexico, tipping norms are similar to the US. Always check local customs when traveling.