How to tip properly in the United States of America
Here are some hints for tipping in restaurants:
- Most often, tip about 15% of the bill for food and drink. Look at the total bill and subtract the amount for taxes.
- Tips are higher-often 18%-20% in larger cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
- Tip about 3% higher if you have seven people or more at your table.
- Do not tip the workers in fast food places where you get your own food-for example, McDonald's. However, tip about 15% in restaurants where the waiter greets you and comes to the table with bread or water-even if you get most of the food yourself.
- Do not tip the maitre d', or person who found you a table.
- Tip the person who parks the car about $1. If there is a charge for parking, you may add 50¢ or $1 as a tip if you like; but tipping is not necessary.
Note: Also tip taxi drivers and hairdressers about 15%. If the hairdresser is also the owner of the shop, you need not tip him or her; tipping the owner is not necessary. Always tip the person who washes your hair about $1 or $2. To find out about tipping in other situations, read chapter 2, "When You Arrive," in Hello! USA
