When
it comes to your vacation, it's the littlest details, such
as tipping etiquette that can become the most confusing. Whom
should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all? Never
fear! This simple guide to tipping will take the guesswork
out of tipping etiquette and help you focus on more important
things - like enjoying your vacation.
TIPPING
AT AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS
Upon
arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station,
tip the standard porter rate of $1 per bag; more if your luggage
is very heavy. Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate
for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special
services, such as carrying your bags.
HOTEL
TIPPING ETIQUETTE
When
you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things
first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your
total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car,
give the valet parking attendant $1 to $2. If you take a shuttle
van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person.
The
bellman, who will be more than happy to assist you with your
bags and the door, should receive $1 to $2 per bag. Tip when
he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon
checkout. Tip more if he provides any additional service.
The concierge, who can get you anything from dinner reservations
to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves $5 to $10 for
such feats. You may tip at the time of service or at the end
of the trip. To ensure good service throughout your stay,
add a $20 tip to the bill.
Add
15 percent of the bill to a room service charge, unless a
gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply
$1. If you requested something delivered to your room such
as a hairdryer or iron, tip $1 per item received. Typically,
the maid deserves a $2 tip each day, as well.
TOUR
TIPPING ETIQUETTE
If
you're taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included,
tip a local guide $1 per person for a half-day tour, $2 for
full-day tour. Tip a private guide more.
If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager - someone
who travels with the group for several days and is essentially
in charge - tour operators suggest anywhere from $3-8 per
person per day. Don't forget the bus driver either - $2 per
person per day.
CRUISE
TIPPING ETIQUETTE
When
on a cruise, tip according to your comfort level and only
on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining
room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the
dining room assistant waiter should receive $2.00 per person/per
day, the dining room maitre'd $3.50 per person/per day and
the dining room manager $1.50 per person/per day.
The
room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per
day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck
stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.
RESTAURANT
TIPPING ETIQUETTE
Although
excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill,
most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip.
In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a
small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also
acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive
between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or
service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk
out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner
bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional
15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a "service
charge") and do not expect tips.
At
fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between $5 and $10 if
he gets you a table - more when the restaurant is full and
you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat,
and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal
service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine
bill.
This
tipping etiquette will hopefully give you a general idea of
the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey.
You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent,
and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment
all the way. Enjoy your vacation, and don't forget to tip!
