Tipping in the USA?

[Bodhesatva]

OriGin said:

Hi guys,

 

I'm coming on vacation to the USA in September and I hear that you have to tip a lot over there...

 

In Australia we generally don't tip at all, I don't think i've ever tipped in my entire life as a matter of fact, so I was just wanting to get the low down on what is the 'acceptable' minimum. Because i've been raised in a society that doesn't 'require' "donations" be made for a service it feels lame to have to do it.

Can anyone fill me in?

FYI - I'm heading to Honolulu Hawaii for 2 weeks :D

Okay, first thing Origin:

Minimum wage in much of America is 6.00-6.50. Waiters in America often make 2.00 or less an hour. How is that legally possible? They rely on tips. Without your tips, they could literally go home with 10 dollars for a night's work.

The minimally acceptable percentage is 10, but I very strongly would recommend against it. By "minimally acceptable," I mean "if you gave them less, they may complain openly and/or ask if the service was bad."

15 percent is what a person tips as the fair minimum. This isn't especially high, but it won't get you grumbles. 20 percent is generous -- it's what Waiters shoot for in a night. 20 percent overall for all tips is good for them.

Keep in mind that the only people you really have to tip are Waiters and Taxi Cab drivers. With some very rare exceptions, that's it. McDonalds employees don't count: just people who individually wait on you in finer establishments.