Tipping can be confusing under the best of circumstances. Add air travel, hotel stays and ground transportation and you can end up feeling overwhelmed. Please keep in mind that gratuity etiquette varies among countries so it’s important to do your homework before you leave on your trip.
Here is a guide to help you navigate your journey with ease and decorum.
Skycap at the airport. $1–$2 per bag, additional for curbside check-in.
Flight attendant. Do not tip. Rather, write a letter of commendation to the airline.
Taxi driver. 15–20% of fare.
Uber/Lyft driver. 15–20% of fare.
Limo driver. 15–20% of total bill. Check to see if gratuity has already been included, of course.
Hotel doorman. It’s not necessary to tip a doorman for holding open a door. However, if they perform a special service such as helping with shopping bags from the taxi to the front desk, or offering an umbrella from the front door to the car, then $2–$5.
Hotel valet. $3–$5 when you pick up your car. Besides time, for special requests, such as parking your car at the curb while you run up to your room to change clothes and drop off packages, an additional $3–$5.
Bellman. $1–$2 per bag (more for heavy or cumbersome bags, however).
Front desk. If the front desk acts as the concierge or goes above and beyond, tip as you would the concierge. Otherwise, a friendly smile and “Thank you” is all that is necessary.
Concierge. For directions or simple questions about local sights or nearby restaurants, no tip is required. Arranging a dinner reservation, $5–$10. Finally, for hard-to-get tickets or reservations, $20 upwards.
Hotel housekeepers. $3–$5 daily, or $1 per person, per day, if there are more than 5 guests per room. Place money in an envelope, or write a note, labeled “Housekeeping.”
Room service. 15–20% of bill, unless gratuity has been added to bill. Consequently, may also include additional gratuity if service was stellar.
Hotel spa providers (masseuse, esthetician, manicurist). 15–20% of bill, unless gratuity has been included.
Pool attendant. $1 per service.
Hotel restaurant wait staff. 15–20%, unless gratuity has been added to bill.
Buffet – serve yourself. $2–$5 to the server attending your table throughout the night. For multiple diners, $1 per person.
Hotel bartender. Either 15–20% of the bar tab, or $1 per alcoholic drink.
Shuttle driver. $1–$2 per person, depending on how much they assist.
Private/independent tour guide. 15–20% of service for a narrated tour.
Public tour guide. $1–$2 per person for an hourly to a half day tour. Similarly, tip $2–$3 per person for daytrip. Caution: do not tip government or national parks employees due to prohibitions on government workers receiving tips.
