Tipping - what does it apply to and how much?
 

Generally in Australia a persons wages are meant to cover their services. Tipping is given for good service as an extra but it is not seen as expected. So with that cultural heritage it seems that I might be wandering into hostile territory, LOL

From what I hear, it seems it is a hidden surcharge on services in the USA.

I would appreciate some advice on what is the norm on what you are expected to tip both in size and for what services.

One bit of culture shock I am to experience LOL

15% is standard tip for a waitperson serving you at a restaurant.

The usual tip is 20% of the total bill. Tipping can be based on the level of service, the quality of the food, and overall dining experience. In general, the wait staff gets paid at or close to the minimum wage, so tipping supplements the waiter or waitress' income.

Hope this helps!

Wow, I must be a big tipper :) Someone wait on me... NOW!

You are right Tess, it's 20% on the total...or 15% pre-tax.

I tip 20 + for good service. Here in Florida the wait people make considerably less than minimum so tips are crucial.

You leave it on the table or add it to your credit card bill.

Just slip a tip on the table as you leave. If the service is bad, leave little or nothing. You can also add it to your credit card bill as you sign out. It's very simple. Noone will be standing there with their hand out.

Is there an echo in here?

In the good old USofA a waitperson is only paid half of their wages by the employer. The government thinks that they make the other half in tips and charges them income tax on the tips. Go figure :(

At some places, the wait staff makes A LOT of money through tips. Hooters is one I can think of right off hand. And the fancier restaurants where the final bill is in the $100's. Again, there is no obligation to tip, but it is an accepted custom here.

Also, when you are in the major cities, tip the taxi cab driver a few dollars, depending on the length of the trip. In downtown Boston, Chicago, and New York, a short trip through town would warrant $2 of $3. Sometimes, you can just tell the driver to keep the change if the difference is in that range.

Tipping Tipping Tipping!

If the service SUCKS, I don't leave a tip.
If the service is ok, I will leave a 10% tip.
If the service ROCKED, I will leave 20+% tip.

standard is 15 to 20% the minimum wage for servers here is $2.56 an hour (I'm not sure if the is all of the US or just here in Michigan) so tipping is a lagre part of a servers pay.

As far as tipping other places unless you are in a nice hotel where someone brings your bags to you room don't worry if so just slip then a couple of bucks.

p.s. if you stop for fast food don't worry about tipping anyone

Sit down restaurants - 20%
Cab drivers - 10% of fare
Hair dressers, baggage handlers, and maitre d's about $2-3
Hookers...well...depends on how they perform :D