| Scenario | Suggested tip | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15–20% | Standard for table service; tip on the pre-tax subtotal. |
| Takeout (pickup) | 0–10% | No table service, so no obligation — round up or leave a dollar. |
| Bar | $1–2 / drink | Tip per drink, or 15–20% of the tab when running a card. |
| Taxi | 10–15% | Standard for metered rides; add a little more for help with luggage. |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 10–20% | Tip in the app after the ride; higher for long trips or great service. |
| Hair salon / barber | 15–20% | Standard for stylists and barbers. |
| Manicure / pedicure | 15–20% | Standard for nail technicians. |
| Hotel bellhop | $1–2 / bag | Cash per bag when staff help with your luggage. |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5 / night | Leave daily cash (or a marked envelope) for the cleaner. |
| Coffee shop | 0–10% | Counter service is optional; a dollar in the jar is common. |
| Food delivery | 10–15% | Percentage of the order, or a $3–5 minimum for small orders. |
| Tour guide | 10–20% | Of the tour cost, for a full- or half-day guided experience. |
A few tipping tips
Tip on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total after sales tax. In restaurants, 15–20% is the norm for sit-down service; go higher for exceptional care and lower only for genuinely poor service. For services paid by card, the tip can usually be added on the terminal or in the app — you rarely need cash.
Not sure how much to add? Use the Tip Calculator to get the exact amount, or the Split Bill Calculator to divide the check among a group.