I'm heading over to the States in little over a day now and in true male fashion, have left everything to the last minute. I understand that tipping is a big thing and was wanting to know the general rule of thumb:
Does tip percentage change in different cities? Do I tip people in retail stores? Is it rude to give the bare minimum tip?
BTW - will tip for answers with vCash
Restaurant:
Under $50 - 10% is acceptable to the eyes of the waiter
15% ideal
20% is generous and we are grateful
$51-100
15% should be the minimum....
10% and you're a cheapskate to us
20% we love you
over $100
20%
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If you're French or Euro and hog the table for hours.. please tip very well.
Waiters lives on tips and when you hold one of their table, they are losing X customers thus X tips for the duration of your stay.
The Tip given really depends on the establishment though
If you're in a fancy 4-5star place and sitting for 2hr+
pretty much 20/hr - maybe more... please be considerate
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Valet Parkers
Malls = $2-5
Hotel = $5
Restaurent - If forced = $2
If you decided to use them = $5
Using VIP parking spot imho $10
Got a fancy car to be taken car of (shade parking, handicap spot so no idiot scratches your car, in a secured spot that can be easily kept an eye on) $10-20
any additional services (bags, grocery) = $5
walking the dog = talk with the guys - you can make arrangement for them to get the Key from the front desk and walk your dog on the 1st hour, 4th hour and 8th hour before we clock out... if you have them on this plan - make an offer and pay either daily or weekly
running errands - gas money + tip or Tip + use your car (trust me, we like driving your Bentley to buy you a pack of cigs and wine)
Airport Run - If they can - usually $25+gas money
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Bars
$1 for beers
$1 for mix drinks if they price isnt fair
$2 for mix drinks if they were cheap/fair
$3 for hook up drinks / beers (you knew the beer costed 7-8 bucks but he charged it as a domestic for $3 - tip him the additional $3-5 for hooking you up.)
(you know he gave you top, premium liquor and charged you for a low end, well liquor - saving you few bucks, give him those few bucks)