Is America taking you over the edge? The US is facing rampant 'tipflation' – here's how much you'll have to pay…
To tip or not? Unfortunately, that is not the question when visiting the US
Because on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean it's just a matter of how much you have to cough up.
What makes it worse is that it is now the most normal thing in the world to get a card reader under your nose asking if you want 10 percent, 20 percent, 25 percent or even 30 percent after almost every purchase add.
Not just for a meal in a restaurant, but for a cup of coffee at a kiosk, a drink in a bar or sometimes (shockingly) at self-service counters and convenience stores.
Even Americans think it's too much and come up with a word for the widespread tipping culture: 'tipflation'.
US-based tipping expert Diane Gottsman's golden rule is to be distinctly un-British and – when in doubt – just ask about the usual procedure
And a recent survey by LendingTree, an online financing company, found that about 60 percent of people in the U.S. are tipping more than ever. So what on earth are we supposed to do if the locals have trouble coping with the phenomenon as we travel across the pond?
US-based tipping expert Diane Gottsman's golden rule is to be distinctly un-British and – when in doubt – simply ask about the usual procedure. She also recommends avoiding ticket machine add-ons and giving cash instead.
A lot depends on where you're going: Expect to tip more in New York or LA than in, say, St. Louis, Missouri or rural Oklahoma. Here's our guide:
RESTAURANTS: DISH OUT THE DOUGH
When Jayden or Lily-Anne flashes a pearly white smile and introduces themselves in a friendly manner, it can seem overwhelming – to the uninitiated British visitor. Why are they so charming? Isn't it just too familiar? Can they really always be this nice?
The answer is yes. And the reason is simple: they have to make a good impression to encourage you to leave a tip to supplement the sometimes meager pay. The minimum wage in the US is $7.25 (£5.67). However, for positions where employees receive tips, this is only €2.13 (€1.66), although this varies by state.
Of course, this lowest or low rate does not apply to everyone, but it does give an indication of what salaries may look like.
So tip at least 15 to 20 percent, or more if the service is particularly good. If you don't, expect to be chased down the street.
PORTERS: COLLECTING THE DOLLARS
It's important to tip the right percentage in the US, whether it's a restaurant or a bar
It's that awkward moment, if you're not a big tipper, when the bellhop/bellman asks, “Can I help you with your bags?”
The unspoken etiquette is that if you answer yes, you get a tip – and by the time you reach your room you may have already spent $15.
The general rule of thumb is to tip the doorman who takes your bags from the street to the front desk $5, and the bellboy who takes the luggage to your room another $5-$10, especially if you have more than a few have bags.
However, keep in mind that this is not required and many Americans nowadays bring their own bags to avoid tipping. Be sure to exchange money in small denominations before you leave; plenty of five and one dollar bills are essential for your trip.
CONCIERGES: JUST SAY 'THANK YOU'
You don't need to tip the concierge if he or she simply provided directions to the nearest pharmacy or cafe.
For theater tickets or restaurant reservations, however, $5 to $20 is the going rate, depending on how tricky the booking is—and don't be stingy (they'll remember it the next time you ask for help with something).
HOTELS: BUCKS LEAVING OR NOT?
Please provide $3 to $5 per room per night. But don't do it all at once at the end of a stay. The reason for this is that housekeepers often change from day to day.
So leave tips every day, even if you're not in the UK. “Housekeepers are paid an hourly wage, but they do hard work, so a tip is a nice gesture,” Gottsman says.
BARS: DOUBLE MEASURES
In the US, you should expect to tip the bartender at least $1 for a standard drink. You may want to pay more for cocktails
It may go against the grain – because it's not the norm at home – but in the US it's common to spend $1 per drink. This is an absolute minimum in a regular bar.
At a fancy cocktail bar, you might want to double it or even pay more, especially if you're hoping to be served quickly next time.
If you have opened an account, a tip of 15-20 percent of the bill is standard.
Meanwhile, if you eat at the bar, tip the bartender like a restaurant waiter: 15-20 percent.
HEAT DRINKS: COUGHING
When purchasing a takeaway coffee/tea, you may be asked if you would like to leave a tip of up to 20 percent on the card reader.
Excessive! Don't be ashamed to refuse, even if there are people at the back of the line.
The difference between this situation and a bar is that these employees must be paid a reasonable hourly wage, although some people in cities like New York do tip for a latte.
TAXIS: A HARD BARGAIN TO DRIVE
Taxi drivers must be tipped at least 15 percent of the fare (same for Ubers)
Tip in cash, 15-20 percent is common for standard taxis (another reason to make sure you have a pocket full of smaller notes). Check the boxes for tips when using apps like Uber and Lyft.
TAKEAWAYS: IT'S UP TO YOU
When picking up a takeaway, tipping is not strictly required – and this will seem extremely strange to most of us here.
But if the server there packed your order, added utensils, or brought the food to your car, a tip is a nice gesture: maybe a dollar or two. Let's hope it doesn't catch on here.
BREAKFAST: BUFFET ETIQUETTE
At self-serve breakfast (or at a buffet), tip attendants who refill water glasses or wash dishes $1 to $2.
TRAVEL GUIDES: HAND OUT THE DOLLARS
For short hikes of less than two hours, tip $5-$10 per guide. For tours of up to six hours, the tip should be at least $10-$20, or more if it has been particularly good. These guys really rely on their tips to make a living.
SALONS: PAY TO BE PAUSED
Some salons do not allow tips. Others may include this in the bill. If a salon allows this and it is not already included, leave a 15 to 20 percent tip.
WHEN IS A TIP NOT CLASSIFIED AS A TIP?
When it comes to 'service charges/costs'. In both bars and restaurants a 'service fee/charge' may be added to your bill. Although this may seem like it is a tip for the waiter, it is not.
The compensation/levy goes towards the wages of front-of-house staff, kitchen staff and managers. So tip your waiter as usual (see above).