Tipping

Business travelers are familiar with tipping, and bellhops, skycaps and parking attendants all rely on tips for a good portion of their income. With all of these services that travel entails, it is necessary to determine who should receive a tip and how much is appropriate. In addition to knowing when and who to tip, tipping rules and rates also vary internationally.

Most travelers know that 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill is standard for restaurant servers and bartenders, but what about other services provided during the course of a business trip? There are many factors to consider when tipping, such as who gets tipped and who does not, the quality of service provided, how long you have used a service, local customs, and the traveler's personal budget.

Here are some standard guidelines to follow. Remember, these are just general suggestions. Keep in mind the quality and regularity of service when deciding on the tip amount.

Airports:

• Skycaps – $1-$2 per bag.
• Wheelchair service – $3-$5.
• Electric cart transport – $1-$2.
• Parking attendant – $1; $5 is customary if luggage assistance is included.

Hotels:

• Housekeeping – $1-$2 per night, consider a dollar more per night for longer stays.
• Room service – 15 percent of bill (check your bill to see if gratuity is already included).
• Bellhop – $1-$2 per bag.
• Concierge – $5-$10 for making restaurant and show reservations.
• Delivery person – For request of extra items, consider $2.

Transportation:

• Taxi – 15 percent.
• Limousine – 20 percent.
• Courtesy shuttle – $2 per traveler.

Restaurants/Bars:

• Bartender – 10 percent - 15 percent of bar bill.
• Coat check attendant – $1.
• Restroom attendant –$0.50 - $1.
• Parking attendant – $1.
• Buffet-style – 5 percent -10 percent of bill.
• Separate checks – Consider leaving an 18 percent gratuity tip on each check for the extra work.
• Lounge musicians – $1-$5.
• Table-to-table musicians – $2-$3 for special requests.
• Takeout – Generally $1-$2.

Roadside Service:

• Tow – $5-$20, depending on situation.
• Jump start – $3-$5.
• Tire change – $4-$5.
• Key retrieval – $5-$10.

Cruises:

• Cabin steward/stewardess – $3 per day.
• Server – $3 per day.
• Bus boy – $1.50 per day.
• Bar/wine steward – 15 percent added automatically.

Miscellaneous:

• Tour guides – 10 percent - 15 percent of bill. Usually $1-$2 for half-day tours and $3-$4 for full-day tours.
• Hair stylist – 10 percent - 20 percent.
• Spa package – 10 percent - 20 percent of bill, if not included.

It may seem like everyone expects a tip these days and just who should receive a tip for what services does vary – there are no hard-and-fast rules to tipping. There are plenty of professions or services that do not require or permit tips, however, including in-flight personnel, charter pilots, hotel maintenance staff, gym attendants, restaurant busboys, drive-through attendants, grocery baggers and department store clerks.

As most business travelers know, tipping customs and rates vary internationally. Here are some suggestions:

• Canada – Restaurant, bar, food delivery, and taxi service usually expect a tip; 10 percent - 20 percent.
• Egypt – Tipping expected for nearly all services.
• France – With restaurants, tip is included in the bill; 15 percent.
• Indonesia – 10 percent at restaurants, usually included in the bill. A small additional tip is common.
• Italy – 10 percent at restaurants.
• Malaysia – 10 percent; standard for porters and room service.
• Mexico – Tipping expected with nearly all services; 10 percent.
• Philippines – 10 percent.
• Saudi Arabia – 10 percent included with restaurant and hotel bill.
• U.K. – 10 percent - 12 percent usually included with bill.

Tipping recommendations for additional countries can be found here.

These tipping suggestions are meant to assist business travelers with deciding when and how much to tip the much appreciated travel service providers.