Tipping in the USA: who, how much, and why
For visitors, the most surprising thing about paying in America is that the price on the menu is not the price you pay. Sales tax is added at the register, and in restaurants a tip of around 20% is expected on top, because servers are paid a low base wage and live largely on tips. It is not optional in practice: leaving nothing at a sit-down restaurant is read as a complaint.
Menu price → what you pay
— Receipt —
Subtotal$60.00
Sales tax 8.875%$5.33
Tip 20%$12.00
Total$77.33
Each (2)$38.66
The menu said $60.00; you pay 29% more. Check the bill for an “auto-gratuity” or “service charge” line first: if there is one, the tip is already included.
The tipping cheat sheet
| Service | Usual tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant with table service | 18–22% of the bill before tax |
| Buffet | 10% |
| Bar | $1–$2 per drink, or 20% of a tab |
| Food delivery | 15–20%, $5 minimum |
| Taxi, Uber, Lyft | 15–20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $3–$5 per night, left daily |
| Hotel porter / bellhop | $2–$5 per bag |
| Valet parking | $3–$5 when the car is returned |
| Tour guide (day tour) | $10–$20 per person |
| Hairdresser, spa | 15–20% |
| Coffee shop, counter, food truck | Optional: round up, or $1 |
The tablet that asks for 25%
Many counters now turn a payment screen toward you with buttons for 18%, 20% and 25%. For counter service where nobody brings anything to your table, choosing “No tip” or “Custom” is completely acceptable. In a restaurant with table service, the tip is expected whether you pay on a screen, a card slip or in cash.
Sales tax: why the total is always higher
Prices in the US are shown before sales tax, which is set by each state, county and city. It ranges from zero in Oregon, Montana, Delaware and New Hampshire to over 10% in parts of Chicago, Seattle and Louisiana. Restaurants and hotels often add their own local taxes; hotels in big cities can add 15% or more.
Questions travellers ask
Do you have to tip in the USA?
Legally no, but socially yes at sit-down restaurants, bars, taxis and for personal services. Servers’ wages are built on tips.
Do you tip on the total with tax or before tax?
Before tax is the etiquette, though many people tip on the total. The difference is small.
Should I tip if service was bad?
Reduce it to around 10–15% and say why to the manager. Leaving nothing is very rare.
Can I tip in cash?
Yes, cash tips are always welcome, even if you paid the bill by card. Leave it on the table or hand it over.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026.