How to Tip Properly in North America

One of the most common questions asked by vacationers is "How much should I tip?" The answer is complex when you consider various protocols around the world, but general rules do apply here at home. Commit these tipping tips to memory to avoid getting fleeced or forgotten.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Don't tip if it's not deserved. You're essentially buying good service, and if it's not earned it shouldn't be rewarded. You're only promoting poor service habits and wasting money.
2. Tip above the norm for two reasons: if service is exceptional, and if you plan on returning to the hotel or restaurant in the future. Big tippers are rarely forgotten by the staff.
3. Tip discreetly. There's an art to passing money: Fold the bill three times, cup it in your palm with your thumb, and hand it to the staff member with a casual handshake while saying, "Thank you."
4. Tip big when first checking into a hotel to assure better service throughout your stay.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, tip. Failure to tip--or not tipping enough-- can have dire consequences to your vacation, from lost luggage to molasses-slow restaurant and room service.
• See How to Tip Properly, and How to Tip in a Foreign Country.