Tipping in United States: how much should you tip?
Restaurants: 18-20%.
Tipping is deeply ingrained in the US, where many service workers earn a low base wage and rely on gratuities to make a living.
Customary tips in United States
| Where | Customary tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 18-20% |
| Cafes & bars | $1-2 per drink |
| Taxis & rideshare | 15-20% |
| Hotels | $2-5 per night housekeeping |
United States tip calculator (USD)
Work out a tip in US dollar (USD) using the local default of about 18%. Switch to By total to round your bill to a convenient amount.
Tip calculator for United States
Do you tip in United States?
Tipping in United States is expected. Tipping is deeply ingrained in the US, where many service workers earn a low base wage and rely on gratuities to make a living. As a visitor, the safest approach is to check the bill for an included service charge, then decide whether a small extra amount is appropriate for the service you received.
How to tip like a local in United States
- Pay tips in US dollar (USD) where possible — cash is almost always welcome.
- Restaurants: 18-20%.
- Taxis and rideshare: 15-20%.
- Hotels: $2-5 per night housekeeping.
Quick tips for travelers to United States
- Check your bill for a service charge before adding a tip.
- Cash in US dollar (USD) is the safest way to tip.
- When unsure, rounding up the bill is always polite.
FAQ
Do you have to tip in the US?
It is not legally required, but it is strongly expected - 18-20% is standard at sit-down restaurants.
Nearby country guides
Reviewed 2026-08-10. Customs can vary by venue and region.