Why Tipping Matters in the US

If you travel to the United States from Spain or Latin America, one thing might surprise you more than the size of the portions: tipping. In many countries, a tip is a small extra for very good service. In the US, it is part of the price, and visitors who don't tip can cause real problems for the people who serve them.

Why is it so important? In most states, restaurants are allowed to pay servers much less than the normal minimum wage, because the law expects tips to make up the difference. In other words, when you tip a waiter, you are paying a big part of his or her salary. That's why Americans say you have to tip, not that you can.

So how much should you leave? In a sit-down restaurant, people usually tip between 15 and 20 percent of the bill, before tax. If the service was excellent, you can leave more. If it was bad, you can leave a little less, but you should still leave something unless something went really wrong. In taxis and for hairdressers, 15 to 20 percent is normal too. In hotels, you should give the person who carries your bags one or two dollars per bag, and many guests leave a few dollars a day for the housekeeper.

There are some places where you don't need to tip. You don't have to tip in fast food restaurants, and nobody expects a tip at the supermarket. In cafes, you will often see a tip jar or a screen with tip options. That tip is optional, so you don't have to feel bad if you just want a coffee.

Finally, you must check the bill carefully. Some restaurants already include a service charge, especially for big groups. If you see it, you don't need to tip again. And remember: the price on the menu is not the final price. Tax and tip can add almost 30 percent, so you ought to plan your budget with that in mind.