Tipping culture in the United States is a custom where customers leave a gratuity for service industry workers, such as servers, bartenders, and hairdressers, as a way to show appreciation for their service. The practice of tipping originated in Europe in the Middle Ages and was brought to the United States by European immigrants.
In the United States, tipping is expected in many industries, including:
1. Restaurants: It is customary to leave a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill before tax for good service.
2. Bars: It is customary to leave a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill for bartenders.
3. Hairdressers/Barbers: It is customary to leave a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill.
4. Hotel staff: It is customary to leave a tip for hotel staff, such as housekeeping, bellhops, and room service attendants.
5. Taxi drivers: It is customary to leave a tip of 10% to 15% of the fare.
6. Spas: It is customary to leave a tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill for spa services.
7. Food delivery: It is customary to leave a tip of 10% to 15% of the total bill for food delivery drivers.
The tipping culture in the United States can vary depending on the region and the type of establishment. For example, tipping in New York City is generally higher than in other parts of the country. It's also worth noting that some restaurants may include an automatic service charge for large groups or for certain types of service, in which case, you may not need to leave an additional tip.
It's important to note that tipping is not mandatory, but it is considered a way to show appreciation for good service. If you receive poor service, it's acceptable to leave a smaller tip or speak with a manager to express your dissatisfaction.
It's also worth noting that tipping culture in the US can be different for different demographics. For example, millennials tend to tip less than older generations, and people from higher income households tend to tip more.
Overall, tipping culture in the United States can be complex and can vary depending on many factors, but it's generally seen as a way to show appreciation for good service.