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Tipping in the US

In the US, tipping isn't optional — it's part of service workers' pay. These are the going rates for each situation and the phrases to handle the moment smoothly.

Key phrases

Is the tip included?
Sometimes a service charge is already on the bill — always worth asking.
Could you add a twenty percent tip, please?
Card payment: 15–20% is the restaurant standard.
Keep the change.
The simplest tip there is.
This is for you — thank you so much!
Cash-in-hand tips: housekeeping $2–5/day, bellhop $2–5/bag.
Can I add the tip on the card?
Screens suggest 18/20/25% — counter service can be less.
What's customary here?
The polite way to ask what's expected.
The service was great — this is for you.
Tip + direct praise — the full combo.

Tip: Cheat sheet: restaurants 15–20% · bars $1–2/drink · taxis 10–15% · housekeeping $2–5/day · salons 15–20%. Fast food and stores: no. When in doubt: 18%.

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