Tips on Tipping

by 梦思得

回答: Who do you tip? When? How much? 由 trytrysee 于 2006-06-22 20:29:19

Tips on Tipping
Source: American Society of Travel Agents, Alexandria, Va.

Who do you tip? When? How much?

These are the questions that have nagged at consumers since the firstservice transaction. The practice of tipping is meant as a form ofthank-you for services rendered, or beforehand as a subtle bribe forspecial treatment.

Tipping need not be considered mandatory or automatic. Too often, tipsare taken for granted or expected regardless of the quality of service.Tipping should be done at your discretion and as a reward for good orsuperlative service.

Below are some tipping suggestions for travelers. At nearly every stepof the traveling process, there are professionals waiting to “lightenyour load” or provide assistance. So remember to carry a lot of changeand small bills for tips.

1. Taxi/Limo Drivers: A $2 to $3 tip is usually satisfactory; moreif he helps you with your bags and/or takes special steps to get you toyour destination on time.
2. Porters: A standard tip for airport and train porters is $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy.
3. Hotel Bellman: Again, $1 per bag is standard. Tip when he shows youto your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. Tip more if heprovides any additional service. Note: A $5 tip upon arrival canusually guarantee you special attention should you require it.
4. Doorman: Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate.However, you may want to tip more for special service, such as carryingyour bags or shielding you with an umbrella.
5. Concierge: Tip for special services such as making restaurant ortheater reservations, arranging sightseeing tours, etc. The amount ofthe tip is generally dependent on the type and complexity of service(s)provided—$2 to $10 is a standard range. You may elect to tip for eachservice, or in one sum upon departure. If you want to ensure specialtreatment from the concierge, you might consider a $10–$20 tip uponarrival.
6. Hotel Maid: Maids are often forgotten about when it comes to tippingbecause they typically do their work when you are not around. For staysof more than one night, $1 per night is standard. The tip should beleft in the hotel room in a marked envelope.
7. Parking Attendants: Tip $1 to $2 when your car is delivered.
8. Waiters: 15–20% of your pre-tax check is considered standard. Thesame applies for room service waiters. Some restaurants willautomatically add a 15% gratuity to your bill, especially for largeparties—look for it before tipping. If the 15% is added, you need onlytip up to another 5% for superlative service.
9. Cloakroom Attendants: If there is a charge for the service, a tip isnot necessary. However, if there is no charge, or extra care is takenwith your coat and/or bags, a $1 to $2 tip is appropriate.
10. Tour Guides/Charter Bus Drivers: If a tip is not automaticallyincluded, tip $1 for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour, andanywhere from $5 to $10 for a week-long tour. Tip a private guide more.

These are some of the people you are most likely to encounter whiletraveling in the U.S. Undoubtedly there will be others. If there is onestandard rule in tipping it is this: If someone renders special serviceto you along the way, show your appreciation with a tip.
NOTE: International travelers should be aware that tipping customsoutside the U.S. are often very different. Consult travel guides forthe country you are visiting.