Tag Archives: Travel

How Much Should You Tip? Guidelines for Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars

One question most travelers ask is how much should you tip? Typically the one place you end up tipping most frequently is in your hotel. There is the bellstaff, housekeeping, the concierge and dining room personnel. If they provide a service, they typically should get a tip. How much you should tip for those services does vary by country. Read on to see the suggested tipping amount by country and then how much you should tip in the United States.

Tipping Guidelines by Country

Tipping around the world is different than it is in the United States. Tipping guidelines now show that tipping has become expected and standardized even outside of the United States. In some countries, everyone from the waiter to the porter to the proprietor figure-in gratuities as part of their wages. In other countries, tipping is a different story. Before you go you should know what is the customary tip amount at your destination for various services. Here are some tipping guidelines to know what tip amounts are customary by country. Remember, the more assistance you need, or the more economically deprived the location it behooves you to err on the side of generosity. And if you’re still not sure what is proper to tip, ask someone in management of the establishment for a guideline, they will gladly help you understand how much you should tip.

Country	Tip	Comment
United States	15%-20%	Expected, but usually not included in the bill.
France	12%-15%	Usually included in hotel and restaurant bills.
U.K.	10%-12%	Service charge usually in restaurant bill.
Japan	10%-20%	Tip usually included in hotel, restaurant bill; otherwise, tipping not common.
Germany	10%-15%	Service charge usually included in restaurant bill; but small round up tip is the norm.
Hong Kong	10%-15%	Tipping common for all services.
Indonesia	10%	Usually included in the bill; additional tip can sometimes added.
Italy	10%	Tips expected for most services.
Malaysia	10%	Tipping usual for porters and room service.
Mexico	10%	Tipping common for most services.
Philippines	10%	Tipping common for most services.
Saudi Arabia	10%	Tips usually included in restaurant or hotel bill; extra 10% sometimes given for special service.

Related: How to Hide Money on Your Body

How Much Should You Tip at US Hotels

Two things influence the tip amount, the amount of service provided and the type of hotel. For example, a bellman who brings 5 large bags to your room at a luxury resort should get a larger tip than one who just takes and holds your bag for a few hours in a locked room after you check out.

Shuttle Bus Drivers for the hotel or parking structure: $1-2 per person, or $4-5 per party

Valet or Parking Attendant who brings your car to you, $1-$5 per trip

Bell Staff Typically $1-3 per bag when you are escorted to your room. If you call for bell service upon departure the same tip amount applies

Housekeeping $2-5 per night, leave the tip daily on the pillow or in an envelope marked tip as staff can change daily. A family of 4 should leave $5 per night whereas $2 may be reasonable for a single room occupant

Room Delivery of requested items: $2 for one item, and $1 for each additional item

Room Service and Waiters 15-20% of the total bill

Door Staff $1-2 for hailing a cab, and if they help with baggage, even to your Uber, tip accordingly

Concierge $5-10 depending on how involved the service

These suggested amounts are from The AHLA, which is the association representing all segments of the lodging industry, provided the above guidelines. You should rely on your own judgment as well.

How Much to Tip While Dining

Typically you should tip 15% to 20% of the BEFORE TAX amount. If the service was extremely great (or awful) tell management in addition to leaving the appropriate gratuity. They will be pleased to know which waiter is keeping guests happy and which they to train a bit more.

If you’re at a dining establishment where you go to the counter and place your order and take a number you place at your table and wait for the food to be brought to you, you should leave $1 to $2 dollars on the table upon leaving.

The counter help at fast food places do not need to be tipped.

How Much to Tip for Delivery and Take Out

Take-out No tip is required for counter service. Think picking up your food at a sandwich counter or doughnut shop.
Delivery Driver Usually $2-5 is adequate for the delivery person.

Tipping Guidelines for Casinos Within the United States

Bartenders: $1 per round for parties of two to four, up-scale bars the tip is $1 per drink.

Bellmen: $2-$5, depending on whether you will need services or advice during your stay.

Bingo and keno runners, keno writers: If playing for an extended period of time, $1 occasionally, even if not winning, is appreciated.

Cocktail waitresses: $2 a round for small parties; more for larger groups.

Dealers: Tips, or “tokes” as they are called in Las Vegas, can be given directly to the dealer between hands, throws of the dice or spins of the wheel, or small “side bets” are permitted. These can range from $1 to up to, half of your bet.

House keepers: About $1-$2 per day per person in the room, leave daily since the house-keeping staff can change daily.

Restaurant waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Room service waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Skycaps: $1-$2 per bag, depending on size and weight.

Showroom servers: $5-$10 for a party of two to four at a cocktails-only show; for a dinner show, $10-$20 for the same size group, depending upon service.

Taxicab/shuttle drivers: Standard 10 to 15 percent of the fare.

Valet parking attendants: $2-$5

How Much to Tip at a Salon or Spa

A 20 % tip is standard for your hairstylist or barber. Some salons have assistants who typically wash your hair and may offer a relaxing massage. They should get $5 to $10 depending on the service provided.

Tipping Your Dog Groomer

You entrust your dog’s safety and comfort to your groomer. You want them to do a good job and look forward to you and your pup coming back. Typically the %15-20% rule applies here too. If you have an easy to groom dog you can go with 15%. If your pooch is larger, very furry or requires additional attention, go with 20%.

Tipping Exceptions Around the World

Sometimes there are situations where tipping is not expected or the tip is built-in to the price. You need to look for these situations. Some restaurants include an automatic tip in the bill for larger parties. Less often restaurants include a mandatory tip on all bills, regardless of the number of people at the table. Always read the bill carefully so you know what you’re paying.

Another situation where tips are often included is on cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. You will see a separate line on your bill reflecting the

tip amount you are being charged. The establishments are not to touch that money. It is supposed to go directly to the personnel and people that have served you the money is typically and divided up. Even in tip included establishments, you can give additional tips to people who have gone out of their way to do something well for you.

Tipping Guideline Apps for Your Phone

Never be unprepared. Download a tipping app onto your phone. Most apps work that you select a country for which you need advice on tipping amount such as meal service or taxi. Some even have a built-in calculator and other information such as local customs so you know how much to tip.

US News Recommends a few apps to help with tipping.

In closing, here’s a fun fact: the word “tip” is an acronym for “to insure promptness.” And our final recommendation is that if you “over” tip know you’ve made someone’s day and that kindness may just come back to you in another way. And lastly, plan ahead a get small bills in your destination currency to have handy for tips.

More Tips on Tipping

Check if the gratuity has been added to your bill. If it is you do not need to leave any additional money.
If you are using a coupon or a Groupon check on the original price and tip on that amount.
Leave your cash tip on the tray or in the holder of the bill, not out in the open. Including the tip on your credit card payment is also fine.
If you frequent a bar or coffee shop regularly be friendly, maybe address a barista by their name, and put $5 into the tip jar so that they see you doing it. Future visits should be pleasant and if you have a special request they will most likely take care of you with a smile.
If some can’t accept a tip, look them straight in their eyes, say thank you and if appropriate shake their hand.
Another appreciated action is making the effort to tell someone’s supervisor about their extraordinary service.

How to Get TSA PreCheck

To join TSA Precheck, you need to submit an online application and schedule an appointment at any of the 380+ enrollment centers. An additional requirement is to attend a 10-minute in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting. The cost for a 5-year membership is $85 for TSA Precheck.
Here’s a pro tip: Many travel credit cards offer to cover this cost once every five years, check your credit card benefits if they offer it use to pay for the TSA PreCeheck application.

Why the TSA Needs Your Fingerprints

In June of 2017, the Transportation Security Administration announced that it was testing technology to identify passengers by their fingerprints. The FBI also inspects your fingerprints to make certain they match the same person and identity, but the FBI does not retain your fingerprints. Ultimately, using fingerprints in the airline boarding of passengers might make the process faster. The fingerprinting is now done by a fingerprint scanning machine instead of the old-fashioned way with ink and paper.

If you decide that fingerprinting is worth it, you will want to enroll in the TSA Precheck program.

When you enroll in the TSA Precheck program, you join a group of smarter travelers who save time during the security screening process. Visit TSA.gov to enroll so the next time you travel you have peace of mind knowing you’re on the list with a TSA Precheck boarding pass in hand. Expedited screening and TSA Precheck lanes will absolutely save you valuable time.

Travel With TSA Accepted Travel Gear

Another way to speed up your journey through TSA baggage check is to use the right kind of travel accessories. There are TSA accepted items that will help you save time no matter what line you’re in at the airport.

The Triple Security TSA Lockdown Luggage Lock, pictured below, allows the TSA to access your bag and helps to keep thieves out.

The Search Alert TSA Luggage Lock, pictured below, is a luggage lock that the TSA Airport Security won’t cut off. If you don’t use TSA-accepted luggage locks, you must leave your checked luggage unlocked so that TSA agents can open it if selected for inspection. The Search Alert re-settable combination luggage locks have a security feature that allows TSA security agents, using a secured access device, to open Search Alert TSA luggage locks without destroying the locks. Learn More here.

The TSA Flexible Cable Luggage Lock, pictured below, has an easy-to-use flexible cable shank. This luggage lock is TSA accepted and they won’t cut it off. It’s also easier to attach to zipper pulls with a flexible steel cable. Learn more here.

The TSA Combo Lock with 48″ Steel Cable, pictured below, is recognized by the TSA and features a special identification mark that alerts TSA personnel that they may open this lock with a proprietary TSA passkey that doesn’t damage the lock. Learn more here.

The Search Alert Heavy Duty Longer Shackle Case Lock, pictured below, is for use on equipment cases. The Search Alert feature lets you know when your equipment was opened and inspected at the airport by the TSA. Learn more here.

The Strapsafe 100 TSA Luggage Strap by Pacsafe, featured below, is the only security luggage strap that combines the patented “Baggage Constrictor TM” technology and TSA compliance. The strap cannot be loosened once locked, unlike other luggage straps, and the TSA can open it without damaging it. Learn more here.

There are also additional items that will come in handy for the TSA airport screening such as the TSA Airport Friendly Belt. It is 100% metal free belt that is TSA accepted and will not set off the metal detector so you don’t have to remove it when going through any screening line. Leather belts with no metal and other styles will help you sail smoothly through the TSA PreCheck lines..

Travel Insurance = Health
Trip Insurance = Financial

Insurance is your backpack plan if you encounter problems before or during your travels. Even the best thought-out plans may be interrupted by circumstances out of your control, think political unrest, global or personal financial troubles, health emergencies as well as natural disasters. So when planning your flights, hotels, or cruise be sure to put travel insurance on your planning checklist too and into your budget. Insurance will help you recover expenses should you be forced to cancel or interrupt your trip. The bigger the trip (both financially and time-wise), the more you need to look into travel and trip insurance.

Travel Insurance — coverage for health-related issues while out of the country

Travel medical insurance protects people. This type of insurance protects travelers from unforeseen health issues that may arise while they’re traveling abroad. This includes sickness, injuries, and accidents. Often these plans will cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation, accidental death repatriation, etc. Many companies will assist with finding a hospital via their customer help desk. One key aspect to understand is that you will usually have to pay for the medical costs and the insurance company will then reimburse you. Hint: call your credit card companies and ask for a limit increase before you go.

Medical
Accidents & Evacuation
24/7 Worldwide Assistance

Medical

Check your health insurance before hitting the road. Many travelers assume that their health insurance will cover them for any medical service, but this is not the case. Many health plans today are based on in-network coverage only. Does your plan only cover illnesses and accidents that occur domestically?

Accidents & Evacuation

There is no telling when an accident (physically or geographically) can occur. With accident and evacuation insurance, you can receive the quick medical attention you need in the event of a life-threatening emergency and evacuation back to your homeland.

Trip Insurance — protects you from financial loss due to trip-related issues

Trip insurance protects purchases. This type of insurance usually protects travelers against financial losses due to unexpected situations that might include trip cancellation, interruption, or delay; missed flight connections; or lost baggage. Financial losses typically are transportation costs, hotel costs, etc. Get your trip insurance when you book your flight, don’t wait, if you have to cancel your trip then the money you’ve already paid will be covered according to the terms of the policy you select.

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Damaged, Delayed, or Lost Baggage
24/7 Worldwide Assistance

Trip Cancellations

The most common type of travel insurance bought is trip cancellation insurance that can usually be bought for an additional price when booking your upcoming flight or cruise Travel insurance will either fully or partially reimburse you supposing your flight gets canceled or you have an emergency causing you to cancel your trip. Make sure you understand ahead of time how a policy defines a personal emergency.

Trip Interruption

Trip interruption coverage is similar to trip cancellation coverage. However, the policies offer travelers reimbursement of their pre-paid, non-refundable expenses when you unexpectedly need to cut your travels short.

Damaged, Delayed, or Lost Baggage

There’s nothing more upsetting than starting off your trip with damaged, delayed or lost baggage. Unfortunately, it is quite a hassle to get together when such situation occurs, but insurance can reimburse you for your personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged as well as give you extra money to buy your necessities if your baggage is delayed.

Insurance Package Plans

Most insurance companies that provide travel plans offer different types of “Package Plans.” A package plan is created based on your possible outcomes based on your destination and preference. Package plans are perfect for families, friends traveling together, and groups because they bundle the two types together.

Bundled Coverage Typically Includes

Trip cancellations for specific reasons like accidents illnesses, injuries, job loss, military duty, natural disasters, and more.
Trip interruptions like delays that could include extra lodging and transportation.
Dental and medical expenses due to an accident or illness.
Emergency medical/political evacuation coverage in case you cannot obtain proper medical care in your location.
Coverage for lost, stolen, delayed and destroyed luggage.
Cancellations at any time.
Customer service help from a trained travel specialist.

24/7 Assistance

The majority of travel insurances provide their clients with 24/7 assistance in case of all types of emergency and needs.

They can assist you with:

Help with any language barriers
Lost baggage search and replacement assistance
Lost passport or travel documents assistance
Medical transportation to and from the hospital
Location of the best hospital near you
Transportation home
Identity Theft

Valuable Tip: Check with your home insurance, health insurance carrier, and credit card company you used to purchase your flights, book your hotels, rental car, or cruise about what they cover before buying additional insurance. Doing this could save you money so you don’t buy duplicate coverage.

A couple of the most reputable travel insurance companies are:

Take matters into your own hands before your trip! Signing up for travel insurance for a minimal cost can save you a lot of money and time in the long run.

Additional Articles You May Like

How to avoid child pickpockets in Italy

While Venice is one of the jewels of Italy, it also has a reputation for children pickpockets. Most first-time tourists to Italy pick Venice as one of their destinations to visit. First-time tourists and even repeat visitors should be aware of children pickpockets in Venice. Tourists that are enjoying the charms of the city are prime targets for pickpockets of all ages including child pickpockets.

What may take thieves just a moment to “lift” from your pockets (passports, credit cards, and airline tickets) may take you days to replace. So travelers beware of even innocent-looking locals be they a well-dressed business person standing next to you or a playful group of young children.

Children as Thieves – Pickpockets in Venice

Schooling for thieves starts very early. A traveler was seated on a crowded bus in Rome on her way to the Vatican. She glanced down at her lap to find a tiny little hand reaching into her now unzipped fanny pack. The child could not have been more than 6 years old. Groups of children have been known to gang up on unsuspecting travelers as well. One common scenario is the newspaper trick. A group of children approach the unsuspecting tourist and ask for money or try to sell you knick-knacks as they jab at you with newspapers or cardboard. The papers effectively block your view of little hands fast at work, opening pockets, slashing belts, and cleaning out your travel funds. If you do catch on, usually the shock of being robbed by children delays your reaction a moment more, making for a successful robbery.

Why Children Make Good Thieves

Street vendors selling souvenirs can be a distraction for tourists and an attraction for pickpockets.

More common in Rome and other Italian cities child pickpockets are now working in Venice too. Under 14 years of age, these children cannot be held accountable for their crimes by local law. So they are ideal for older thieves to train and put out on the streets to work. If the child thieves are picked up by police, they are taken to child refugee safe houses, and then they abscond in the morning only to be back on the street the very next day. Some of the children are stopped by Carabinieri (national police), fed-up local vigilantes and shopkeepers on a daily basis, but the rewards are great and the young thieves keep on robbing.

Be streetwise – Venice is a very safe town but pickpocketing is one thing you should look out for. Favorite places for the robbers include busy lanes and bridges, the bus terminus at Piazzale Roma, the St. Mark’s area and rush-hour water buses. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if the only people near you are ten-year-olds or heavily-pregnant girls; these are classic examples of the pickpockets sent out by Fagin-like operators. Newspapers have reported children as young as 5 being employed in crime. Be very aware of people falling in behind you in a queue, especially if you are being jostled. Shout loudly and attract attention if someone attempts to rob you.

Often girls are the ones to approach purse-carrying women as they seem the least threatening. They will play around you or distract you with a cardboard sign asking you to buy a trinket or candy. Children also have smaller hands which you may not feel slipping into a bag or pocket. Venice with its many alleys and narrow streets is an ideal setup for the thieves to steal from tourists and to and run away out of sight. Your best defense is a security purse that has built-in anti-theft features to keep your valuables secure from pickpockets. Travel with peace of mind.

Anti-Theft Travel Gear

Our best advice is to carry your valuables close to your body and hidden from view, if you can’t leave them locked in a hotel room safe. A neck pouch that zips closed or uses velcro to stay closed should be worn under your shirt or blouse. Even if the neck cord is visible or the item is a bit lumpy under your shirt most likely a thief will pass you up for another victim that isn’t wearing one. Another similar type of body wallet is a flat money belt that you tuck into the front of your pants.

Pickpocket Scams Are A Part of Venice Italy

The most popular areas for tourists to visit are where you could most likely fall victim to a pickpocket, as they love crowds to get lost in once they’ve committed their crime. The following are the most common locations where you need to keep your guard up and above all guard your valuables by using anti-theft travel gear like a hidden money belt or a backpack with lock-down zippers to keep thieving hands. Armed with some street smarts and the right travel gear you’ll be relaxed and able to enjoy your time in Venice, Italy.

The Most Common Locations for Pickpockets to Prey on Tourists

The most popular locations for pickpockets have a few things in common. The locations all have crowds and many distracted tourists enjoying the sites.

Piazza di San Marco
Academia Museum
the Rialto Bridge
smaller crowded bridges
crowded narrow streets

avoid tourist scams in Venice , pickpockets st marks square

St Mark’s Square – The most visited tourist location in Venice

The Most Common Types of Theft Committed Against Tourists Involve

Distractions: An example is someone close to you creates a sudden distraction such as asking the time or for directions. We’ve seen staged shouting matches between a woman and a man designed to distract you while your pocket is picked. If this happens, this could be a setup for someone getting ready to steal your wallet or valuables as you turn your attention to the distraction.
Back pocket wallet thefts are very common in Venice. Outsmart these thieves with an under clothing money belt for travel that safeguards your money, credit cards, and passport.

Pickpocket Scams on Venice Water Bus or also Known as Vaporetto

Since the canals are the main transportation in Venice, many travelers use water taxis as transportation. These water taxis are known by several names including public boats, water buses, or in Italian – “Il Vaporetto” or “Motoscafi.” While these boats run almost constantly, the Vaporetto is usually overcrowded and people are jammed in like sardines, which is why it is favored by pickpockets. The pickpockets know tourists love to ride on these boats. So pickpockets too love the boats.

avoid tourist scams in Venice, pickpockets rialto bridge, venice italy

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal

A Few Tips to Avoid Pickpockets While Riding on Venice Water Taxis

The standard water bus or autobus fare is a rather steep € 6,00 for the popular lines on the Grand Canal.
The Vaporetto (waterbus) that travels between the Academia and Rialto boat debarkation stops is known to be a favorite of tourists and pickpockets alike. When the Vaporetto is full on a rainy day, the commotion of passengers entering and disembarking creates an ideal situation for thieves to add luggage or a few wallets to their collections.
Pickpockets look for those who get caught in the crowd rushing toward the water taxi embarkation ramps.
Venice pickpockets are also known to take advantage of those waiting in line to get onto a water ferry. Depending on the time of day, the lines can be very long and pickpockets have been known to work their way into the crowd.
Be careful if you are parking at the Tronchetto and want to ride the public Vaporetto boat into Venice. Men have been known to surround travelers and told where to walk. Many of these people will not direct you to the right place – they will direct you to the private taxi boats and not the public Vaporetto dock. There you will be over-charged.

Venice Water Taxi, avoid pickpocket and tourist scams in Venice

A Vaporetto is a water taxi and Venice’s major form of public transportation

Most tourists fall victim to pickpockets during the height of the travel season – summer – where skilled Venice pickpockets take advantage of overcrowded water taxis. However, rainy days are also common times when pickpockets seem to strike travelers more since the water taxis are packed to the gills with travelers. Avoid pickpockets and tourist scams in Venice by guarding your valuables with anti-theft travel wallets, money belts, and bags.

Protect your credit cards and money with an anti-theft travel wallet. This is a favorite one for men, make sure you use the belt loop attachment feature, while many women prefer this style of travel wallet and purse, it fits a passport and most phones.

Once pickpockets have stolen a wallet, many drop the stolen wallet(s) in mailboxes around the city – keeping only the cash. Identification and credit cards not belonging to them make it easier to catch these thieves; therefore, many of these items are not valuable for particular pickpockets. The postal service then delivers the abandoned wallets to the local police. The police only return a missing wallet if someone comes looking for it.

Always try to avoid pickpocket scams and tourist scams in Venice by staying slightly suspicious of strangers who get too close or are too friendly. One lesson to learn here is to split up where you carry your valuables if you opt not to carry an anti-theft wallet or bag that protects all your valuables. That way if you are victimized you’ll still have some of your important belongings.