tipping

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Tipping (service gratuity) is pretty much expected in most parts of the world. Knowing how, when and how much to tip can make your trip more comfortable and less stressful. Below are some simple guidelines for tipping, and a link to the ultimate tipping resource on the web.

At the hotel:
doormen -- $1 for hailing a taxi ($1 to $2 per bag if he carried your bags)
bellman -- $1 to $2 per bag, Also tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. Tip more if he provides any additional service.
The concierge, -- who can get you anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves $5 to $10 for such feats.

the maid -- $1-$2 each day
room service -- 15% of the bill unless a gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply $1. special services -- If you requested something delivered to your room such as a hairdryer or iron, tip $1 per item received.

taxi or limo driver: 10%-15% of your total fare

valet parking attendant: $1 to $2.

shuttle van or bus: tip the driver $2 per person in your party

Tour Guides:
If a tip is not automatically included, tip the tour guide $1 for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour, and anywhere from $5-$10 for a week-long tour. Tip a private guide more.

Restaurants:
For "excellent service" 20% of the total bill
For most normal service 15% is the standard tip.
In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 % is also acceptable.
The bartenders -- 15 - 20% when you sit at the bar.
If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk out without tipping.
Know that some restaurants, especially those in Europe and Asia, include the gratuity in the bill (often listed on the check as a "service charge") and do not expect additional tips.

At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table - more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10% of the wine bill.

Bring several small envelopes with you on your cruise. Sometimes these are provided and sometimes not. Tip only according to your comfort level and only on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the dining room busboy should receive $2.00 per person/per day, the dining room maitre d' $0.35 per person/per day and the dining room head waiter $0.15 per person/per day. The room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.