Tipping

There are four times where tipping is expected: baggage handling, taxis, restaurants, barber and beauty shops. The amounts suggested below are average; more might be expected in expensive establishments or when exceptional assistance has been given.

Baggage

$1.50 per bag to porters who carry your luggage at airports, train and bus terminals.

$1.50 per bag to the porter who carries your bag to or from your room.

$1.00 or more for any service to your room, such as delivery of your laundry or bringing ice.

Restaurants

15 % of your total bill in a restaurant where you are served by a waiter or waitress at the table.

10 % at a coffee shop or drug-store counter.

No tipping is required in a cafeteria, self-service, "fast-food" or "carry-out" shop.

Barber and Beauty Shops

15 percent of the cost of a haircut or a shave in a barber shop. In a hairdressing salon, 15 percent of the bill goes to the hairdresser, and $1.50 should go to the person who washes your hair.

Taxis

10 or 15% of the fare, but not less than 50 cents.

NOTE: Never offer tips to law enforcement officers, government employees or public officials. One does not tip bus drivers, theater ushers, museum guides, salespeople or hotel clerks.