Wallet out, dollars ready

Dear Clever Traveler, 
I get confused about tipping when I’m traveling—whom to tip and how to do it. I want to do it right, but I could use some help.
—Wallet out, dollars ready.

Dear Ready,

Tipping is an issue that can haunt even a seasoned traveler. We all know the warm flush of shame that follows the realization that the bellman has now been standing in your room for 5 minutes babbling about the ice machine and staring pointedly at your wallet. Or the pizza delivery guy who gazes mournfully at you as you shut the door in his face.

For taxis, tip the driver 15% of the fare. If he does the unthinkable and actually gets out of the cab to open your door and unload your luggage, give him an additional $2 per bag. If you get a driver who never says a word to you and talks on his cell phone the entire ride, pay the exact fare and not a dime more.

For hotel shuttles or rental car shuttle buses, $2 per person is the standard; tip more if the driver unloads your heavy bags. Bellmen get $2 per bag, but don’t feel compelled to use a bellman if you can easily roll your bags to your room.

Parking valets are tipped when you pick up your car; $5 is the current standard. If you arrive in your shiny new Lamborghini and want it parked in front where everyone can admire it, give $20 to the guy who takes your keys. On the other hand, if you want to make sure your filthy ‘83 Chevy Nova will not be seen, there is no need to tip. The valets will be embarrassed to have it in their parking lot and will ditch your car on a side street several blocks away where, if you’re lucky, it will be stolen.

For housekeeping staff, leave $2–5 per day on the bed with a note that says “thank you,” so that they know the money is for them. Do this each day, not at the end of your trip. If you’ve left the mess of last night’s cocktail party in your room, leave $10. Some people don’t tip housekeeping, but room cleaners are frequently women and immigrants, so let’s look out for them.

When requesting something out of the ordinary, such as extra pillows, give the person who delivers it $2. When you call down for a bottle of champaign at 3 a.m., reward the delivery person’s efforts with at least $10.

Although restaurant tipping is the same on the road as at home, I will argue that you should be extra generous to the folks in your own local restaurants. Your local business people deserve your loyalty—and they have long memories. Always tip at least 20% of the entire bill (pre-tax, including drinks) for good service, 15% for average service, and, if you truly had poor service, leave 10% and speak to the manager. Bartenders get $1 per drink and 20% if you eat at the bar. Servers depend on tips to survive, so this is not the place to save a few bucks.

Coatroom and bathroom attendants get $1. Give the doorman who hails you a taxi $1—more if it’s raining, and he walks you to the cab with an umbrella over your head.

Concierge tipping is trickier. For standard restaurant reservations and advice over a stay of several days, leave the concierge staff $10–20 in an envelope as you check out. If they manage to get you a table at your sweetie’s favorite restaurant on Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to give them $50, and it will be worth every nickel.

Spa attendants, pool servers, and hairdressers get 20%. Towel service at the pool is $2 per person, and if they get you a great chair at a crowded pool and tell you how great you look in your swimsuit, I’d go with $10 and a big hug. 

If you’re on a tour, tip the coach driver and the step-on guide. Someone in your group should pass the hat. If you’re getting to the end of the trip and no one has stepped forward, start the kitty; $5–10 per person per day is the norm.  

Cruise tipping differs by company; you’ll get a card in your room, or check the website.

In all cases, go with your gut. If you’ve had truly spectacular service, give them more and send an email to their boss. 

The “how and when” of tipping is this: at the time of service, extend your hand with the cash visible with a big smile and a “thank you.” If you travel frequently to the same hotel, bring some nice chocolates or a local delicacy for the people who serve you regularly and don’t get tips, such as front desk workers and managers.

If you are traveling outside the United States, tipping practices vary widely, and it’s just as gauche to tip in a non-tipping culture as it is not to tip when it’s expected. Check out this valuable guide to tipping in different countries on FlyerTalk.com (www. flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/738653-foreign-tipping-guide-countryregion.html).