Skip to main content
Wait, I Have to Tip?! What You Need to Know About Tipping Culture in the U.S.
It's important to keep in mind that tipping is a significant cultural difference when you're planning an internship or traveling to the United States, especially within the hospitality industry. In many countries, tipping is optional or reserved for exceptional service. In the U.S., tipping is an expected part of daily life, and not leaving a tip can be seen as rude or inconsiderate, no matter how small the service seems.
This is especially true in the hospitality industry, where workers like restaurant servers, bartenders, hotel staff, housekeepers, bellboys, parking attendants, and coffee shop baristas often depend on tips to earn enough money. In fact, many jobs in this field pay a lower basic salary because it's expected that tips from customers will help cover the rest of their income.
So, what is the right amount to tip? Here is a quick guideline: leave 15 to 20 percent at restaurants, tip taxi or rideshare drivers around 10 to 15 percent, give 2 to 5 dollars per night to hotel housekeeping, and offer about 1 to 2 dollars to hotel staff such as bellboys. Even small and consistent tips can make a big difference to service workers and show your gratitude for their assistance. If you are doing an internship in the US, it is smart to carry small bills like ones and fives in your wallet. Also, remember to check your restaurant receipt to see if a tip, sometimes called gratuity, has already been added. If you are not sure what the tipping norm is in a certain situation, just ask a local or a fellow intern. Most people will gladly guide you.
Understanding and getting used to this habit is especially important if you’re doing a hospitality internship, because you’ll be dealing with customers and providing services every day. Learning how tipping works will help you adjust better at work, and it can also make you more prepared to work in international settings. This kind of experience is something many companies around the world look for.
Thinking of getting real work experience in U.S. hospitality?
Bright Internships has paid and structured internship programs in the United States just for you! You’ll get real work experience, improve your skills, and learn how things work in a new environment, including how to handle tipping and customer service like a pro.
