Tipping

Tipping in restaurants (not fast food) is generally 15-20% of the bill. In most cases you can add the tip to your credit card total. Also, generally, if the bill is placed on your table by itself you must take it to the register to pay. If the bill is on a small tray or in a folder, simply place the cash or credit card into the tray or folder and wait for your server to pick it up. When paying by cash, some servers may ask, "Do you need change?" This question simply asks if the entire change amount is the tip, or if you wish to leave a separate tip. Saying "yes" does not imply you are cheap since you may even wish to leave more tip than the amount of change you are getting back.

Throughout America tipping is more or less compulsory. In restaurants waiters expect around 15 to 20 percent as do taxi drivers and hairdressers,

while porters and bellboys anticipate around one or two US dollars per piece of luggage.

valet parking can also add another $2.50 to $5 to your total