Gratuity

For other uses, see Gratuity (disambiguation).

Leaving some small change on a restaurant table is a common way of giving a tip to the serving staff.

A tip (or gratuity) is a payment to certain service sector workers beyond the advertised price. The amount of a tip is typically computed as a percent of the transaction minus taxes. These payments and their size are a matter of social custom. Tipping varies among cultures and by service industry. Though by definition a tip is never legally required, and its amount is at the discretion of the person being served, in some circumstances failing to give an adequate tip when one is expected would be considered very miserly, a violation of etiquette, or unethical. In some other cultures or situations, giving a tip is not expected and offering one would be considered condescending or demeaning. In some circumstances (such as tipping government workers), tipping is illegal and considered a bribe.

Etymology

The word originates from the 16th century verb tip, which meant "to give unexpectedly", and was derived from the German word tippen, meaning "to tap." The modern German version would instead be Trinkgeld, literally meaning "Drink Gold", or "Money to Drink" Modern German uses the terms Hahn ("tap") and Klopfen ("to tap").

The notion of a stock tip is from the same slang, and the expression hot tip, as in a sure winner in a horse race, also comes from the act of tapping. In the old days, during card games, gamblers would have an accomplice in the room. This accomplice would signal the player regarding the contents of an opponent's hand by "tipping the wink" - that is, by "tapping" out a code with his eyelid. The Oxford English Dictionary states that tip is derived from the English thieves (which may be taken to mean "gambler") slang word tip, meaning "to pass from one to another" (cf. "to give unexpectedly.")

The word "tip" is often inaccurately claimed to be an acronym for terms such as "to insure prompt service", "to insure proper service", "to improve performance", and "to insure promptness". However, this etymology contradicts the Oxford English Dictionary and is probably an example of a backronym.

Some claim the origin for this term is a concept from Judaism, in that it was a chiyuv ("obligation") for a seller to "tip the scales" in favor of the customer. Maimonides explains the verse from Deuteronomy, "A perfect and just weight shalt thou have", that the seller should give the buyer a little more than what he paid for, "Noten lo girumin" (Gives him extra / a tip). For example, if your customer has asked for three pounds of onions, you should measure out the three pounds plus one extra onion, tipping the scale in his favor.

Circumstances of tipping

In countries where tipping is the rule (for example United States), complicated social rules and etiquette have developed over the exact percentage to tip, and what should and should not be included in this calculation. In other cultures where tipping exists it is more flexible and no specific assumptions of the tip amount exist.

Some establishments pool tips and divide them to include employees who lack customer contact. At some restaurants, agreements among the staff require the servers to tip out members of the support staff (kitchen, bartender, and busser) at the end of their shift;; this means that servers pay a certain fixed percentage of their sales (most often a portion less than 15 percent of total sales) to the other staff. Thus when a patron leaves a small tip, it results in the server having to receive less from the tipping pool than other staff.

Tipping is not expected when a fee is explicitly charged for the service. For example, a service charge for all patrons that is automatically added to the tab with no tipping the rule in Brazil. Bribery and corruption are sometimes disguised as tipping. In some places, police officers and other civil servants openly solicit tips, gifts and dubious fees using a variety of local euphemisms. For example, a traffic policeman in Mexico might ask a commuter to buy him a "refresco" (soft drink), while a Nigerian officer might expect "a little something for the weekend.".

Tax and labor-law treatment

In some jurisdictions, tipped workers qualify for a lower statutory minimum wage from the employer, and therefore may supplement deficient pay with tips. For example, the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires restaurant employers to ensure that the total tip income reported to them during any pay period is at least eight percent of their total receipts for that period. If the reported total is below eight percent, employers must allocate as income the difference between the actual tip income reported and eight percent of gross receipts. Therefore the IRS is implicitly assuming the average tip to be eight percent.

Legally, tips should be reported as income for tax purposes by the recipient,

A tronc is an arrangement for the pooling and distribution to employees of tips, gratuities and/or service charges in the hotel and catering trade. The person who distributes monies from the tronc is known as the troncmaster. When a tronc exists in the UK, responsibility for operating PAYE on the distribution may lie with the troncmaster rather than the employer. (The word 'tronc' has its origins in the French for collecting box.)

Tipping by Continent

Africa

Egypt

Tipping in Egypt can be tricky. Most public bathrooms are staffed, and visitors are expected to tip the attendant. Some restroom attendants, especially at tourist sites, will dole out toilet paper based on the tip they receive. Some locals have been known to attempt to demand baksheesh for minor services, such as assisting people out of their cars or helping people up if they trip in the street. There is no rule for what is considered tip-worthy, so one must be ready to hand out an Egyptian pound or two just to use the bathroom or to get into a building. For services such as tour guides or translators, a tip of 20% or more is generally accepted, and for taxis and restaurants, 10% to 15%.

South Africa

In South Africa, the customary tip at restaurants is 10 percent, although some restaurants charge a mandatory service fee for large parties. A small amount is occasionally given to petrol station attendants for additional services, such as cleaning one's windscreen. Toilet cleaners at service stations along major road routes are sometimes tipped when they provide good service and keep the facilities clean. "Car guards", who claim to "look after" one's parked car are often given a small tip if they are in uniform and authorized; however those without uniforms are usually regarded as a nuisance, and tipping them is not compulsory, despite the fact that they often harass motorists looking for payment.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia tipping is common in hotels, restaurants and bars. One is also expected to tip parking lot attendants whether officially hired by institutions or self assigned. In some restaurants it is customary to tip any dancers, and this is usually done by sticking the paper money bill on the forehead of the dancer.

Asia

Tipping is frowned upon in Asia and shows anger at the low prices, although there are regional variations.

China

In China, traditionally there is no tipping. However, hotels that routinely serve foreign tourists may allow tipping. An example would be tour guides and associated drivers. In Mandarin, the term used is 小費 (xiǎo fèi, lit. "small change") or 打賞 (Da shang, lit. "give awards"). In Cantonese, the term used is 貼士 (tip si), transliterated from the word 'tips'.

Hong Kong

Tipping in Hong Kong is customary in some situations, but it can create legal issues due to some Hong Kong specific ordinances prohibiting tipping for certain services such as public utilities. Waiters, who have already receive a compulsory 10% service charge, may occasionally be given an additional gratuity for good service.

• Restaurants: 10% is usually included in the bill presented to the customer, and called «Service Charge». If not, a 10% tip is expected.
• Bars: tipping is not a normal occurrence, though some may round the bill.
• Hotels: service charge is always included, but bell-boys may expect a small gratuity.
• Taxis: the driver customarily rounds the bill upwards to the nearest dollar. No matter how long the trip is, extra tipping is not expected.
• Airport: the bellboys at the airport are not to be tipped, as stated on the advertisement poster for the bellboy service.

India

In India there has traditionally been little or no tipping. However, many upscale restaurants have helped establish a new trend of tipping in India. The act is known as chai-pani (for tea or water) or faau (a term used to describe both charity and bribery). Occasionally autorickshaw drivers ask for a tip, but this is uncommon.

Israel

Tipping in Israel is uncommon in restaurants and hotels because a service charge, typically 10 percent of the bill, is often added to the bill automatically.

Japan

Tipping is not the common custom in Japan and it is almost never done at casual restaurants, as it is considered rude, implying that servers must be paid extra to ensure they do their job. When tipping occurs, the term used is チップ (chippu, from English "tip"), or 心付け (kokorozuke, lit. "pay from the heart").

Malaysia

Tipping is not customarily done in Malaysia.

Singapore

Tipping is not required in Singapore; however it is common for restaurants to levy a 10% service charge before GST.

South Korea

Tipping is not the custom in South Korea and it is almost never expected. Many hotels and a few tourist restaurants add 10% service charge on their checks. However, it is deemed customary (although not mandatory) to tip porters and maids in international hotels, and it is always considered a generous gesture to ask taxi drivers to keep the change.

Taiwan

In Taiwan tipping is rare except when a customer uses a porter at an airport, which is usually 50 new Taiwan dollars per luggage, or wants to show appreciation for exceptional service. Many restaurants and hotels already add 10% service charges. Taxi drivers may not wilfully refuse to make change or ask for tips.

Australia

Australia

A 2005 Sydney Morning Herald article says that in Australia, "Tips are not expected but are appreciated, especially in the 10 per cent range." A 2005 USA Today article advised 10%–12% tips in restaurants, rounding up taxi fares, and that tips are not expected by porters.

Casinos in Australia generally prohibit tipping of gaming staff, as it is considered bribery. For example, in the state of Tasmania, the Gaming Control Act 1993 states in section 56 (4): "it is a condition of every special employee's licence that the special employee must not solicit or accept any gratuity, consideration or other benefit from a patron in a gaming area."

Tipping for pizza delivery in Australia is rare and not customary, and hourly wages for deliverers are considered relatively high. Prices for delivery orders are typically higher than for carryout orders, and "free delivery" cannot be advertised if carryout pricing is lower.

New Zealand

A 2005 Sydney Morning Herald article says that in New Zealand, "Tips are not expected but are appreciated, especially in the 10 per cent range." A USA Today article from the same year advises against tipping for restaurant, taxi, or porter service.

Europe

In general, in the European Union and other parts of Europe, tipping is not essential but it is customary, although there are regional variations.

Austria

In Austria, waiters receive sufficient wages such that tips are not expected. Tipping is however common and, although legally not mandatory, often considered as socially obligatory. Giving 5% to 10% of the total amount is common; more signals exceptionally good service. Paying a multiple of a Euro is usual, for low sums the amount paid is often a multiple of 50 cents (i.e. a bill of 7.80 can be paid as 8 or 8.50).

Tipping is not practised when the goods are exchanged over the counter (i.e. in fast-food restaurants or at street stalls). Traditionally, the owner of a restaurant (known as "Wirt" in German) does not receive a tip. A tip is known in the German language as Trinkgeld, which literally translates as 'money for drink'. In similar fashion, the French expression is pourboire. It is also common practice to tip other service employees, like taxi drivers or hair dressers.

Belgium

In Belgium tipping is not needed or expected in restaurants. The price of food is usually in respect to the quality. In contrast, restaurants will charge a ridiculous amount for drinks.

Bulgaria

Tipping, called бакшиш (bakshish) in Bulgarian, is not the custom in Bulgaria, although one can leave a tip as a sign of appreciation.

Croatia

Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected.

A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation.

Czech Republic

Although it is customary to tip in the Czech Republic, it has very little to do with the size of the bill, and more to do with a sign of appreciation.

Denmark and Sweden

The service charge is included in the bill, but a small tip may be given as a sign of approval of the service. In this region, tipping is referred to as driks (Norwegian), drikkepenge (Danish) or dricks (Swedish), meaning for drinks.

Finland

In Finland tipping, known as tippi ("tips") or juomaraha (literally "drink money") is entirely optional. Coat checkers generally have a compulsory service fee. Tips are preferred in cash instead of credit cards, because of avoiding sharing with the employer and with the tax office. For clerks, police, etc. tipping is not allowed, and could lead to legal problems.

France

In France, service charge is always included, and so tipping, or le pourboire (lit. "for a drink"), is not expected.

Germany

In Germany, sufficient wages are paid to most service employees. However, tips (das Trinkgeld, lit. "drink money") are expected in many situations. In bars, restaurants (except fast food places without table service), guided tours, taxicabs and sometimes barber shops, tips are expected to be about 5% of the total amount if the guest was satisfied with the service. The owner of the business was usually not tipped even if he served his customers personally, but this is changing. When the bill is presented, pay any multiple of 0.50 Euro, because very poor tips are considered rude. If the customer does not want to give an appropriate amount, he should rather give no tip at all. However, it is acceptable to leave cents in change money behind adding "Stimmt so!" (pronounced: shtimt zo; meaning: I'm OK with this).

Public toilet ("WC" in German) attendants are often tipped €0.30 to €0.50, usually by leaving the money on a plate by the door.

It is customary to give a relatively large tip around Christmas time to such people as house cleaners, postmen, garbage collectors, and the newspaper delivery men.

Greece

In Greece tip is known as filodorima (meaning gift for a friend). Tipping traditionally is not based on a predetermined percentage. Customers usually leave a tip to the 'maitre',waiters,valets and bell boys, varying from few coins to large amounts of money, according to how satisfied they are by the service. In some cases, waiters gain more money from tips than their wage. Tipping to taxi drivers is uncommon.

Hungary

Tips are given in Hungary for some services: in restaurants, in bars, to cab drivers, to hairdressers, and often to people that fix things around the house, like plumbers and electricians. Tips are called borravaló, "a little something for wine", in Hungarian.

Although not legally required, social norms encourage that tips are given. The amount varies by profession: in restaurants the normal amount is around 5% to 10% of the total bill, but hairdressers can expect 25% or more in tips, since they are expected to make more money in tips than in wages.

Additionally there is the custom of hálapénz (gratitude money) that may be classified as a tipping system in Hungarian healthcare. Because of the comprehensive healthcare system where everyone receives healthcare for free, and the generally low wages for health care professionals, doctors and nurses can often expect to receive fairly substantial sums of money or goods from their patients.

Iceland

In Iceland tipping (þjórfé, lit. "drink money") is rare. Service charges are generally included in the bill.

Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, tipping has not been established as a custom, though has become much more commonplace in the period of increased wealth through the Celtic Tiger. Many people working in the service industry, particularly in restaurants, would expect a tip. It is increasingly common to tip hairdressers/barbers and for a taxi ride; the fare would normally be rounded up. It is not customary to tip bar staff, or any 'over the counter' server, though often waiters in pubs (known as lounge staff) are tipped a token amount. It is not usual to tip in a restaurant when a service charge is included (which is the norm for large groups), except in the case of exceptional service. Where no service charge is indicated, a tip of about 10% to 12% is appropriate for good service.

Italy

Tips (la mancia) are customary in Italy, but not essential. The tradition of the tip remains impervious to change, even though café or restaurant prices now more and more often include both cover charge and service. On paying the bill, if it is paid in cash it is a matter of leaving a few notes from the change, or saying to the waiter "va bene così" ("it's all right"), when the difference between the amount paid and the actual bill automatically becomes the tip. When using a credit card, there are two possibilities: if the total on the credit card slip is the same as the bill, again leave some notes as a tip; but if the amount or the total are blank, simply round up the total to include the tip when signing the credit card slip.. Tipping in bars and discotheques is not expected and very rare.

The Netherlands

In The Netherlands, tips, or de fooi in Dutch, are common in restaurants. Tips are expected to be around 5% to 10% of the total amount (depending on the quality of service), unless the service has been poor. Tips are generally not expected in bars, but are not uncommon. In addition, in the holiday season, it is customary for the newspaper delivery person to receive a tip of around €2.50 to €5.

Norway

Tipping is strictly optional and to be considered a reward for excellent service. Until the early nineties, tipping never occurred outside the small circle of exclusive restaurants, but in the later years it has been more common due to popular culture influence. Over the counter tips would constitute a rounding up of 1-5 kroner. A good tip in a restaurant would be around 10%. Waiters typically earn a good deal more than minimum wage on Norway, and during the summer some waiter jobs even become high-income due to the tipping. The tip is not included in the bill as a separate service charge, but a part of the above minimum wage pay.

Tipping outside the restaurant business is not common, but some people give small Christmas presents to hairdressers and paper boys.

Tipping a public servant is considered bribery.

Taxis can be tipped, but beware: they will charge you extra for additional work like preparing the car for a children's seat on the bill following a pre-set rate.

Romania

The tip is usually 10% of the bill and is expected in restaurants, coffee shops, taxi, hair dresser. Many other shops not frequented by westerners refuse tips, perceiving them as a form of bribery.

Russia

Although tipping (На чай, na chai, or Чаевые, chaevie, lit. "for tea", in Russian) in Russia has largely been optional, the tradition has existed for centuries in Russian traktirs (bars) and is getting more and more common these days. Nowadays it's almost habitual to pay at least 10% tips in medium to high class restaurants, especially in large urban areas. It's almost a must in today's Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and other large cities. Lower class eateries may include service into the amount, but leaving some change (1-5%) is still a good way of showing appreciation. On the other hand, tipping is not considered customary for taxis.

Serbia

Tipping is known as напојница/napojnica or бакшиш/bakšiš (baksheesh) in Serbian. Tips are not considered a strict social obligation, however leaving a tip (10-15%) is usually expected in restaurants if the customer is not dissatisfied with the service. Tips are also accepted in bars and taxi cabs (usually by rounding up the amount paid).

Kosovo (Serbia)

In Kosovo, a Serbian province currently under UN administration, generally tipping is not expected by anyone. Most likely locals are not expected to tip. However, foreigners and visitors are often welcome to tip. Tipping varies by the location and the type of the restaurant. Restaurants near the international institutions usually have more international visitors so tipping may be common, but not necessarily expected.

Slovenia

Tipping is not customary in Slovenia and traditionally it is almost never done. In recent times, however, high-tourist areas have begun to accept tips, which are welcomed but not obligatory. In such cases, the amount is typically 10 percent, but may range higher in exceptional circumstances.

Spain

Tipping is not customary in Spain and it is almost never done among natives. In fact, the Mexican Spanish term propina actually connotes bribery, not respect, as in European Spanish. While in bars and small restaurants, Spaniards only leave as a tip the small change they receive in a plate after paying the bill. In more sophisticated restaurants it is customary to leave between 5% and 10%. A 2005 Sydney Morning Herald article suggested to "Tip a few per cent extra in addition to the automatic tip added to the bill." No tips are expected outside the restaurant business.

Switzerland

Swiss workers enjoy a very high per capita income and minimum wage. As a result of this and modern cultural influences, tipping is typically low (for example a maximum of CHF5 regardless of bill size), if not non-existent. Tipping is also very rare outside of restaurants and is even rare at bars.

United Kingdom

Tipping throughout the UK is optional. A tip may be offered for good service in a restaurant, barber's, hairdresser's or for a taxi journey but it is clearly understood that a tip will not necessarily be given. In some cases a nominal tip may be implicitly given to save the service provider giving the customer change.

Tipping a policeman, fireman, nurse, doctor or other public-sector workers is prohibited and in the case of the police may be considered attempted bribery. For other public servants, however, a box of chocolates, flowers or possibly a bottle of wine may be considered appropriate as an expression of special gratitude. Some private companies may require their employees to refuse tips for various reasons. For instance, the John Lewis Partnership states to employees that customers should not be expected to pay more for good service, and that any tips that are received should be handed in.

In some table service restaurants, a 'service charge' is common (and sometimes added to the bill, in which case there is no obligation to tip further), but not compulsory and some people never tip. Unlike in many other countries, there is no percentage perceived to be 'correct' when tipping. However, 10% is a considered a good minimum within the restaurant industry and is generally considered the default. In self-service establishments, tips are not usually given, except in exceptional circumstances. Many restaurants will allow tips to be added to a credit card bill, but it is generally considered better to leave cash at the table. The reason for this is that cash is deemed to have been given to the waiting staff directly, whilst credit card payments and cheques are legally payable to the restaurant. Whilst a tip given by credit card or cheque will almost always be passed on to the waiting staff.

Tipping the delivery person upon arrival of a take-away is also quite common especially when delivery is fast.

It is not normal to tip for drinks in a pub, but more so in a bar. Offering to buy the barperson a drink is considered acceptable and they may then take (money) for the value of a drink (which is in effect taking a tip). In cases where the pub is also a restaurant, the serving staff may be tipped. It is less usual to tip in cafés and coffee shops than in restaurants.

In some establishments, tips are kept individually by the waiter or waitress, whereas in others they may be pooled and divided amongst all the staff. In other instances, tips may be set aside for some other purpose for the benefit of the staff, such as to fund a staff party or trip.

North America

Canada

A 15%–20% tip is customary for most hospitality services, according to a 2005 Sydney Morning Herald article. A 2005 USA Today article suggests 15% at restaurants, 10%–15% for taxis, and US$1-$2 per bag for porters.

Most Canadian provinces have the same minimum wage regardless of occupation, but as of February 2007, Ontario allows employers to pay C$1.05 less than standard minimum wages for liquor servers, and as of May 2007, Quebec allows C$0.75 less than standard for workers who would reasonably be expected to be receive tips.

Workers who receive tips are legally required to report the income to the Canada Revenue Agency and pay income tax on it. However, many workers have been known to not report any income from tips at all or, perhaps more commonly, to "lowball" the figure. In response, the CRA has vowed that it will closely check the tax returns of individuals that it would reasonably expect to be receiving tips to ensure that the tips are reported, and that the amount reported on the returns is realistic.

Costa Rica

A 2005 USA Today article advises against restaurant tipping, but suggests a US$1 per bag tip for porters, and $1 for special services by taxi drivers.

Mexico

According to a 2005 USA Today article, a 10%–15% tip should be left in restaurants if it does not include an automatic service charge. Porters may be tipped US$1–$2, and taxi drivers $0.50–$1.

Trinidad and Tobago

Tipping has not been a custom, but is become more commonplace in recent times.

• Restaurants: Some restaurants, especially those in hotels or those that serve foreign tourists expect a tip. Most do not.
• Taxicabs: Only airport taxis expect a tip. Local taxis do not.

United States

Tipping in the United States is widely practiced and is considered by some to be a social obligation under a variety of circumstances. Many consider the custom antiquated, adding an unnecessary level of complication and frustration for the customer. Tipping based on a percentage is customarily computed on the bill's total before tax.

At a restaurant

Tipping is customary in restaurants having traditional table service. As tipped employers generally qualify for a lower statutory minimum wage from the employer, tips constitute the majority of the income for tipped workers such as wait staff. The standard tip for a restaurant meal in the United States is 15 percent of the bill (before tax), and up to 20% at more expensive establishments.

Some restaurants include an automatic tip on the bill for parties of six or more, while a rare few include an automatic tip for all bills.

Tipping on wine with a meal requires some discretion/judgement. Tipping etiquette websites (e.g. Findalink.net/tipping etiquette, winespectator.com, bremercommunications.com, betidy.com, etc.) suggest a tip of 15% on the meal before tax, and 5-10% on the wine (especially if the total wine bill is near or exceeds the cost of the meal).

Tipping for traditional table service restaurants offering take-out and curbside service is also optional, although a few sources suggest a small tip (e.g. 5%) if the order was unusually difficult.

Tipping at buffet-style restaurants is unnecessary, although some may tip a small amount (e.g. $1) if a server refills their drinks.

Some coffee shops or establishments without table service leave a countertop tip jar by the cash register, but tipping is not expected as it would be for table service.

Servers usually "tip out" portions of their tip receipts to support staff like bussers and bartenders. Bartenders usually are also tipped by the patrons ordering drinks at the bar.

At a bar

When purchasing alcoholic beverages at a bar it is customary to tip $1-2 per drink, or in the same 15% to 20% range as at a restaurant. If a bartender is taking special care to take and fill your drink orders quickly at a busy bar where others may be waiting for service, a tip in the higher range is appropriate.

At a hotel

Bellmen are customarily tipped approximately one dollar per bag in five star hotels, and often tipped for deliveries (food, boxes, faxes). Room-service personnel at most American hotels expect tips, anywhere between 10% to 15% of the price (before tax) of what was ordered. It should be noted that many hotels automatically add a service fee to room service meals. The customer should verify this in order to avoid double tipping. A small tip for the housekeeping staff is discretionary. Tipping the front desk staff is almost never done unless the service is exceptional. Typically, in Casinos and other resort style establishments, it is customary to tip other service staff, such as a host in a showroom, or a cocktail waitress using similar scales. Doing so may guarantee better seats in a popular show, or faster refills.

Delivered meals

The driver is often tipped 10% or 2 dollars whichever is greater. Tips help delivery drivers offset the cost of fuel and an increased cost to maintain their vehicles. A greater tip can be given if the driver has to drive in inclement weather (e.g. snow), carry heavy loads, and/or climb flights of stairs. This issue is complicated by establishments that charge a delivery fee, which is similar to a service charge, although in most cases (e.g. pizza delivery establishments such as Dominos) the driver gets no part of the delivery fee, and may be under-tipped as a result. High fuel costs also complicate matters.

Getting a haircut

For a haircut or salon service, it is customary to tip the barber or stylist 15% to 20%.

Valet

At restaurants or hotels where the customer valets their car, it is customary to tip the valet $2-5 or occasionally more at high-class establishments.

Tattoos and Body Piercing

It is also customary for a customer to tip a tattoo artist or body piercer. Although tipping for these professions is customary, there is no set percentage to tip the artist.

Christmas season

Many service staff are tipped annually during the Christmas season, such as newspaper carriers, house cleaners and pool cleaners. Some people also tip their local mail carrier in this manner, not knowing that it is illegal to do so (see government workers below).

In some large cities, the staff of apartment buildings, such as building superintendents, porters, concierges and doormen, receive similar annual tips.

Government workers and bank employees

Under United States federal law it is considered bribery to tip government employees. However, they are permitted to receive gifts less than or equal to $20.00. A non-monetary gift valued at $20 or less is appropriate. The most common circumstance is a holiday gift to a mail carrier. A potential tipper can donate money to a charity related to the government agency. For example, most National Parks have related "natural history associations", in which case the worker that prompted the tip may appreciate hearing that their service prompted a donation. Tipping an employee of a bank or other financial institution is usually disallowed in any amount.

Other

Many reputable retailers forbid their employees to accept tips (although this is illegal in some states, such as California, due to the fact that state law states "tips are the property of whom they are given, and employers are not allowed to require employees to refuse, give, or share their tips with anyone". Tips are not generally given to parcel-delivery workers, and acceptance of tips may be forbidden by state laws and/or the employer. No tip is expected for retail clerks who bag one's groceries or carry one's purchases to the car. Some grocery stores have a jar for spare change by the cash register, which is not for tips but is used to help cash customers who are short on change (for example, a customer paying a $5.02 bill can use $0.02 from the change jar and thereby avoid paying $6.00 and getting $0.98 back in change).

South America

Argentina

According to a 2005 USA Today article, "tipping is officially illegal, but waiters expect a small tip" in restaurants, while porters and taxi drivers are not tipped.

Bolivia

Service charges are included with the bill. Still, a small tip, around 5% or so, is sometimes given, and is considered polite.

Brazil

The customary tip at restaurants is 10% for good service, although a few restaurants charge a mandatory service fee for large parties. It is usually not expected in cabs. Tipping a delivery worker is incredibly rare. In fact, most delivery companies will ask the client how he or she is going to pay for the product so that the exact change could be provided. However, it should be noted that many restaurants include a 10% delivery charge in the note. Such a charge often depends on the municipality.

Chile

There is no obligation to tip in Chile. This was not the case until 1981, when law number 7.388 was derogated. It stated that tipping was mandatory at places like restaurants, and the tip amount should be between 10% and 20% of the bill. Since then, it is usually assumed that customers will leave a tip of 10%, if the service is considered satisfactory.

Paraguay

Service charges are included with the bill, and tipping is uncommon.