Tipping.

Question

We are staying at clearwater beach in june. We have not been to the usa for over ten years.

Could someone tell me the tipping etiquette please.

Jackie

Answer

Hi Jackie,

Welcome back to the U.S.! Tipping is an important part of service culture in the United States, including Clearwater Beach. Since you haven’t been here in over ten years, it’s useful to know the general expectations, which can vary slightly depending on the service type. Most service workers in the U.S. rely heavily on tips because base wages for positions like servers, bartenders, and taxi drivers are often lower than standard wages.

Here’s a detailed guide to tipping etiquette in Clearwater Beach:

Restaurants: Standard tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service. For exceptional service, 20–25% is common. Many restaurants automatically add gratuity for large groups (typically 6–8 or more people), so check your bill before tipping extra.
Bars: $1–$2 per drink is typical, or 15–20% of the total bar tab if paying for multiple drinks at once.
Cafés / Coffee Shops: Usually $1 per drink or 10–15% if paying for larger orders.
Hotel Staff:
- Bellhops / Porters: $1–$2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: $2–$5 per day, left daily on the pillow or in an envelope.
- Concierge: $5–$20 depending on the complexity of the request (e.g., restaurant reservations vs. tickets for shows).
Taxi / Rideshare: 15–20% of the fare. For rideshares like Uber or Lyft, tipping is optional but appreciated; 10–15% is common.
Tour Guides / Excursions: 10–20% of the tour price per person, depending on how personalized or attentive the guide is.
Spas / Salons: 15–20% of the service price. Sometimes the tip is included in the bill, so check first.

Additional tips:

Cash is preferred for smaller tips (like housekeeping or bellhops), though credit card tips are accepted in restaurants and some hotels.
Always check your bill to see if a service charge or gratuity has already been added, especially for large groups.
When in doubt, 15% is the baseline for acceptable service, and 20% is considered very good service.

Overall, tipping is a way to show appreciation for service and is an expected part of travel in the U.S. Following these guidelines will help ensure smooth interactions and a pleasant stay in Clearwater Beach.

Enjoy your trip!