Tipping / Gratuity

Question

I'm from New Zealand where we don't tip or pay gratuity.

What is the expected value of tip/gratuity in San Francisco?

Also, I'm doing a walking tour. Do we tip every establishment we visit with the tour guide?

Thank you.

Answer

Hello,

In the United States, tipping is customary in many service industries, and San Francisco follows this standard practice. Since you’re coming from New Zealand where tipping is not expected, it’s helpful to know the typical amounts and when tipping is appropriate.

Here’s a breakdown of common tipping practices in San Francisco:

Restaurants / Sit-Down Meals: The standard tip is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill. For exceptional service, you can tip 20–25%.
Casual or Counter-Service Cafés: Tipping is optional, but leaving $1–2 per coffee or small order is common.
Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total tab.
Taxis / Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): 10–15% is standard for good service.
Hotel Staff: Bellhops: $1–2 per bag; Housekeeping: $2–5 per night; Concierge: $5–10 for special assistance.
Tour Guides: For walking tours, a tip of $5–$10 per person for a 2–3 hour tour is customary, depending on the quality of the tour.

Regarding your walking tour question:

You generally tip the tour guide at the end of the tour, not at each establishment you visit. The guide may bring you to multiple locations, but the tip is for the overall experience and their service, not per stop.
If the tour includes tastings or activities at local businesses, you do not need to tip the establishments separately unless someone provides exceptional personal service.

Additional tips:

Have small bills ready, as tips are typically given in cash even if you pay for the service by card.
If in doubt, ask the tour company or local friends what is customary for a particular service—it’s always appreciated to match local expectations.
Tipping is not mandatory, but in many service industries it forms a significant portion of income, so even modest tips are welcomed.

In summary, expect to tip 15–20% at restaurants, $5–10 for a walking tour guide, and small amounts for hotel staff or casual services. For your walking tour, tip the guide once at the end rather than at every stop.

Tipping / Gratuity

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