10 Tipping Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid

Tipping is a culture that differs in many places across the globe and when it comes to this aspect of the service industry, it can be rather confusing. What may be a cultural norm in one area, can be frowned upon in another. While there are numerous rules to tipping, not only for different occasions but in different regions, they're not always clear.

The United States leads the world in tipping culture and its citizens are the group that generally tip almost everywhere they go. Although Americans also have a reputation for tipping generously, this may not always be the case in every situation. Within the nation, certain regions are more giving than others, which may not sit well in a city that almost requires a 20% gratuity as a minimum, compared to another that feels 10% is quite hefty.

Knowing what the proper tipping etiquette is, not only in your home country but when you travel abroad, can give you at least an idea of how to tip in most scenarios. From eating at a restaurant to getting your nails done, it's essential to know the proper protocol for tipping because people in the service industry make most of their living from tips.

The restaurant industry in America is a perfect example. The direct wage servers receive from their job is often less than minimum wage because most of their income comes from tips. Working as a server or bartender can be profitable for certain employees if they're tipped well. Yet, as tipping culture becomes a hot topic, many people are infuriated when they are asked to offset salaries. Rather than expect tips, they should be paid a fair wage by their employers.

While it's vital to know basic tipping rules, there isn't an exact science to tipping either. No matter how much you know about the new tipping etiquette, there still may be scenarios where you have to decide for yourself how much to tip or whether you should tip at all.

To create a list of tipping etiquette mistakes to avoid, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous sources including a guide from US News Money and news stations like CNBC. Any tipping percentages were based on the average expected amount. Overall, tipping in the most common scenarios is pretty straightforward. When in doubt, tip according to the service that you've received. Whether you consider the skill the employee has or the amount that you spent, you're better off tipping more than tipping less.

Here's how to avoid looking cheap with pro tipping etiquette for any occasion. (Also, don't forget to check out the states where people leave the best tips.)

• Tipping 15% to 20% is considered proper etiquette in most instances

There's no hard and fast rule for tipping, but 15-20% is considered acceptable in most scenarios. If you know you need to tip for a service and you're not sure how much, tipping 20% is usually a safe amount.

It's also a good rule of thumb to tip at least the minimum of what is expected with a certain service. If you did receive poor service, if possible, give the employee a chance to fix their error before revoking their tip. Remember everyone has a bad day at some point.

• Tip 15% to 20% of your bill

The easiest way to calculate your tip at a sit-down restaurant is to calculate 15% to 20% of your bill. Consider the service you received from your server. While 15% should generally be the bare minimum, tip more than 20% if your waiter or waitress provides you with top-notch service.

If you do receive poor service, avoid skipping out on the tip altogether and see if you can remedy the problem instead.

• Tipping isn't required, but it's always appreciated

Anyone who has worked at a fast food restaurant knows how challenging it can be. From dealing with rude customers to working long hours without a break, even a small tip to show your appreciation can brighten someone's day.

According to proper etiquette, tipping at a fast food restaurant isn't required, but if they bring the food to your table, take the time to find out if you need anything else, or provide you with friendly service, drop a dollar or two in the tip jar to show your appreciation.

• Similar to tipping at a fast food restaurant: not required but appreciated for excellent service

If you frequent a coffee shop near you, you've seen the tip jars or had a tablet spun your way before asking what you'd like to tip. Much like a fast food restaurant, tipping is not required or even necessarily expected in a coffee shop.

However, if your barista provided you with excellent service or you're a regular and know the baristas by name, throwing a dollar or two in the tip jar goes a long way. At a coffee shop, it's not considered rude not to tip, but tips are always appreciated.

• Tip at least a dollar per drink and at least two dollars per cocktail

Those who have frequented bars know that you tip your bartender after every drink to show your appreciation. In many cases, it's appropriate to tip your bartender one to two dollars per drink, depending on the type of drink you ordered.

At least $2 is expected for cocktails. It's best to tip in cash after every drink. However, if you end up tipping your bartender at the end of your night, you should still tip $1-2 per drink, depending on the order. Even if there's a special and you got a drink for free, tip per drink ordered.

• Expect to tip between 15% to 20%

When it comes to proper etiquette for tipping at a salon or spa, this is the kind of service you may not be aware that you need to tip for. For services like getting a manicure, haircut, or facial, always tip your provider.

In most cases, the person cutting your hair or doing your nails isn't getting paid the full amount you paid for the service. Consider tipping 15% to 20% or more if they provide you with excellent service.

• Tips for a driver should range between 10% to 15%

Even though your cab ride might seem ridiculously expensive, it's still proper etiquette to tip your driver. The acceptable range for tipping a driver, whether it's a cab driver or your Uber driver, is generally lower than other services.

10% to 15% is acceptable unless there was a problem with your ride or you felt unsafe during the trip.

• Tip 15% to 20% tip, depending on the service

Much like other service industry jobs, delivery drivers live mostly off of tips. If you have someone delivering groceries or food to you, it's proper etiquette to tip them. Typically, tipping between 15% to 20% of your bill is acceptable, but consider the quality of the service they provide as well.

However, if there was a problem with your order, ensure it wasn't the restaurant's fault before skipping the tip.

• Tip your regular service providers extra if you're able during the holidays

The holidays are one of the times of the year when tipping etiquette seems the most overwhelming. All of a sudden, it feels like you have to tip everyone or even give an extra tip to those you're already tipping.

While some extra tipping during the holidays may be acceptable, there's no reason to panic. Consider who you're already tipping and may want to thank. Whether it's your dog walker, babysitter, or housekeeper, the people you hire will appreciate extra tips during the holidays.

• Tipping while traveling may include the housekeeper, bellhop, or concierge

If you're staying at a budget hotel, you're probably not thinking about tipping anyone. Especially when you're carrying your bags in yourself. However, if you're staying at a nice hotel, avoid looking cheap by knowing who to tip and how much.

Service providers such as shuttle drivers, bellhops, parking attendants, or door staff should receive between $1-$5 per bag or ride. Tipping your bartender or server looks similar to tipping anywhere else. Additionally, tip the housekeeping staff between $1-5 per night during your stay. (Also See Etiquette Mistakes That Make You Look Rude.)