Tipping in Orlando, Florida, USA.

We get asked about tipping many times on our forums, when to tip? how much to tip? To Tip or not to Tip? hopefully this page will provide some information to help you whilst over in Florida.

First we would like to point out that tipping can be a highly contested subject, tipping is a cultural thing in the USA and is not mandatory. Some establishments will have a displayed service charge that is added to the bill, however this is treated differently to a tip.

Ok, with that said...

Tipping here in the UK is becoming more and more common but as a general rule we do not tip. In the USA tipping is normal and is part of their custom, especially for service staff like Porters, Chamber Maids and Restaurant Staff.

Below is a guide as to what to tip and who to tip but please remember it is only a guide. Tipping is a way of showing your satisfaction with the service you have received.

Please remember the USA has a tipping culture, this means that for many things there is an expectation that you will tip the person who has provided you with a service. Although tipping isn't a legal requirement, it's still a good idea to budget your holiday to make sure you also factor in the tips.

It's easy to argue that the USA restaurants, transport and hotels should pay their staff the full wage so that the need for tipping is removed. If this happened then the prices would increase inline with what they are here in the UK. The charge for providing a service (the "tip") is often considered separate to the cost of the basic item itself and therefore this needs to be factored in when considering the overall price. Remember - it's a cultural thing; in the USA the custom is to tip so if you are travelling to the USA then make sure you budget for the tips.

Dining

The standard tip in a full service restaurant is around 15% - 20% of the total bill. If you are using a discount coupon the tip is based on the full price not the discounted price.

Tipping at Counter Service restaurants isn’t usually required.

Please remember though that you are tipping for the service not the quality of the food.
If you receive exceptional service then show your appreciation with a larger tip.

• Typically 15% to 20% for Waiters/Waitresses/Servers.
• For off-site self-service buffets the tip is usually less than you would leave for a table service restaurant. 10% would be about right.
• Typically $1 to $2 for Bartenders, depending upon the complexity of the drink order.
• Restroom attendants are usually tipped $1.

What to do if you receive poor service

There seems to be an unwritten rule that if you receive poor service then you should just leave a very small tip with a unhappy smiley face on the bill. However doing this will not get your point across as it is too subtle.

If for some reason you receive what you feel to be poor or no service then please ask to speak to the manager and let them know that you are not leaving a tip as the service was poor. I know this can be hard for some British tourists as we don't usually like to complain, well not to restaurant staff anyhow. Americans on the other hand will complain if something isn't right; so when in the USA follow the locals' example and make a complaint if the service is poor. This gives the staff chance to correct their mistake and improve the service they are providing to you. It also ensures the staff are in no doubt as to why they received no tip.

Transport

• Taxi drivers are typically tipped 10% to 20%
• Hotel courtesy shuttle drivers don't expect any tips though $1 to $2 would go down well.
• If you pay for a door-to-door shuttle, a 15% tip plus $1 a bag is customary.
• For Bus tour guides a tip of 10% to 20% of the total bill for a one day tour is customary. For multiple days, tips usually lie within the $1 to $10 a day range.
• Typically $2 - $5 to valet parking attendants when your car is returned.
• It is customary to tip Electric cart drivers and Wheelchair pushers at the airports $2 to $3 per person.

Hotels

• It is customary to tip the Porter $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag. If the bags are very heavy or extra large then increase the tip accordingly.
• It is recommended that Housekeeping staff are tipped around $1 or $2 per day per occupant in your room. Please leave the tip each day rather than at the end of your stay as you may have different staff each day.
• Room service is typically tipped at 15% of the bill
• It is recommended that a Doorman is tipped $1 if he hails a cab and $2 per bag if he assists with your luggage
• With regards to the Concierge, they don't expect anything for advice but tip up to $5 for booking a dinner reservation, $20 for booking tours and up to $25 for booking theatre tickets.

Miscellaneous

• Pool attendants can be tipped around $2 to $5 for each service they offer
• Restroom attendants are usually tipped $1.
• Golf caddies are usually tipped between $10 and $25.
• Activity operators (boat tours, jet ski hire, etc.) are usually tipped around $5 to $10
• It is recommended that a Spa technician, Massages, Hair Stylist, Manicurists are tipped around 15% of the bill.
• Pizza Delivery is usually tipped at least $2

Before or After Tax

• Usually you would use the sub total (before tax) to work out the tip.