Tipping is part of many workers' pay in the US. Amounts are customs, not laws, and they differ by region. These are common ranges.
Taxi and rideshare (Uber, Lyft): about 15% to 20%, in cash or in the app.
Food delivery: 15% to 20%, or at least a few dollars, more in bad weather.
Hair salon and barber: about 15% to 20%.
Nails, massage, spa: about 15% to 20%.
Bartender: about $1 to $2 per drink, or 15% to 20% of the bill.
Hotel housekeeping: a few dollars per night, left each day with a note "Thank you".
Hotel bellhop (carries bags): a dollar or two per bag.
Valet parking: a few dollars when they bring your car.
Movers: often $20 or more per person for a half day, more for a hard move. Bring cold water too.
Tour guides: often 10% to 20% of the tour price.
Counter service: coffee shops, food trucks, bakeries. A tip screen may appear; choosing "No tip" or "Custom" is fine.
Takeout you pick up yourself: a small tip is optional.
Not expected or not allowed
Doctors, nurses, teachers, police, government workers. Do not tip them. A thank-you note is welcome. Offering money to officials can be seen as a bribe, which is a crime.
Store cashiers usually do not take tips.
Around December, many people give a small gift or cash to people who help them all year: a building doorman, a regular babysitter, a cleaner, a hairdresser. For mail carriers, the Postal Service allows small gifts, but not cash.
Card terminals often suggest 18%, 20%, 25%. You can press Custom and choose the amount.
Calculate tips on the price before tax.
Not tipping a rideshare driver because the app already charged you. The charge does not include a tip.
Feeling you must tip on every screen. At counters, it is your choice.
Tipping a government officer to speed something up.