Tipping in USA

[Julian]

Hi All

A friend and I are travelling from Aus to Las Vegas in March to celebrate my [mumbletymumble] birthday. 

The question/s I have revolves around tipping.

Cab / Taxis - what's a reasonable tip amount?

Bellhops/porters etc - again, what's a reasonable amount?  ? NB we're staying at a Marriott on the Strip, if that makes any difference.  I just don't want to be a cheap chintzy tourist!   

I'm reasonably happy that I have the whole food tipping thing down from reading other threads on here, so that's not a problem.

And lastly, who else would we tip?  We're planning on a few shows, a few casinos, a helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon, a (self-drive) trip to Arizona to meet a friend, and general touristy sort of things. 

Thanks for any help!

[Bibliophile]

Here's a link to a good guide on tipping: http://www.emilypost.com/out-and-about/tipping/89-general-tipping-guidelines

Have fun and bring sunscreen

[Julian]

Thanks, Bibliophile, that's perfect!!

[kareng57]

One "tip" for Vegas -

if taking a cab from the airport, don't volunteer that you're first-time Vegas visitors (even if the driver asks).  You'll be taken on a very circuitous route to your hotel.....we didn't figure it out until the return trip was so much shorter.  Nobody to blame but ourselves, of course.

[nrb80]

Also you generally tip the dealer at the casino - but only when winning.

[Julian]

Thanks again. 

It's interesting how the 'first time somewhere' thing works for cabbies, it seems pretty much universal.  I have in the past asked the driver why he was going a certain way when the other way was quicker. 

Don't know if I'll play any table games but that is another great 'tip'!

[Julian]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice.

We survived!! And apparently are good tippers too.

And may I add - Vegas is a total blast!  I had a wonderful time.  Almost everybody we met was polite and very friendly, even most of the inebriated folk on the Strip on a Friday night.

Although those face cream salesfolk are a breed apart... 

[Cereal Killer]

I hope you don't mind me using your topic for a few tipping related questions.

We're going to take a train and the journey lasts for 19 hours. The meals are included in the ticket price so I don't know how should I tip, and if, how much? Any other staff in US trains that I should tip? We're having a cabin if that makes a difference.

Also, we're taking a couple of long-distance buses so do we tip the coach driver? I'd suppose no, but I'd hate to be rude.

And what about hostels? In hotels I think I know tha basic things but hostel services are a lot more limited - you may have to put on your own sheets etc. Do I tip someone?

[Hillcatlady]

I hope you don't mind me using your topic for a few tipping related questions.

We're going to take a train and the journey lasts for 19 hours. The meals are included in the ticket price so I don't know how should I tip, and if, how much? Any other staff in US trains that I should tip? We're having a cabin if that makes a difference.

Regarding the train ride, tip in the dining car as if you were in a restaurant -about 15% per meal depending on service. Note that the meals are prepared fresh and the service may be slower than expected. The prices of the meals are on the menu so you tip should be easy to figure out for the reasonably math savvy  I tip the room attendant $5 per person since they are responsible for setting up the beds, cleaning the room, delivering the morning paper (yes on some lines they do this!) and preparing the free coffee and drinks room holders are entitled to.  Good luck and enjoy your trip in the USA