Frank Yan of Sacramento on Tipping Etiquette

If you’re like anyone else, tipping anywhere outside of a hotel or a restaurant setting equates to a lot of confusion. Who do you tip? And if you do tip, then how much do you tip? It’s unsurprising, then, that this dilemma is something of a world-wide epidemic. Billions of people confront a similar scenario every day. When Frank Yan leaves his town of Sacramento, Frank has traveled to many destinations in and outside the country; he has experienced many services that requires tipping
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Tipping on vacation, however, is in a completely separate realm and elevates uncertainty to a new level. In different parts of the country there is a general set of guidelines assigned to tipping that can help you redirect your focus from the logistics of tipping, back to your vacation.


Ideally, Frank Yan says you should tip as you do in the U.S., letting the size of your pocketbook and the quality of service set your tipping guidelines. “Tip-dependent” workers include waiters, bellboys, maids, diving and snorkeling guides, other tour guides, boat crews, masseuses, beauty salon operators, supermarket grocery baggers, bathroom attendants, airport luggage attendants, and gas station attendants.


Dining/Bars – The normal tip amount is 15-20% of the bill. 20% for an upscale restaurant with excellent service. Sometimes there is a national value added tax of 15% included on all restaurant bills. This is not the tip, this is a federal tax. Make sure you check the bill carefully for this 15%. Also do your own arithmetic and add the bill up yourself. Many times there are mistakes. Be sure and check to see if the restaurant has added on a tip. Some do if they think they can get away with it. Many people leave a tip equal to the 15%. Not all restaurants pay the waiters in the same way. Some restaurants pool all the tip money and divide it equally between waiter, bartender, and kitchen staff. Others allow each waiter to keep his individual tip, and he has to pay a percentage to the bartender and kitchen staff. If you pay with a credit card and add the tip to the charge, the waiter will be charged a 4% bank charge of the tip amount. Pay the tip in cash, if you can. The waiter will get more.


Daily Maid Service – At any luxury hotel or other Resort accommodation, maid services are not commonly tipped. It is a nice gesture and if service was profound for the entire stretch of your vacation, then a tip of 10-20 dollars, depending on how many shared the room, is perfectly adequate. Tips should be left on a pillow, or unmade bed, or in the mini-bar; otherwise it will not be taken.


Tour Guides – Because guides provide a service they should be tipped according to your satisfaction. 5-10 dollars should be adequate.


Masseuse - 10-15% of the price for a massage. A massage is usually one hour, and costs range from $60-120. It is a service industry, just like the rest, and if you liked it, don’t forget to tip.


Anything and everything else is fair game in terms of tipping. If extraordinary service is rendered, then don’t be cheap. Fish your pockets for a few extra dollars to express your gratitude; you never know, the result of such kindness could lead to new services or suggestions that make for a more memorable stay on your vacation.


Frank has always kept his eye open while observing many people in Sacramento or other destinations he visits don’t tip when they should. Frank has always be huge on tipping as he once was a Skycap at the Sacramento International Airport and his income derived on tips.