When to Tip

The word "Tip," which originated in England, was originally an acronym for the phrase "To insure promptness."

At the Airport:
The first opportunity to tip during travel is usually upon arriving  at the airport or train station. Here are some tipping guidelines:
 
* Porter or skycap - $2 per bag or more if the bags are heavy.  $2 extra for curbside check-in is optional. If you arrive late and he  helps you get to your flight on time, tip an extra $5-20.

* Electric cart driver - $2-$3 a person.

* Wheelchair pusher - If they are just pushing you down the ramp  from the gate to the plane (or in reverse), then nothing. If it is  from the ticket counter to the gate/plane or from the gate/plane to  the luggage carousel, then $5 is appropriate. Tip more if they help  you with your luggage ($1-2 per bag) or if they help you to your car.  If they are pushing you from one terminal to another (long  distances), then $10-20 would be appropriate plus extra for luggage.  Tip less if they are unpleasant or rude.

* Flight attendant or other in-flight personnel - Nothing .

* Charter pilot - Nothing. It is not necessary to tip pilots  unless they provide extra services. Then it is whatever you deem  appropriate for the service.

Ground Transportation:
* Taxi, limo, paid shuttle, or van driver - 15% of the total  fare. Up to 20% if the driver helps with the bags or makes extra  stops. No less than $1. If someone else is picking up the tab, they  are responsible for tipping also. Be careful, the rate quoted for  limos often includes gratuity.

* Driver of courtesy shuttle - $1-$2 per bag if he helps with  the bags.

* Auto dealership shuttle driver - Nothing.

Checking Into Hotel:

Tip whenever a bellhop provides a service, which might include carrying your luggage, showing you the room, opening blinds, showing you how to operate the air conditioner or putting large pieces of luggage on the luggage stand

*Be sure to tip as services are provided; don't wait to put the bellhop's tips on your bill

Step One
Keep small bills available for the purpose of tipping.

Step Two
Let the bellhop carry your luggage, even if it is one small bag.

Step Three
Tip the bellhop $5, in a first-rate hotel, plus $1 for each piece of luggage. (if you have 5 pieces: Tip= $10.00)

note:
If you have no luggage….give the bellhop $5 for opening the room and showing you around it.

Step Four
Make the exchange seamless. The money should be surreptitiously passed in a handshake or small, minor exchange

Checking out:

You don't have to call the bellhop when you check out, unless you want to. If you do, he or she will expect another tip. Tip $2 per bag or a $5 flat tip.

Tipping at a Bed & Breakfast (B&B):
Many, if not most B&Bs have a no-tipping policy in the US and Canada.  In other countries it varies. It never hurts to tip, but it is  definitely not expected, and many B&Bs specifically ask that you do  not. Most are family owned and the price they charge covers everything.  The safest bet is to inquire at the specific Bed and Breakfast where  you plan to stay before you arrive. If there is hired housekeeping staff, then tip them the same as at a hotel.

Tipping by Country:

Australia & New Zealand : Round up taxi fares and restaurant bills to nearest dollar.

Austria : Service charges generally included in bill.

Britain & Ireland: Service charges usually included in restaurant bills; otherwise, standard U.S. tipping rules apply.

China & North Korea: Tipping is illegal.

Czech Republic: Round up the bill to nearest koruna.

France & Germany: Service charges generally applied to bills; customary to add 5 percent extra.

Hong Kong: Tipping is common--about 10 percent in most situations--even when a service charge has already been applied.

Hungary: 10 percent tip is customary.

Indonesia: Service charges are usually included in bill. Otherwise 10%.

Israel: Restaurants and hotels typically add 10 percent service charge to bills; otherwise, tipping not expected.

Italy: Tipping is customary, about 10 percent, even when a service charge is already included.

Japan: Tips are usually included in hotel and restaurant bills; otherwise, tipping is not expected.

Malaysia: Tipping is expected for porters and room service.

Mexico: Tipping is customary, about 10 to 15 percent. Service charges rarely applied.

Philippines: 10 percent tip is common for most services.

South Korea: Tipping is not expected.

Spain: Offer a 10 to 15 percent tip even when service charges have been added.

*The tipping protocol at South Pacific and Asian hotels is changing but many still prohibit tipping to prevent staff from hustling guests for money.