The procedure of tipping in the US [duplicate]
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I recently went to the US and was a little bit confused about the tipping procedure sometimes. I found many resources on how much to tip, but now how exactly it goes down. To my understanding, tipping in cash is preferred in most places, so that is what I tried to do. The problem is, that I used the credit card more often than cash, so I did not have enough change/small bills to pay an adequate tip. Let's see how I usually payed:
- Receive check
- Give credit card
- Receive receipt
- Leave tip in cash
- Leave restaurant
What do I do if I do not have the right amount of cash to tip at step 4? Assuming I want to tip $10, is it okay to give a $20 and ask for $10 back? If I have no cash left, when do I say how much I want to tip? Is it acceptable to leave the tip at the table and leave?
Best Answer
What do I do if I do not have the right amount of cash to tip at step 4?
Tipping a credit card is perfectly acceptable. And actually, tipping on the CC is better for the merchant and back of the house staff since it makes tip sharing easier.
Assuming I want to tip $10, is it okay to give a $20 and ask for $10 back?
Yes, absolutely.
If I have no cash left, when do I say how much I want to tip?
You rarely have to say how much, you just add it on the credit card receipt. If the merchant's card processor is not configured for tips then either:
A: They legitimately don't expect a tip so don't feel you need to leave one.
B: They will ask if you want to put the tip on the credit card.
Is it acceptable to leave the tip at the table and leave?
Yes, but you should not be careless enough to let it get stolen. In most places this isn't an issue, but, if you can leave the cash in the book or hand it to the server directly, that better.
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How does tipping on a receipt work?
When you tip with a credit card, you write the amount you wish to tip on your receipt, then sign the receipt to confirm the total amount (tip + bill) to be charged to your card. Unlike cash tips, credit card tips are processed and paid out to the service provider at a later date.How does tipping work in America?
Tipping at restaurants in the United States At restaurants where you have a dedicated waiter, you are expected to tip. 15% is standard, but 18-25% of the total bill is a good rule of thumb. You can use the total bill BEFORE tax is added, as the tax is just the fee going to the local government.Is tipping mandatory in the US?
In America, tipping is optional in name only. Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 15 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why.How does tipping work with a debit card?
The customer hands over a credit or debit card. The server takes the card to the terminal to swipe it to pay for the meal. The server brings the receipt to be signed by the customer, who can optionally add a tip. The customer adds their tip and signs the bill.How to tip in the USA: Tipping for dummies
More answers regarding the procedure of tipping in the US [duplicate]
Answer 2
US citizen here, and I for the most part haven't carried cash for almost 20 years. I've never thought twice about credit-card tipping.
It does seem likely that a server would prefer cash for various reasons, not least of which is that they'd likely get to take home their money sooner. But its not something to obsess about.
If it really worries you, increase the tip by a few % to make up for it. 20 years ago or so cab drivers used to be the worst about not liking credit card payments (I was told repeatedly due to the card company getting a % of their money). If I more than made up for that in the tip, I found them very appreciative.
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