Tipping and Traveling Etiquette

If you are new to business travel, you may be surprised at what a significant expense tipping can be. Service people who transport you, carry your bags, greet you at the hotel door, take you to your room and others expect and, in most cases, deserve a tip. Here are some tipping etiquette guidelines:

Taxi/Limousine Driver – 15% - 20% of the total fare.

Doorman: $1-$2 for calling a cab or a bit more if he covers you with an umbrella in the rain or actually hails a cab for you. Tip at the end of your stay if it is more convenient.

Bellman: $1-$2 for each bag depending on the size of the bag and the quality of service. If he prepares your room and shows you around, $5-$10 should cover everything.

Room Service: A gratuity of 15% is usually included in the price of your order. If the person is especially attentive to setting up your meal, you can give him or her another couple of dollars.

Maids/Housekeeping Staff -- $1-$5 per night depending on the quality of the hotel and service. Tip daily since you might have different people cleaning your room. Whatever and whenever you decide to tip, put the money in a sealed marked envelope.

Valet Parking -- $1-$2 to the attendant retrieving your car.