Few aspects of American culture are as perplexing to expats as the intricacies of tipping.
Immigrants arriving from Africa are no strangers to tipping. However, the act is always optional, and it is not embedded with the heavy connotations it has within the United States.
In American culture, tipping is an obligation, and failing to follow the unspoken rules about it is seen as extremely rude. As such, it can result in scorn, a social faux pas, and sometimes passive-aggressive mistreatment. Not tipping a worker is nothing short of an insult towards them.
The reasoning behind this attitude is easy to explain. Although the minimum wage within the United States is $7.25 per hour, it is established by law that employers of workers who receive tips only need to pay them $2.13 an hour.
This means that to make up for the difference in payment, waiters and other workers need every tip they can get. Should they fail to acquire enough tips to reach the federal minimum hourly wage, the law requires the employer to pay the missing amount. However, this is an unwanted conclusion, as it can be unpleasant for the boss and put the worker’s job in jeopardy.
If you find yourself confused on whether you should tip or not, remember there is no shame in asking. However, as a general rule, it is expected for you to tip from 15% to 25% of the bill, depending on the type of restaurant. When it comes to taxi drivers, the expected amount tends to be 10% to 15%. Other miscellaneous workers performing small jobs (such as cleaning staff in hotels) handing $1 or $2 is acceptable, according to your means.
Although this may be an inconvenience to you—particularly if you are struggling financially—these cultural norms are widespread and, although uncommon anywhere else, guarantee that the workers providing you with a service you requested get the payment they deserve for their labor.
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