Edmonton

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Tipping Customs

Details on tipping culture and practices in Edmonton, common in restaurants, taxis, and other services.

Sections

1. Restaurants and Bars

  • Who to Tip: Servers, bartenders, and occasionally support staff (e.g., bussers).
  • Usual Percentage:
    • 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for good service.
    • 10-15% for average service.
    • 20% or more for exceptional service.
  • How to Tip:
    • If paying by card, most payment terminals will prompt you to add a tip (you can select a percentage or enter a custom amount).
    • If paying in cash, leave the tip on the table or hand it directly to the server.
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Tipping is expected and considered part of a server’s income, as minimum wage for tipped employees may not fully reflect the cost of living.
    • Failing to tip or tipping below 10% may be seen as rude unless the service was notably poor.

2. Coffee Shops and CafΓ©s

  • Who to Tip: Baristas or counter staff.
  • Usual Amount:
    • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.
    • A small tip of $1-2 or rounding up the bill is common, especially if the service was friendly or the order was complex.
  • How to Tip: Many cafΓ©s have tip jars at the counter or an option to tip on the payment terminal.
  • Cultural Considerations: Tipping here is more casual and less expected than in full-service restaurants.

3. Taxis and Rideshares (e.g., Uber, Lyft)

  • Who to Tip: Drivers.
  • Usual Percentage:
    • 10-15% of the fare is standard.
    • For short rides, rounding up to the nearest dollar or adding $1-2 is acceptable.
  • How to Tip:
    • For taxis, you can tip in cash or add it to the card payment.
    • For rideshares, tipping is done through the app after the ride.
  • Cultural Considerations: Tipping is a way to show appreciation for safe and courteous driving, especially in harsh weather conditions (common in Edmonton during winter).

4. Hotels

  • Who to Tip:
    • Bellhops: $2-5 per bag, depending on the level of service.
    • Housekeeping: $2-5 per night, left in cash in the room with a note indicating it’s for housekeeping.
    • Concierge: $5-20, depending on the complexity of the request (e.g., booking tickets, arranging transportation).
  • Cultural Considerations: Tipping hotel staff is a sign of gratitude for personalized service and is generally expected in mid-range to high-end hotels.

5. Hair Salons, Barbers, and Spas

  • Who to Tip: Hairdressers, barbers, estheticians, massage therapists, and other service providers.
  • Usual Percentage:
    • 15-20% of the total bill.
  • How to Tip:
    • You can tip in cash or add it to the card payment.
  • Cultural Considerations: Tipping is a standard practice in the beauty and wellness industry, and it’s a way to acknowledge the skill and effort of the service provider.

6. Delivery Services

  • Who to Tip: Food delivery drivers (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash) or grocery delivery personnel.
  • Usual Amount:
    • $3-5 for small orders.
    • 10-15% of the total bill for larger or more complex orders.
  • How to Tip:
    • For app-based services, tipping is done through the app.
    • For cash payments, you can hand the tip directly to the driver.
  • Cultural Considerations: Tipping is especially appreciated during bad weather or for deliveries to hard-to-access locations.

7. Tour Guides

  • Who to Tip: Tour guides and drivers on organized tours.
  • Usual Amount:
    • $5-10 per person for half-day tours.
    • $10-20 per person for full-day tours.
  • How to Tip: Hand the tip directly to the guide or driver at the end of the tour.
  • Cultural Considerations: Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the guide’s knowledge and effort in making the experience enjoyable.

8. Other Services

  • Valet Parking: $2-5 when your car is returned.
  • Movers: $20-50 per mover for a full day of work, depending on the complexity of the move.
  • Pet Groomers: 10-20% of the total bill.
  • Tattoo Artists: 15-20% of the total cost.

General Cultural Considerations

  1. Tipping is Expected: In Edmonton, as in most of Canada, tipping is not legally required but is socially expected in many service industries. It is seen as a way to reward good service and supplement workers’ incomes.
  2. Cash vs. Card: While cash tips are always appreciated, most businesses and service providers in Edmonton are equipped to accept tips via card payment.
  3. Weather Considerations: Edmonton experiences harsh winters, and tipping generously during extreme weather conditions (e.g., snowstorms) is a kind gesture for those working in challenging environments.
  4. Politeness Matters: Even if you choose not to tip or tip less than the standard amount, it’s important to remain polite and respectful to service workers.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only navigate Edmonton’s tipping culture with ease but also show appreciation for the hard work of service providers in the city.