Chicago

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Tipping Practices

An explanation of tipping customs in Chicagoβ€”what services commonly require tipping and standard percentages for gratuity.

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Comprehensive Guide to Tipping Practices in Chicago, United States

Tipping is an integral part of the service culture in Chicago, as it is across the United States. Service workers often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income, so understanding when and how much to tip is essential for visitors and immigrants alike. Below is a detailed guide to tipping practices in Chicago, broken down by service type.

1. Restaurants and Bars

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • Typical Tipping Rate: 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. For exceptional service, tipping 22-25% is appreciated.
  • How to Tip: Calculate the tip based on the subtotal (before tax). Most receipts will suggest tipping percentages for convenience.
  • Important Notes:
    • If dining with a large group (usually 6 or more people), some restaurants automatically add a gratuity of 18-20%. Check your bill to avoid double-tipping.
    • Tipping is expected even if the service is average. Leaving no tip is considered rude unless the service was exceptionally poor.

Buffets

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $2-5 per person or 10% of the bill if servers clear plates and refill drinks.
  • How to Tip: Leave cash on the table or add it to the bill if paying by card.

Bars

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the bartender or add the tip to your card payment. For cocktails or more labor-intensive drinks, tipping on the higher end is appreciated.

2. Taxis, Rideshares, and Transportation

Taxis

  • Typical Tipping Rate: 15-20% of the fare.
  • How to Tip: Add the tip to the total when paying by card or hand cash to the driver.
  • Additional Notes: If the driver helps with luggage or provides exceptional service, consider tipping extra ($1-2 per bag).

Rideshares (e.g., Uber, Lyft)

  • Typical Tipping Rate: 10-20% of the fare.
  • How to Tip: Use the app to tip after the ride is complete. Most apps allow you to select a percentage or enter a custom amount.
  • Additional Notes: Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated, especially for long rides or if the driver assists with luggage.

Airport Shuttles

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $1-2 per bag if the driver helps with luggage, or $2-5 per person for exceptional service.

3. Hotels

Bellhops

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $1-2 per bag.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the bellhop after they deliver your luggage to your room.

Housekeeping

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $3-5 per night.
  • How to Tip: Leave cash in an envelope or with a note marked "Housekeeping" in a visible spot (e.g., on the desk or nightstand).
  • Additional Notes: Tip daily, as different staff may clean your room each day.

Concierge

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $5-20, depending on the complexity of the request (e.g., $5 for simple directions, $20 for securing hard-to-get reservations).
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the concierge after they assist you.

Valet Parking

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $2-5 when your car is returned.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the valet.

4. Salons, Spas, and Personal Services

Hairdressers, Barbers, and Stylists

  • Typical Tipping Rate: 15-20% of the total bill.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the stylist or add the tip to your card payment.

Massage Therapists and Spa Services

  • Typical Tipping Rate: 15-20% of the total bill.
  • How to Tip: Leave cash at the front desk or add the tip to your card payment.

Nail Salons

  • Typical Tipping Rate: 15-20% of the total bill.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the technician or add the tip to your card payment.

5. Tour Guides and Group Activities

Tour Guides

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $5-10 per person for group tours, or 10-20% of the tour cost for private tours.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the guide at the end of the tour.

Bus Drivers (for Tours)

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $1-2 per person for short tours, or $5-10 per person for full-day tours.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the driver.

6. Other Services

Delivery Drivers (Food, Groceries, etc.)

  • Typical Tipping Rate: 10-20% of the total bill, with a minimum of $3-5.
  • How to Tip: Add the tip through the app or hand cash directly to the driver.

Movers

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $20-50 per mover for a half-day move, or $50-100 per mover for a full-day move.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to each mover at the end of the job.

Coat Check

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $1-2 per item.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the attendant when retrieving your items.

Restroom Attendants

  • Typical Tipping Rate: $1-2.
  • How to Tip: Hand cash directly to the attendant.

Culturally Appropriate Practices

  1. Cash vs. Card: While tipping in cash is often preferred, most establishments and services in Chicago allow you to add a tip to your card payment. However, for services like housekeeping, bellhops, and valet parking, cash is the norm.
  2. Politeness: Always thank the service provider when tipping. A smile and a kind word go a long way in showing appreciation.
  3. Rounding Up: In casual situations (e.g., coffee shops or food trucks), rounding up to the nearest dollar or leaving small change in a tip jar is common.

Relevant Costs

  • Sales Tax: Chicago has a high sales tax rate (10.25% as of 2023), which is not included in menu prices. Be sure to calculate your tip based on the pre-tax amount.
  • Service Charges: Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill. This is not the same as a tip, so check the receipt carefully to see if additional tipping is necessary.

Important Factors to Consider

  1. Local Norms: Tipping is not optional in most cases. Failing to tip appropriately can be seen as disrespectful or inconsiderate.
  2. Cash on Hand: Always carry small bills for tipping, especially for services like valet parking, bellhops, and housekeeping.
  3. Cultural Differences: If you’re from a country where tipping is not customary, it may feel unusual at first. However, in Chicago, tipping is a standard practice and is expected in most service interactions.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only navigate Chicago’s tipping culture with ease but also show appreciation for the hardworking service providers who contribute to your experience in the city.