Seattle

πŸ’Έ

Tipping Culture

Overview of tipping expectations in Seattle, including for restaurants, taxis, hotels, and other services.

Sections

General Overview of Tipping in Seattle

  • Tipping is expected in most service industries, as tips often make up a significant portion of workers' income.
  • The standard tipping range in Seattle is 15-20% of the total bill for good service, though this can vary depending on the service type.
  • Seattle has a relatively high cost of living, and service workers often rely on tips to supplement their wages, even though the city has a higher minimum wage compared to other parts of the U.S. (as of 2023, the minimum wage in Seattle is $18.69/hour for large employers).

Tipping by Service Type

1. Restaurants

  • Full-Service Restaurants:

    • Tip 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service.
    • If the service is exceptional, tipping 20-25% is appreciated.
    • For subpar service, tipping 10-15% is still customary, though you can adjust based on your experience.
    • Some restaurants may include a service charge (often 18-20%) in the bill, especially for large parties (6+ people). Check your bill carefully to see if this is already included.

  • Fast-Casual or Counter-Service Restaurants:

    • Tipping is less expected but still appreciated. A small tip of $1-5 or 10% of the bill is common if there’s a tip jar or digital tipping option at checkout.

  • Takeout Orders:

    • Tipping is optional but appreciated, especially if the staff goes out of their way to accommodate special requests. A tip of $1-5 or 10% of the bill is a nice gesture.

  • Delivery Services:

    • Tip 15-20% of the total bill, with a minimum of $5 for smaller orders.
    • If the weather is bad or the delivery requires extra effort (e.g., climbing stairs), consider tipping more.

2. Bars and Cafes

  • Bars:

    • Tip $1-2 per drink for simple orders like beer or wine.
    • For cocktails or more complex drinks, tip $2-3 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab.
    • If you’re running a tab, tip 15-20% of the total bill when you close out.

  • Coffee Shops and Cafes:

    • Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. A tip of $1-2 or 10% of the bill is common, especially for personalized or complex orders.
    • Many cafes in Seattle use digital payment systems that prompt you to tip (e.g., 10%, 15%, or 20%) when you pay. Feel free to tip what you’re comfortable with.

3. Hotels

  • Bellhops:

    • Tip $2-5 per bag they assist with, depending on the level of service.

  • Housekeeping:

    • Tip $2-5 per night, left in an envelope or with a note indicating it’s for housekeeping.

  • Concierge:

    • Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service, such as securing hard-to-get reservations or tickets. Tip $5-20, depending on the complexity of the request.

  • Valet Parking:

    • Tip $2-5 when your car is returned to you.

4. Transportation

  • Taxis and Rideshares (e.g., Uber, Lyft):

    • Tip 15-20% of the fare, with a minimum of $2-5 for short rides.
    • For exceptional service (e.g., help with luggage or a very pleasant ride), consider tipping more.

  • Airport Shuttle Drivers:

    • Tip $1-2 per bag or $5-10 for longer rides.

  • Public Transportation:

    • No tipping is expected for public buses, light rail, or ferries.

5. Personal Services

  • Hairdressers, Barbers, and Spa Services:

    • Tip 15-20% of the total bill.
    • For exceptional service, tipping more is a nice gesture.

  • Massage Therapists:

    • Tip 15-20% of the total cost, unless the therapist is the owner of the business (in which case tipping is optional).

6. Tour Guides and Activities

  • Tour Guides:
    • Tip $5-10 per person for group tours or 15-20% of the tour cost for private tours.
  • Activity Instructors (e.g., kayaking, paddleboarding):
    • Tip $5-10 per person or 15-20% of the activity cost.

Local Etiquette and Tips for Tipping in Seattle

  1. Digital Tipping: Many businesses in Seattle use digital payment systems (e.g., Square, Toast) that prompt you to tip when you pay. These systems often suggest percentages (e.g., 15%, 20%, 25%), but you can manually enter a custom amount if you prefer.

  2. Cash Tips: While digital tipping is common, cash tips are always appreciated, especially in smaller establishments or for services like housekeeping and bellhops.

  3. Service Charges: Some restaurants and cafes in Seattle include a service charge in the bill, which may or may not replace tipping. If a service charge is included, tipping is not required but is still appreciated for exceptional service. Always check the bill carefully.

  4. Cultural Sensitivity: Tipping is seen as a way to show gratitude for good service. Even if the service is not up to your expectations, leaving a small tip (e.g., 10%) is considered polite.

  5. High Cost of Living: Keep in mind that Seattle is an expensive city, and service workers often rely on tips to make ends meet. Being generous when tipping is a kind gesture that reflects this reality.

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Sales Tax: Seattle has a sales tax of 10.25% (as of 2023), which is added to most purchases, including restaurant bills. Tipping is calculated on the pre-tax amount of the bill.
  • Parking Fees: If you use valet services or park in a garage, factor in tipping for attendants or valets.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only navigate Seattle’s tipping culture with ease but also leave a positive impression on the service workers you interact with. Let me know if you’d like additional information about Seattle or other aspects of your visit!