In United States, a typical restaurant tip is about 18%.
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A typical restaurant tip in United States is about 18%. Tipping 18-20% at restaurants is the norm, not optional — service staff are often paid a lower base wage on the assumption tips make up the difference. Also expected for bartenders, taxi/rideshare drivers, and hotel staff.
Yes, tipping around 18% is a normal and generally expected part of dining out in United States.
Cash is generally the safer choice for tips almost everywhere, including United States — card payment systems often don't have a clean way to add a partial tip, and cash ensures the money reaches the server directly.
Beyond restaurants, rounding up for taxis/rideshares and a small daily cash tip for hotel housekeeping is appreciated in most countries, including United States, even where restaurant tipping norms differ.
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