Tipping Guidelines

There are no hard-and-fast rules about tipping. It is a personal act based on the quality of service you've received and the practices in the country where you're traveling. It's best to consult a guidebook or ask the concierge in your hotel.

A concierge will expect a tip of about $5 or $10 not for dispensing advice, but for such services as acquiring hard-to-get theater tickets or dinner reservations. You can offer a gratuity for each day's services or tip at the end of your stay.

You'll find that many places in Europe and Asia add a 15% service charge to the bill, so study the bill before giving a tip.

When in doubt, just remember that people working in hotels, barber shops, railway stations, and airports get tipped roughly what they would get in corresponding situations in the U.S.