Shocking U.S. Tipping Culture: $5 for Luggage, $5 for the Bed?! Even Locals Are Struggling!

Even New Yorkers are fed up with guidebooks that aren’t always up to date!

When traveling in the U.S., many people may struggle with tipping. From hotel housekeeping to restaurant bills and taxi fares, it is customary to add a tip. However, tipping rates vary depending on the situation, and even travel guidebooks often provide vague guidelines like 10–20% of the bill.

Now, due to rising costs in the U.S., tipping rates have increased compared to before. The term tipflation (a combination of tip and  inflation) has even been coined, reflecting how even locals are frustrated by the trend.

If you don’t know the proper tipping rates in advance, you may end up embarrassing yourself. Moreover, the travel guidebooks that are supposed to serve as references may not always have the most up-to-date information, so caution is necessary.

【Hotel】Bed making costs $2–$5 per bed!?

A Japanese man who has lived and worked in New York for over 30 years shared detailed insights into the current tipping situation, emphasizing that his observations are based on personal experience in New York and other major U.S. cities.

First, regarding tipping at hotels. According to the latest travel guidebooks, the common recommendation is $1–$2 per bed, with some suggesting $2–$5 per bed. However, tipping customs have been changing in recent years.

“Recently, it seems more common for people to skip tipping for housekeeping. Personally, I only tip when I receive special service, and I hand it directly to the person—usually around $5 rather than just $1. Also, leaving $1 on the pillow seems to be a Japanese habit. If you want to tip, placing it on the bedside table with a ‘Thank you!’ note is a more considerate approach.”

For luggage handled by a porter, guidebooks suggest varying amounts, such as $1–$2 per bag or $2–$3 per bag.

“It depends on the number of bags, but a smooth way to tip would be handing over either a $5 bill or three $1 bills.”

Some travel guidebooks mention tipping a hotel doorman $1 for calling a taxi, or $2 in bad weather. The tipping amount varies depending on the situation, so travelers should be mindful. Meanwhile, when using hotel or airport shuttle buses, it remains standard practice to tip the driver $1 per person upon exiting.

【Taxi】Tipping added to credit card payments, now optional with Uber’s rise

Next is tipping for taxis. Travel guidebooks mention tipping 10–20% of the fare or 1 dollar per piece of luggage handled.

“In New York, the well-known Yellow Cabs are still widely available. If you take one, adding around 15–20% to the fare as a tip is standard. Credit card payments are also accepted.”

However, in recent years, ride-sharing services like Uber have become more popular alongside taxis. With Uber, passengers can specify their destination precisely, and in large cities like New York, there are many available drivers, often arriving within just a few minutes.

“With Uber, the fare is displayed in the app when you request a ride, so tipping is generally not required. However, if the service was particularly good, you can choose to tip through the app after the ride. That said, it’s not mandatory.”