While traveling, the importance of where, when, and how much to tip should not be minimized. The custom of leaving a gratuity varies throughout the world; when in doubt, tip. Failure to tip (or to tip enough) can literally sabotage a hotel stay. Whether rightfully or wrongfully, a hotel staff often gauges a client by the quality of tips distributed upon check-in or in the dining room.

Taxicabs and Hotel Courtesy Cars

A gratuity equivalent to US $2 to $5 is usually satisfactory, depending on the distance, service, driver, and route. If the driver handles your baggage, an additional $1 per bag is appropriate and, in some countries, expected. In fact, some taxi drivers routinely add a surcharge for each piece of luggage placed in the trunk (or, the "boot", as it is referred to in Europe).

Chauffeurs

A private chauffeur should receive around 10% of the total fare, though tipping is not expected in some countries. In general, chaffeurs in North America and Europe expect to receive a gratuity, whereas those in Asia and the South Pacific do not.

Airport Porters

At airports (as well as train stations), the traditional gratuity is $1 per bag for normal sizes, or $2 per bag for large or heavy items. In reality, the more you tip, the better the odds that your baggage will arrive promptly when you do. A minimum tip of $5 per porter is a good practice.

Hotel Porters

$1 to $2 per bag is standard for transporting luggage to and from the room (called "up bell" and "down bell"). A minimum tip of $5 to $10 is recommended, depending on the quality of the establishment and the helpfulness of the porter. Tipping a porter too lightly upon check-in may make it difficult to obtain efficient service from the staff throughout the remainder of your stay. In contrast, a generous gratituity will usually get you prompt service and, often, extra attention. Checking into a luxury hotel or resort, an initial tip of $20 is not out of the question.

Hotel Doorperson

Tip $2 for summoning a taxi by phone ($5 at a deluxe hotel), or $1 for hailing one from the street. When checking out, leave $2 to $5 when departing, if he or she faithfully opened the door for you each time you entered and left the premises.

Concierge or Guest Services Representative

A tip is customary for any special service, such as restaurant reservations, theater tickets, tour bookings, or travel arrangements. Depending on the complexity and expense of the service rendered, a grauity equivalent to $10 to $20 is traditional.

Housekeeping Staff

At resorts, a tip of $1 per night should be left for the housekeeping staff. For special services, such as retrieving or delivering laundry, $1 to $2 is standard.

Parking Valet

Tip $2 to $5 for parking and delivering your car from the hotel garage or restaurant parking lot. A generous gratuity when handing over the keys will usually ensure prompt delivery and special attention, such as parking the car close to the entrance. On the other hand, "stiffing" the valet will virtually assure you of a long wait in front of the hotel.

Food and Beverage Service

In the North America and Latin America, the customary tip for food and beverage service is 15% to 20% of the total tab. Room service waiters should receive a minimum of $5, if the applicable percentage comes to a lesser amount. In Europe, restaurants traditionally add a gratuity of %10 to 15% to the bill. In this case, an additional 5% to 10% may be left to acknowledge especially fine service. In any case, it's traditional to round up the total, leaving any small change for the food service staff. For special services such as checking a coat or bag, tip $2 to $5 upon retrieval.

Where Tipping is Not Expected

In most South Pacific and many Asian destinations, tipping is neither customary nor expected. In Polynesian culture, tipping is even considered insulting. However, at many American-brand hotels and upscale resorts, porters have become accustomed to receiving standard gratuities for transporting luggage. On the other hand, some hotels discourage or prohibit tipping, to keep the staff from "working" guests for tips. In these instances, a 10% to 15% contribution to the staff "gift fund" at check-out may be appreciated. (Of course, it's usually impossible to ascertain whether your contribution will actually be given to the staff.) When in doubt, ask the hotel receptionist for tipping advice.