Gratuity

money · service workers · kindness

What is a gratuity?. A gratuity is extra money you give to someone who provides a service, like a waiter at a restaurant or a hairdresser. It's given on top of what you already pay for the service itself.

Why people tip. People give gratuities to show appreciation for good work and to reward helpful service. It's a way of saying thank you for taking care of you.

Different around the world. Some countries expect gratuities more than others. In the United States, tipping 15 to 20 percent is common, but in many other countries, tips are smaller or not expected at all.

Who receives tips. Service workers like servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and delivery people often receive gratuities from customers who appreciate their work.

A voluntary gift. In most places, gratuities are voluntary, meaning you don't have to give one, but many people do to reward good service and help workers earn more money.