Americans most gratuitous when it comes to tipping on vacation

NEWTON, MA – The results of a tipping survey of more than 25,000 respondents, including 3,700 from the US, were announced today. The survey revealed that 60 percent of US respondents always tip for service on vacation, compared to the 27 percent average of seven other countries included in the poll—Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, and the UK.

Americans are Top Tippers
Here’s a look at respondents who said they “always” tip for service while on vacation:

Americans – 60%
Germans – 49%
Brazilians – 33%
Spanish – 30%
Russians – 28%
British – 26%
French – 15%
Italians – 11%

Tipping Influences for U.S. Travelers

Nearly one quarter (23 percent) of U.S. respondents tend to feel guilty if they don’t tip, and 34 percent have left a tip despite poor service because they felt obligated. Other reasons Americans leave something extra:

56% think tipping is expected
54% tip when staff meet basic expectations
53% tip if staff go the extra mile

Of the 40 percent of U.S. respondents who don’t always leave a tip on vacation, the main reasons for not tipping include: service didn’t meet their expectations (55 percent), while 20 percent think the tip is included in the bill.

Services Travelers Typically Tip

When it comes to tipping, here’s a look at the staff and services that U.S. survey respondents most often compensate:

Hotel staff US travelers tip:
Service US travelers tip:

Bellman / porter – 79%
Restaurant staff – 97%

Room service – 73%
Taxi driver – 81%

Bartender – 71%
Tour operator / guide – 73%

Housekeeping – 69%
Spa staff – 54%

Valet – 48%
Café barista – 22%

Hotel staff travelers are least likely to tip: gym staff (2%), pool staff (9%), concierge (26%).

Travelers’ Top Service Qualities

Helpfulness, friendliness, and politeness of service were the three most important qualities for travelers whether staying at a hotel or dining at a restaurant. Helpful service ranked as the most important factor for travelers at hotels, while friendliness was the service priority at restaurants.

International Tipping Customs

When it comes to tipping abroad, more than one quarter (26 percent) of US respondents said they rarely know what’s expected and they adjust their approach to tipping:

45% vary the tip amount based on expectations in the country
17% said the amount of tip is dependent on the level of service
13% generally tip 20% of the total bill
11% generally tip 15% of the total bill
5% generally tip 10% of the total bill

Tipping Tidbits

33% think it would be better if tips were included in the bill
19% report that a tipping situation has ruined their experience
19% said a member of staff has asked them to give a tip