Dear Rina: In my country it is not common to pay a tip at restaurants or in general. However, I have been told that it is not culturally acceptable and even sometimes considered rude to not pay a tip. How do I know whom to tip in the U.S. and how much to pay?

Indeed, paying a tip at restaurants is confusing. In my country, Japan, paying a tip is not common either. Thus, when I first visited the U.S, I remember that it was really difficult to judge how much of a tip I should pay… I gradually got used to this custom though, so when I visit a restaurant with my friends, I know what to do!

Before I show you the “U.S Tipping Guidelines” chart below, I would like to tell you why tipping is important. Tipping is important because employees receive a low basic wage. Their wage depends on our tip. Thus, if you don’t pay a tip, employees think that we are rude.

Here is useful advice about tipping!
Look at these wonderful “U.S Tipping Guidelines” below.

fodors.com/ee/images/article/US-tipping-chart.jpg

This is only the basic idea. Of course, you can change the rate depending on your satisfaction!

Additionally, there are several apps for tip calculation! These are very useful.  You should consider installing one on your phone or tablet.

If you want to know more about tipping, read this article on Fodors.com.  You can learn more about U.S tipping guidelines, and about other countries’ tipping customs too!