Tipping in Las Vegas

You probably already know that tips are customary in the USA. The reason for this is that base salaries in the States' service industry are very low, and hospitality workers rely heavily on their tips to make a living.

Even more importantly, the government actually taxes hospitality workers on a predicted level of tips for the year! This is why it's important that Australians respect the culture of tipping when in the USA.

As we're not so used to it, the questions "How much?" and "When?" often cause anxiety.

The following guide outlines normal tipping levels:

• 15% to 20% for table service with food and drink.
• A token tip for food or drink where you serve yourself.
• While gambling in Las Vegas, all drinks are free. A $1 tip per drink for the waitress would be the norm.
• Hotel personnel - $1 to $2 per bag taken to your room. (You can opt to carry your own bags.)
• Maids - a $2 tip per day is generally left in the room for your room maid.
• Dealers and poker machine attendants - a small bet made for them is the standard reward. If the bet is successful, the attendant keeps the winnings. If not, your tip is still considered paid.
• Taxicab drivers - taxi drivers usually receive a tip of $1 to $2.
• Tour guides receive $1 to $2 per person for tours with a lot of people, 10 per cent for more individualised tours.
• Valet parking - this service is free but a $2 tip is usual.