BEFORE YOU LAND
Tipping in LA
Tipping in LA is a mind game. Check the type of service and the bill first, then decide how much.
Translated from Jasmine’s original Chinese. The illustrated slides are on the interactive reader.
Key points
- At sit-down restaurants, check the bill for a service charge before you tip
- Counter service, retail and fast food don't automatically mean you have to tip
- Don't always pick the highest percentage; look at the type of service and who the tip actually goes to
Full text
The LA tipping guide
At sit-down restaurants, check the bill and any service charge before deciding on a tip. Counter service, retail and fast food don't automatically mean you have to tip. Coffee, bars, delivery, Uber, valet, beauty and hotel services each have their own norms. The real point isn't always picking the highest percentage; it's looking at the type of service, whether the bill already includes fees, and who the tip is actually going to. Tipping in LA is a mind game. Here is the cheat sheet.
An original JSLALALAND field guide by Jasmine Chang (@jslalaland).