How Much to Tip in Orange County

 

Planning a trip to Los Angeles, Anaheim, or Costa Mesa? No matter how far away you live from your vacation destination, you likely want to know about local customs and policies before you venture forth. Many people who travel to southern California for vacation want to know how much to tip in Orange County when using different services. From restaurant etiquette to high-end valet parking procedures, things can get overwhelming very fast. That is why we have created this short guide to help you figure out how much to tip each type of employee during your stay in Orange County. 

How Much to Tip in Orange County

Restaurant Tipping

The most common place where you will encounter questions about tipping is in a restaurant setting. Whether you are ordering fast food or sitting down for a fine dining experience, there is almost always going to be some kind of tipping expectation involved. 

The U.S. is quite unique when compared to other countries as it has upheld a long history of direct tipping. Rather than incorporating a gratuity into the final bill, restaurants expect customers to add an additional tip on top of their total amount, which goes directly into the pockets of the restaurant staff. A good rule of thumb is to try and tip between 15% and 20% of your total bill when you are at a restaurant. 

Bar Tipping 

Tipping at a bar can very quickly get out of hand. In order to keep yourself from overspending while making sure you aren’t holding out on the loyal bartenders serving you all night, try to save up about $2 for each drink you get. Every time you order, the bartender is performing a service for you which can really add up over time. If you enjoy the taste of your cocktail, be sure to be a little more generous with your tips. 

Hotel Tipping

While every hotel provides a different experience to its guests, the general services remain the same. Depending on the position and duties of the staff member assisting you at the hotel, you will want to tip differently. For example, a bellhop might earn a $5 tip for each piece of luggage that they help carry up to the room. A doorman might want to have a few dollars as a tip for helping you flag down a car. Room service tips should act the same way as any other restaurant. The American Hotel & Lodging Association has a comprehensive Gratuity Guide to help you navigate the world of hotel tipping a lot more respectfully. 

Rideshare Tipping 

Rideshare tipping is probably one of the looser tipping rules as some rideshare companies have their own method of offering tips. However, if you are going to take a taxi in Orange County, you are allowed to tip up to 10%. Drivers for other rideshare companies - such as Lyft and Uber - can be tipped depending on the distance driven and your satisfaction with the car ride. All in all, it is a good idea to bring a few extra dollars in case you aren’t sure how generous you should be! 

Find Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Orange County Today 

No matter what time of year you decide to travel to Orange County, there are plenty of year-round services and treats available. From top-notch hotel access to a preview of fine dining in Costa Mesa, there are so many experiences for you to enjoy. You should always come prepared with a little bit of extra cash so you can show all of the people who serve you just how much they are appreciated. Reach out to our Costa Mesa experts today to learn more about customs, hot spots, and tourist attractions in Orange County!