Automatic tips: In some restaurants, a gratuity is included for large parties (in some cases, for a party of any size). It's often 15%, and there's always notice given when this policy exists, usually mentioned at the bottom of the menu.

This relieves you of the obligation to tip; unless, of course, the service was extraordinary and you'd like to give an extra 5%.

Precipitating tipping situations: If you're traveling through a city for one or several days (or weeks), it's a good idea to stock up on small change in the local currency. Go to your hotel cashier on arrival if you're caught without small bills. This prevents that awkward scenario where the crafty server says" Sorry, I don't have any change," which means, "I guess you'll have to give me that huge bill you're holding."

2torial #0592: Learn2 Calculate Tips(continued) Tip on land   While this may seem like a long list of services and tips to keep straight, remember that they can be divided into one of three categories: a percentage of the bill, a single charge, or a charge that increases depending on the number of people or items in your party. See Step 4 for help on calculating 15% of the bill. Restaurants:   Waiter or waitress: 15% of bill. Here's a range that may help you in deciding the tip for this situation and others. Less than adequate: 0%-5%. Good: 10%-15%. Excellent: 15%-20%. (Some folks calculate 15% of the bill total before the sales tax is added.) Headwaiter/maitre d': none; but if they provide a special service for you; then, about $5. Wine steward: 15% of wine bill. Busboy: none. Servers at a counter: 15% of bill. Bartender: 10-15% of bar bill, if you're setting up a tab. 50 cents to $1 per drink ordered is the rule when paying by the drink. Don't plan on tipping at the end if you're paying by the drink--especially if the bar is crowded. The wait staff may assume you're not a tipper and won't be looking to serve you promptly.   Coat check attendant: $1 for one or two coats. Restroom attendant: 50 cents-$1. Car park attendant: $1; if the attendant helps with luggage or packages, $3-5 dollars is a good amount.   Hotels:   Chambermaid: $1 per night or $5-$10 per week for longer stays Less than adequate: don't tip per night's stay; leave a few dollars if they weren't offensively bad. Good: $1 per person per night's stay. Excellent $2+ per person per night's stay. (Note: some folks don't leave a tip at all if they're staying only one night.)   Room-service waiter: 15% of bill.   Bellhop: $1-3 for opening and showing the room; $5 for bringing you to your room with luggage. (These amounts double for more expensive hotels).   Lobby attendant: none for opening door or calling taxi from stand; $1 or more for help with luggage or finding a taxi on the street. Desk clerk: None unless special service is given during long stay; in that case, give $5. Train and plane:   Dining car waiter: 15% of bill. Stewards/bar-car waiters: 15% of bar bill. Redcaps (luggage porters): posted rate plus 50 cents. Airport skycaps: $5 or more for full baggage cart. In-flight staff: none.   Tours and Transportation:   Tour Guide (daily tour): Less than adequate: don't tip. Good: $1 per person in your party. Excellent: $2+ per person.   Tour Guide (extended tour): Less than adequate: $1 per day per person . Good $1.50 per day per person. Excellent: $2+ per day per person.   Bus driver (for a tour bus, not for local transportation!): same as Tour Guide.   Taxi driver: 15% of fare, no less than 25 cents. Car park attendant: $1; if the attendant helps with luggage or packages, $3-5 dollars is a good amount. Personal services:   Hair cutter: 15% of the cost, generally a minimum of $1.   Beauty shop One operator: 15% of bill. Several operators: 10% of bill to person who sets hair; 10% divided among others manicurist: $1-3 or more, depending on cost.     Step 3