Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, cash is king, so it should be no surprise that tipping is practically an art form in this city. It starts in your cab, where taxi drivers generally receive 15% on top of the fare.
At your hotel, plan on three separate tips: one for your bellhop, maid, and the concierge. Depending on the level of service, a concierge can get upwards of $100 but in most cases $10 will do. As for the your bags and room, the average is $5-10 for you bellhop and about $1-$2 per night for the maid.
Eating out in Vegas is a must (Joel Rubichon or bust), and with great service comes a great tip; you should account for 15-20% of the bill.
If you’re headed to Vegas chances are you’ll be setting foot in a casino or two. Depending on the level of your winnings, tip accordingly to your dealer. The good news? If you are wiped clean, no tipping is needed. Keno and Bingo runners are generally rewarded with a $1 to $2 offering.
Mexico
Americans love visiting Mexico. In fact, 34% of all outbound US travelers find their way there annually. Visitors frequent the country’s Aztec temples, sparkling beaches and luxury resorts.
At your hotel, plan on leaving 20-50 pesos per day (or $2-$4 USD) for the maid service . Bellhops get 10-20 pesos ($1-$2) on average.
If you plan on eating out, tipping in Mexico is a must. At most restaurants it is typical to round up your bill to add an additional 10-15% (think rounding ~$26 to $30).
If you drive in Mexico, the rule of thumb dictates giving your gas station attendant 5 pesos (about 50 cents). Taxi drivers don’t expect tips.
If you opt for a guided tour of Chichen Itza or any Mexican destination, plan on a 100-200 peso gratuity (8-16 dollars). This is baseline, so if your tour guide really wows you with their knowledge of Mayan architecture consider a more generous tip.
But, the question arises, should you tip in American dollars or in pesos? Although not required and most places accept US dollars, tipping in pesos is not only appreciated but a polite gesture.
Spain
Europe is also high on Americans’ places to travel, accounting for over 19% of all outbound travels each year and the Iberian peninsula remains a top destination. Spain boasts an amazing cultural legacy from the Moorish architecture of Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba to Goya’s masterpieces at the Prado in Madrid. Not to mention those tapas...
Spain, like much of Europe, is not a cheap destination (despite its current economic woes), and even after you pay for your transportation and hotel costs you can't forget to budget tipping. Leaving an extra few dollars won’t break your bank, but not leaving it could ruin a trip. No one likes awkward waiter encounters, so 5-15% will adequately compensate them. However, if your service was short of your expectations you can leave without gratuity and won't be ostracized.
Getting around in Europe is easy. Planes, trains and automobiles are all fairly accessible, and Spain is no exception. When opting for a taxi you can take a sigh of relief, as tipping is not expected. However, to save face it is typical to round up your fare to the nearest euro (think 10.5 euros to 11).
Although in some places you might be able to get away with spending US dollars, you will want to convert your cash at the start of your trip or use a credit card. But be warned: tipping in restaurants on a card is frowned upon.
The Caribbean
With sparkling beaches and azure seas, the isles of the Caribbean are undeniably popular destinations for American travelers. Whether you arrive by ship or by air, there are a few tipping pointers to keep in mind while you enjoy your tropical sojourn.
Many all inclusive resorts include some kind of gratuity charge in the bill, which means you don’t have to worry about handing out small change left and right. Consider however, tipping your bartender to ensure prompt and attentive service at happy hour.
Tipping at restaurants off resort property is consistent with what Americans are used to at home. If gratuity is not automatically included on the check, plan to tip 15-20% based on service level. Make sure to leave your expectations of speedy service on the mainland, the relaxed pace of the islands means you’re probably going to wait a little longer than you’re accustomed.
In general, a tip or two may help speed things up, or at least ensure some preferential treatment.
New York City
The bright lights of New York attract thousands of Americans every year, especially during Christmas and New Year’s. While many rules for the “Big Apple” are standard elsewhere in the US, it’s always good to brush up on some of the basics.
Many NYC cabs come with pre-programmed tipping options for paying with a credit card, often starting at 20%. Sure, it’s quickest to punch that first button and move on, but there’s no shame in entering a smaller amount if you spent the ride clutching the door handle in terror.
At the hotel, consider giving the doorman who hails your cab $1-2. The bellhop should also receive about $1-$2 per bag. Chances are you’ll need to call in a favor from the concierge (reservations can be impossible to grab last minute without their help), so plan on $5-20 depending on the level of the request (table for two at Momofuku? No less than $20 will do.)