[StevieG]

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Going to LV for the first time in a few weeks. In fact its the first time I'll have been to america. What the tipping situation in general?


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Here's your quick tipping guide for Las Vegas (and the US in general)

People you don't need to tip generally, these are the people who are not waiting on you so much as minding the store. Hotel clerks and cashiers.

People you can tip, but no big deal if you don't Poker room chip runner, poker room brush(*), bell captain (the guy who runs the cab stand outside a hotel), restaurant maitre d'(*)

waiters 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants

room service the same 15-20%, but generally the hotel is already adding on a gratuity percentage - look for this itemized on the bill and make up only the difference

cab drivers $2-$5 (10% or so) depending on the length of the ride, advice given, entertaining stories (do engage your Las Vegas cab drivers in conversation, they are generally full of good stories), etc.

bartenders $1-2 per round of drinks, more if you ordered a big round or the bar is crowded and you want another round later without excessive wait

cocktail waitress at table $1 standard, go higher if you are looking for a special drink or more frequent service

poker dealers $1 per pot standard

other dealers place a bet for them once or twice during your play

bell boy I tip $5 for bringing bags to the room, but I usually carry them myself

valet parking $2-$5

coat check $1 per coat

hotel concierge nothing for simple assistance, $5 or more for making something happen for you

spa masseuse, barber, hairdresser 15% or so

strippers if you are sitting next to a stage, tip each girl at least a $1-2. If you are paying for lap dances, no need to tip, but an add-on for good dances is a nice gesture.

strip club bouncers I'm paying admission, I see no need. But some do it regularly to avoid hassle or get what they consider good seats.

club bouncers I hate waiting in line for clubs, and will tip $20 if I really want in and I know it's getting me in. But that's me.

This is my opinion, and it will probably cause some debate (tiping always does) but it should not be so far off from most people's custom.

(*) these people may be able to provide special services sometimes, so a tip might be in order