If you're new to America and/or Las Vegas, you may need some advice on tipping. That's what we're here for! In Las Vegas, there are many folks that count on tips for the bulk of their income. This includes waitresses, cocktail waitresses, blackjack dealers, taxi drivers, etc. The good news is you can tip fairly without spending too much. You just have to know how much, which we will teach you. We'll also teach you how to tip for your own benefit. Sometimes you get a little something extra because of your tip (see below).
Tipping Cab Drivers In Las Vegas
When in Vegas – Always Tip!
Tipping for Free Drinks in Las Vegas
One thing that will drive you insane is the cost of alcohol anywhere you go on the Las Vegas Strip. $5 is the standard fare for a domestic bottle. Sometimes a domestic bottle is upwards of $10. That doesn't include a tip. How would you like to get your booze for free (plus tip, of course)? When you're gambling, alcohol is free. However, if a cocktail waitress never stops by, you'll never get anything to drink.
Hint: Tip $5 up instead of standard $1 for faster service the next time
Here's what you should do. Follow a cocktail waitress that is dropping off some drinks to slot players. Sit down at a slot machine in that area. Throw in a $20 bill (or any denomination of your choice) and start playing the machine – or at least pretend to be playing. Then flag down the cocktail waitress. When she brings you your drink, give her a $5 bill instead of the standard $1 bill. Why? Because she'll be more inclined to stop by your section more often. You no longer have to continue tipping her. You could end up with 3-4 drinks in a short period of time and the only cost you will have is $5. Not too shabby. It's a win-win situation for both of you.
Limo and Taxi Driver Tipping: How Much Should You Tip?
Tipping your transportation driver in Las Vegas is necessary and expected. Your limo or taxi driver works mostly off of tips, so please be generous. It's even more important if you are going to need a ride back to your hotel or the next day from the same driver. If you don't leave a fair tip (or any tip at all), you likely shouldn't expect your driver to show up on time later that night – if at all.
Whether you're going to the Strip, Fremont Street, or heading out to Lake Mead, here's some advice on how much to tip your driver. For a taxi driver, the fair amount is 10%. If you're generous, feel free to tip around 15%. Of course, the amount you tip should be based on how friendly the driver was and if he/she picked you up on time. If your driver was rude and late to get you, you have every right to not leave a tip. In fact – in that case – you probably shouldn't. We feel that any taxi, limo, or shuttle driver should provide great service. For limo drivers, it's standard to tip around 10%, but no less than $5 per person. So if you have a group of 5, you should leave at least a $25 tip.
Tipping in Las Vegas: The basic salaries in the service industry in Las Vegas are generally low and the tips make up a substantial part of the total income. In Denmark, service is always included in the price, so we're not used to tipping, and I often hear that Scandinavians. Guide to Tipping in LAS VEGAS Tipping, toking, greasing: all synonymous for sliding money to an employee for a job well done or to insure that a pending job becomes a job well done. Some claim that 'tip' is an acronym for 'To Insure Prompt Service' or 'To.
Leaving Tips for Everyone Else in Las Vegas
Many forget to leave a tip for certain hotel workers (i.e. Bellman, Valet Service, maid etc.). Don't forget to tip your Bellman a few bucks (no need to tip anymore than that) and the Valet should you park in Valet. You can tip the Valet anywhere between $3-$5.
Las Vegas Tipping Guide
Oh and be sure to leave your maid a tip of a few bucks a day – who knows perhaps they will leave you a bottle of champagne…
The $20 Bill Trick
If you want a cheap room upgrade, try what's called 'The $20 Bill Trick' in Las Vegas. When you're checking into your hotel, neatly fold up a $20 bill into a small square. Take that $20 bill and hand it to the employee checking you in. Ask him/her if they have any upgrades available. It seems kind of ridiculous but it works most of the time. He/she will almost always be willing to upgrade you to a nicer room for just that $20 tip.
Nightclub Tipping
If you're headed out to the club, beyond tipping your driver, you should leave a tip for the Bartender and for bottle service if you request that. For Bartenders, leave a standard tip of $1-$2 per drink depending on the cost of the drink. If the cost is less than $5, give a $1 tip. If it exceeds $5, leave a $2 tip. For bottle service, it's standard to tip 20%. The exception to that is if you're feeling very generous because of excellent service or are disappointed because of mediocre service. Unless the service is terrible, tip at least 15%. However, you shouldn't expect to go to many top Vegas clubs and receive poor service. These are top notch clubs with employees that work hard to ensure you have a great time.
Overtip the first round – Tip big on the first round of drinks you get at the bar and next time you should receive faster service from the same bartender.
Summary: How much to Tip – Recommended Amounts
Note: Please tip on level of service – if it is great tip more than recommended and if it is poor tip less.
- Limo Driver: 10-20%
- Shuttle Driver: $2-$3
- Waiter/Waitress: 15-20%
- Bartender – $1 to $2 per drink or 15%-20% of bill
- Taxi Driver: 15% or $2 to $3 on short tips on the Vegas strip
- Bellman: $2-$3
- Vallet Service: $2-$5
- Maid: $2-$3 – depending on how bad you trashed your room the night before….
- Bottle Service VIP Host: $50 to $150+ per bottle.
- Bottle service security and bus boy: $20-$50+
- Dealers: Tip at your discretion for winning hands – depends on how much your are betting of course.
- Casino Waitresses: $1-$5 for free drinks
Final Thoughts
You are in Vegas, do not be cheap! Tip those well who bring enjoyment and great service to you. It usually is a win win situation and often times you will get something extra of it that will make your day/night even more enjoyable!
To tip or not to tip? This is always the question visitors ponder when the dreaded subject comes up. With tourism driving the economy in Vegas and over 38 million people visiting every year, the entertainment and service industry are the largest employers in Las Vegas. Naturally, these workers depend on tips in order to protect their lifestyle. Most, including cocktail waitresses and dealers are paid just the minimum wage by their employers.
So how much do you tip? And must you tip everyone? Keep in mind that in the end, it's important to tip on what you believe is appropriate based on your actual experience.
The Casino Cocktail Waitress:
No matter where you go in Las Vegas, you will find a cocktail waitress at any time of the day or night serving those guests that are busy gambling. While the drinks are free, it's easy to think that she is providing a complimentary service and you are expected to give nothing in return. However, it is recommended that you tip, on average, one dollar per drink. The bartender received 20 percent tip-out at the end of the evening, so the more you tip, chances are, she will come around more often and make your order a priority.
Verdict: $1 is ok, but $2-$5 is much better depending on the casino and how often you want the waitress to bring you more drinks.
Dealers:
Even the top casinos in town rarely pay their dealers more than minimum wage, so tips are important. Standard tipping etiquette says dealers should receive at the minimum, $5 dollars per hour yet there is no official rule. However, if winning big, a five to ten percent tip is expected, after all, the dealer did produce the winning hand. For an added dose of good luck, many visitors say they tip their dealer a few dollars before they even begin.
Show Usher:
Are you seeing the show of your dreams in Vegas, but disappointed with your seats? It's a good idea to bring anywhere from $20 to $100 dollars and politely ask if any better seats, closer to the stage, are available. Chances are, you will be moved. With more expensive shows, like Elton John or Celine Dion, be prepared to pay closer to the $100 tip.
Concierge:
If your hotel concierge went above what you requested, such as finding tickets to a sold out show, or making dinner reservations at a top restaurant during peak dining hours, then a tip should be forthcoming. Depending on the situation, a minimum of $20 would be satisfactory.
Valet:
When it's the middle of summer and the temperature is over 100 degrees, valets continue to run back and forth to bring the endless stream of cars to the hotel guests. Again, tips are what valets work for since most earn minimum wage. Because parking is free in Vegas, and hotels offer free valet service, a tip from two to five dollars seems appropriate when you consider how much you are saving on parking fees. If you have special requirements, such as you want your car parked in a certain location, then it's suggested to tip more.
Maid:
Perhaps one of the more thankless jobs in Las Vegas, there is no doubt maid service is a nice benefit whenever you stay in a hotel. The average stay in Las Vegas is 3.6 nights and depending on the condition you leave the room, tipping the maid should be expected. The general amount can range anywhere from two to five dollars per day.
The Bellman:
If you decide to depend on a bellman to bring up your luggage, plan to tip anywhere from one to five dollars per bag depending on the weight or if you have a special request. If you have a large group, a porterage fee may apply. Even if you are not in a group but use an entire bell cart, this fee may still be attached.
