Once you’ve agreed to go to out to eat, the question of who pays might not always be clear.
Who should pay?
Romantic date: This is a widely debated topic in American society. Traditionally, a man would pay for a woman’s meal. However, things have changed a lot in recent years, and it is more common to split the bill or “go dutch.”
Business dinner: Usually, if a superior in your company is hosting the dinner, he or she will pay with company credit. If this is the case, it is a good idea to take cues from the superior concerning what to order. It’s a good idea to order something equivalent in price to what the host orders. However, don’t assume that the superoir always will expect to pay. Sometimes, you will have to split the bill. It is a good idea to reach for your wallet when the check arrives. If the other person insists on paying, say thank you and put your wallet away.
Birthdays: The friends of the person celebrating his or her birthday pay for that person’s meal and drinks. The only exception is if the friend is hosting a party with pre-paid food or drink specials.
If someone else is paying: It is generally considered rude to order a very expensive dish if you are not paying. Mimic what the other person is doing: If they skip drinks or dessert, you should too.
Phrases we use to share the bill:
split the tab
divide the tab
go dutch
go fifty-fifty
Phrases we use to indicate that someone is paying the whole bill:
pick up the tab
“It’s on me”
“It’s my treat”
Tipping in the United States:
Most servers in the United States are paid minimum wage. They depend on customer tips for most of their salary.
Tipping in this country is between 15% and 20% of the bill. Leaving no tip usually means that you REALLY didn’t like your waiter or waitress. In the current economy, 20% has become the normal tip, but 15% is still acceptable in some situations.
In some cases, you may wish to leave a small tip if the waiter was rude, ignored you, or didn’t get what you asked. If you don’t leave a tip, however, get out of there fast, because people get angry when they don’t get tipped!
The following people should get at least a 20% tip if they are friendly and do a good job:
- Hairstylist
- Waiter
- Any beauty service (massage, nails, etc.)
- Bartenders (usually $1-2 per drink)
The following people should also get a small tip:
- Bell staff (the person who opens the door and carries your luggage at a hotel; usually $1-2 per bag); doormen don’t get tips unless they carry bags or call a cab
- Valet parking (usually $1-2)
- Taxi driver (usually $1-2)
- Coat checker (usually $1 per coat or item)
- Housekeeper (anywhere from $2-5 per night)
Sometimes, the tip (also called “gratuity”) will be added to the bill. When you get your bill, if you see a gratuity fee, you are required to pay it. It is not optional! Gratuity fees are usually added for large groups of people at a restaurant.
Note: Do not include the sales tax when you’re calculating your tip! Most phones have a tip calculator, and there are now lots of phone apps that do this internationally (such as GlobeTipping)
Another good resource is this website:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-s606/United-States:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html
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