Tipping in Los Angeles can be confusing for first-time visitors, but once you understand the basics, it’s easy to get right. Like the rest of the United States, tipping is a normal part of paying for services in LA, from restaurants and hotels to taxis and salons. Most locals follow standard guidelines, and knowing what’s expected will help you feel confident and avoid awkward moments.

TL;DR

  • Tipping is expected and normal in Los Angeles, especially at restaurants, bars, hotels, rideshares, tours, and personal services.
  • At full-service restaurants, aim for about 18–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; 15% for okay, more for exceptional.
  • In hotels, tip $1–$2 per bag for bellhops, $2–$5 per night for housekeeping, $2–$5 for valet on pickup, and $5–$20 for concierge help on special requests.
  • For taxis and rideshares, tipping 15–20% (or a few dollars on short rides) is standard; tours and guides usually receive 10–20% of the tour price.
  • Salons, spas, and barbers typically receive 15–20% of the service cost; assistants may get an extra $3–$5.
  • You generally do not tip retail staff, cashiers, or front desk employees; small bills ($1s and $5s) are useful for quick tips, and card/app tips are widely accepted.

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Overview

Tipping is an important part of everyday life in Los Angeles and across the United States. In most service industries, tips make up a significant portion of workers’ income, so they’re expected rather than optional. Los Angeles generally follows national tipping standards, but because it’s a major city with a high cost of living, locals tend to tip on the higher end of the range. A 15–20% tip is standard in restaurants, with 20% or more being common for good service.

The purpose of tipping in Los Angeles is to show appreciation for good service, not to meet an exact rule. You don’t need to tip for every small transaction, but restaurants, bars, taxis, and salons all expect gratuities. If the service is excellent, tipping a little extra is appreciated, while slightly less for average service is acceptable. It’s rare to leave no tip at all unless the experience was very poor.

Once you understand local tipping ranges, paying in Los Angeles becomes second nature. The goal is to tip fairly, respectfully, and in line with local expectations. When you do, you’ll be following the same etiquette as locals and helping support the people who make your stay in the city enjoyable. This complete guide explains how much to tip in Los Angeles and covers local payment etiquette, ensuring you always leave the right impression.

Restaurants and Cafés

Eating out in Los Angeles means embracing the how much to tip in LA equation. At full-service restaurants (where a server takes your order and brings your food), the standard tip is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for satisfactory service. In practice, many LA diners now consider 18–20% the norm, reflecting the city’s high living costs and competitive restaurant scene.

Think of 15% as the baseline for okay service, 20% for solidly good service, and if your server really went above and beyond, 25% or more is a generous way to show it. On the flip side, if service was below par, tipping around 10% sends the message without completely stiffing the staff. Importantly, these tips are calculated on the bill before sales tax is added (sales tax in LA is around 9%, so you don’t need to tip on that portion).

Also double-check your bill for an automatic gratuity if you were dining with a large group – many LA restaurants add ~18% for parties of six or more, in which case you don’t need to tip extra unless you want to reward exceptional service.

For fast-casual eateries and coffee shops where you order at a counter, tipping is more flexible. You might spot a tip jar by the register or a tablet screen prompting you with percentages or dollar amounts for a tip. In these cases, leaving $1–$2 in the jar or roughly 10% of the bill is a common courtesy if you felt the service (even if limited to pouring your coffee or answering questions) was friendly.

If it’s a quick grab-and-go at a chain or fast food spot, tipping isn’t expected – though throwing some change in the jar or rounding up the bill is always appreciated for good service. Many coffeehouses and juice bars in LA also use iPad-based payment systems that pop up tip suggestions (often 15%, 20%, 25%).

Don’t feel shy about hitting “No Tip” or custom-entering an amount if you’re just grabbing a simple coffee – it’s understood that not every counter transaction requires a tip. But if a barista or cashier gave you a lot of help or a big smile, that extra dollar or two is a nice gesture in return.

Bars and lounges in Los Angeles have their own tipping norms that mirror those across the U.S. The classic rule is $1 per drink for straightforward orders like a beer, glass of wine, or simple mixed drink. If you’re ordering a cocktail that involves more effort (say a craft cocktail with multiple ingredients), consider tipping $2 per drink, or aim for about 15–20% of your total bar tab if you’re running a tab for the night.

Bartenders in LA, as everywhere, typically earn tips as a major part of their income, so they’ll appreciate the standard $1–$2 per drink token. And yes, they do notice – tip well on the first round, and you might find your service is even warmer on the next. If a bartender comps you a drink or gives you a free sample of something, it’s good etiquette to tip as if you paid for that drink.

Lastly, at coffee bars or juice bars with tip jars, the same idea applies: tossing in a dollar or some spare change for your latte is a small act that fits right in with local customs (and may score you an extra smile tomorrow morning).

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Many restaurant and café payment tablets now suggest preset tip percentages (e.g. 18%, 20%, 25%). Feel free to tip the amount you’re comfortable with; the staff will appreciate any fair tip you leave.

Hotels and Accommodation

Staying in a Los Angeles hotel comes with its own set of tipping opportunities, and knowing them ensures you show appreciation to the hardworking staff. Here’s a quick rundown of whom to tip and how much in LA hotels :

  • Bellhop / Porter: When a bellhop assists with your luggage (such as bringing bags up to your room), tip about $1–$2 per bag. If you’re traveling heavy or they perform extra duties like guiding you to your room, you might tip on the higher end (or a flat $5 for multiple bags).
  • Housekeeping: It’s thoughtful to leave $2–$5 per night for the housekeeping staff, left each day on the pillow or a desk with a short thank-you note. In upscale hotels or if you required extra services (like additional toiletries or pillows), lean toward $5. Daily tipping is best since the same person may not clean your room every day.
  • Valet Parking: For hotels (or restaurants) with valet service, tip $2–$5 when your car is brought to you. Tipping on drop-off isn’t necessary; tip when you retrieve the vehicle. In a luxury hotel or if the valet had to fetch your car in a rush or rain, a few dollars more wouldn’t hurt.
  • Concierge: If the concierge secures you hard-to-get dinner reservations, tickets to a show, or otherwise goes out of their way to assist with special requests, a tip of around $5–$10 is customary. For a simple question or directions, you don’t need to tip. But for more involved assistance (booking a tour, arranging a surprise, detailed itinerary help), consider tipping $10–$20 to show your gratitude.

Other hotel tipping points: if a doorman hails you a taxi or helps with luggage, around $1–$2 is polite for their help. Room service delivery usually comes with a service charge or gratuity included – check the bill, and if a tip isn’t already added, tip 15% of the bill or at least a couple dollars.

Finally, hotel staff appreciate tips as a thank-you, but they won’t chase or expect an explanation if you don’t tip for every little thing. When in doubt, err on the side of a small tip to anyone who made your stay easier or more enjoyable.

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For longer hotel stays, consider leaving a short thank-you note with your housekeeping tip – e.g. “Thank you for taking care of our room!”

Transportation and Tours

Getting around Los Angeles, you’ll encounter drivers and guides who also work hard for those extra gratuities. In rideshares like Uber or Lyft, as well as traditional taxis, a tip of 15–20% of the fare is standard. Many rideshare apps will suggest amounts (like $2, $5, or a percentage) when you rate your ride.

For a short ride or a cheap fare, don’t stress over the math – even a $1–$3 tip on a $10 ride (roughly 10–20%) is appreciated. If the driver helps with your luggage or provides great conversation or a smooth ride through LA traffic, leaning toward that 20% (or a couple extra dollars in cash) is a nice touch.

Taxi drivers in Los Angeles are used to similar tipping; if you pay by card, you can add the tip on the screen, and if you pay cash, simply round up to a convenient amount or add a few bills (for example, give $20 for a $17 ride, telling the driver to keep the change).

For tour guides and organized excursions, tipping is generally expected for good service, and it often depends on the length and style of the tour. If you’re on a half-day or full-day group tour around LA (perhaps a sightseeing bus or a guided hike to the Hollywood sign), a common approach is to tip about 10–20% of the tour price per person.

For instance, if a tour costs $50, a tip in the $5–$10 range per person is fitting for a guide who did a solid job. Some people prefer a flat amount: guides on short tours (a couple of hours) might receive around $5 per person, whereas a full-day tour might warrant $10–$20 per person if the guide was engaging.

If you hired a private guide or driver for a personalized tour, the custom is similar – around 15–20% of the total cost of the tour for the guide’s tip. Tour bus drivers (when separate from the guide) can be tipped a smaller amount, say $3–$5 each, especially if they handled luggage or provided commentary.

For shuttle drivers, such as those running airport hotel shuttles or shared van services, tipping is usually a modest flat amount. A good rule is $2–$3 per person for a typical shuttle ride (for example, the hotel courtesy van from LAX).

If the ride is complimentary, you’re essentially tipping as a thank-you; if it’s a paid shuttle service like a shared van you booked, you can also use the 15% guideline, but often giving a few dollars in cash directly to the driver is simpler. Also consider tipping a bit more if the driver helps with heavy bags or waits extra time for you.

Finally, any driver who goes above and beyond – perhaps a limo or private car driver who gave you a mini tour during the ride – would be happy with a larger tip, but 15–20% is still a good benchmark. Los Angeles is a driving city, and the people getting you around (cab drivers, rideshare drivers, tour bus drivers) will certainly appreciate the standard gratuity for their efforts in the notorious LA traffic!

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On group tours, it’s polite to hand the guide their tip in cash directly at the end of the tour.

Salons, Spas, and Services

Los Angeles is known for its beauty and wellness scene – from chic hair salons and barbershops to nail salons and spas – and tipping is standard etiquette at all these establishments.

For personal services like haircuts, hair styling, manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials, the common tip range is 15–20% of the cost of the service. So if that stylish LA haircut costs $60, you’d typically tip about $9–$12 to your hairstylist. Many locals simply calculate 20% for simplicity, especially if they’re thrilled with the result.

If multiple people helped you (say, one person shampooed your hair and another did the cut), some clients tip a bit to the assistant as well – for example, giving the shampoo assistant $3–$5 in cash, and the stylist 15–20% on the card charge. In high-end salons or spas (perhaps you’re indulging in a luxury spa package at a Beverly Hills hotel), tipping toward the upper end – even 20–25% for exceptional service – is a nice way to show appreciation for the extra pampering.

At neighborhood barbershops or small beauty parlors in LA, the atmosphere may be casual, but tipping still matters. It’s common to just round up to a convenient amount or give a flat few dollars as a tip for simpler services. For instance, if a basic men’s haircut is $25, paying $30 and saying “keep the change” is a friendly way to tip.

Similarly, for a $18 manicure, you might hand the nail technician a $5 bill as a thanks. These might work out to a bit above 20%, but in smaller shops the dollar amount (a few bucks) is often appreciated as much as the percentage.

Remember that many independent barbers or estheticians in LA rent their chairs and don’t get a cut of the salon’s service charge, so your tip directly supports their income. If you’re ever unsure, 15-20% almost never goes wrong in the beauty and wellness world.

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“In LA, tipping is less about formality and more about appreciation.”

Who Not to Tip

In a city so steeped in tipping culture, are there times when you shouldn’t tip? Absolutely. Generally, you do not need to tip people in Los Angeles who are simply doing their retail or clerical jobs without a service aspect.

For example, store clerks and retail cashiers at clothing stores, electronics shops, supermarkets, and the like do not expect tips – in fact, they might be confused or politely refuse if you tried. The same goes for grocery store baggers and cashiers (baggers at regular grocery chains are paid staff, unlike, say, baggers at some base commissaries).

Hotel front desk staff typically are not tipped for routine check-in/out or answering questions, since their services are considered part of the hotel’s hospitality (unless a front-desk person does something extraordinary for you, like managing a complex booking issue or securing a hard-to-get reservation). Likewise, you wouldn’t tip airline counter agents or gate agents for helping with your ticketing or boarding pass – those are salaried customer service roles.

There are a few exceptions or gray areas. If you use an airport skycap (the curbside baggage check service at LAX, for instance), it’s customary to tip them about $2 per bag, since they’re providing a convenience service similar to a porter.

Delivery drivers bringing food to your door (pizza delivery, Uber Eats, etc.) absolutely should be tipped (typically 15–20%, or at least a few dollars, as covered under restaurant delivery norms). But a delivery person dropping off a package (e.g., Amazon or UPS) does not get a tip – they’re paid by their company. Uber and Lyft drivers, as mentioned, yes (they’re providing a transport service).

City bus drivers or Metro rail operators? No, public transit drivers do not receive tips. If you hire a private driver or limo, yes, treat that like a car service (often a tip might even be included in the fee, but if not, ~15% is standard). In summary, you don’t tip people in non-service retail roles or most government/front-line positions. When someone is just doing their job in a context where tipping isn’t customary – no tip is expected.

An easy rule a local once shared: “No tips for anyone who works in a store. Tip at restaurants, bars, hotels (service roles), and transportation, but not for basic transactions.” If still in doubt, you can always ask or just err on the side of a modest tip – but in the scenarios above, your friendly “thank you” is all that’s needed.

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If you’re ever unsure whether tipping is expected, it’s better to leave a small tip than none at all.

Cash, Cards, and Payment Etiquette

One big question in Los Angeles money etiquette is how to pay – cash or card – and how to handle tips on each. The good news: credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in LA, from the fanciest restaurants down to food trucks and corner convenience stores.

In fact, Los Angeles is at the forefront of digital payments; by some measures it has more businesses accepting mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) than any other city. You can tap your card or phone at most shops, cafes, and even many taxis or market stalls.

Contactless payment is extremely common – over 85% of U.S. retail locations take Apple Pay , and LA’s tech-friendly culture means if you’re not sure, you can just ask “Do you take Apple Pay here?” and often the answer will be yes. Even parking meters and street vendors in Los Angeles may use smartphone apps or card readers nowadays. So you do not need to carry large amounts of cash for general spending in LA.

That said, having some cash in small bills is very useful, mainly for tipping. It’s a great idea to keep a stash of $1 bills (and a few $5s) with you, since $1 and $5 bills are the “universal tip currency” in America. Need to tip the valet or bellhop? A couple of singles or a fiver does the trick. Want to drop a dollar in the coffee shop tip jar or give the shuttle driver a few bucks?

Those small bills are your go-to. Many service folks can accept tips via card (for example, you can add a tip on a salon’s credit card slip, or in an Uber app, or on a restaurant bill paid by card), but cash tips have the advantage of going directly to the worker immediately – and they’re always appreciated.

If you forgot to get cash, don’t panic: you can still tip on your receipt at restaurants or write a tip in for a tour charged to your card. But locals will often carry a little fold of ones expressly for quick tips.

ATMs (cash machines) are plentiful in Los Angeles, including international bank ATMs at airports and popular tourist areas. Most ATMs charge a fee for out-of-network cards, usually around $3–$5 per withdrawal, so it’s wise to withdraw maybe a larger amount once, rather than multiple small withdrawals, if your home bank will hit you with fees.

Large bank ATMs (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) are everywhere, and many convenience stores have their own machines too. As a traveler, just be mindful of fees and your bank’s exchange rates if using a foreign card. Currency exchange offices are also available (especially at LAX and tourist spots), but they often give poorer rates than using an ATM to get dollars.

When paying by card in restaurants, you’ll typically be given a receipt to sign which has a line to write in the tip. It’s perfectly fine to use this – just write the amount you want to tip, total up the bill, and sign.

For taxis or rideshares, if you pay by app or card, there’s usually a tipping screen or option to add a tip (e.g., in Uber you can select a percentage or custom amount after the ride). If you pay a taxi in cash, tell the driver how much you want to pay total (e.g., “Keep the change” or “Here’s $25 on $22 fare”). In any scenario, saying thank you with a smile as you hand over the tip – whether cash or on a receipt – is part of polite etiquette.

Los Angeles is very used to electronic payments, so don’t worry about needing exact change for everything. Enjoy the convenience, but having a bit of cash as backup will ensure you’re ready to tip or pay in a pinch (for example, some small food stands at a farmers’ market might be cash-only, or you might run into a cash-only taco truck – though even many of those use mobile card readers now!).

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Keep a few $1 bills handy in your wallet or pocket at all times. You’ll find endless little uses for them in LA.

Cultural Context: Gratitude and Attitude

It helps to understand why tipping is such a thing in Los Angeles (and the U.S. at large). At its heart, tipping is seen as a gesture of gratitude – a way to directly thank someone who provided you a good service experience. Culturally, Americans (and Angelenos in particular) view tipping not so much as a rigid fee, but as part of the human exchange between you (the customer) and the service worker.

The attitude in LA is relaxed and positive: if you tip reasonably and treat service staff with respect, you’ll be received as a gracious customer. Many service employees in LA – whether a waiter, barista, driver, or bellhop – will go out of their way to be friendly and helpful (sometimes striking up conversation or giving local recommendations), and a fair tip is your way of saying “I noticed and I appreciate it.”

It’s worth noting that in California, unlike some U.S. states, tipped workers must be paid at least the full minimum wage by law. So in Los Angeles, your waiter or bartender is getting a base salary (often around $16/hour) plus tips – meaning your tip truly is a bonus for good service, not the only thing standing between them and starvation.

Even so, with LA’s cost of living, tips remain an important part of many workers’ incomes. More importantly, tips carry a social signal of appreciation. A generous tipper tends to get remembered – if you become a regular somewhere and tip well, don’t be surprised if the staff recognize you and perhaps even give a little extra love (maybe an occasional free dessert or simply a warm welcome).

Conversely, consistently stiffing people on tips is likely to earn you a reputation as, well, a bit of a jerk in the service community. The golden rule is to tip what you can in line with the norms, and be polite about it. If something went wrong with service, you can withhold part of the tip, but it’s often better to calmly address the issue with a manager than to leave no tip at all, which can feel very harsh to an LA server.

Always pair your tipping with a positive attitude – a simple smile and “thank you so much” when handing over a tip goes a long way. In Los Angeles’s hospitality circles, kindness and a tip go hand in hand. Remember, people working in restaurants, hotels, and tours often genuinely enjoy sharing their city with you. Showing appreciation in both words and tip amount is seen as a mark of a respectful traveler.

In a city built on service (and yes, on hopes and dreams – this is Hollywood’s backyard after all!), generosity is part of the culture. You don’t have to over-tip; just tip fairly and kindly. That combination of gratitude and the appropriate gratuity will open doors, literally and figuratively, to a warmer welcome wherever you go in LA.

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“In a city built on service, generosity is part of the culture.”

The Takeaway

Tipping in Los Angeles is simple once you understand the basics. Most restaurants expect around 18–20%, while smaller gestures like a few dollars for your rideshare driver, hotel staff, or barista go a long way. The goal is to reward good service and show appreciation, which is part of LA’s friendly and respectful culture. By tipping fairly, you’ll fit right in and leave a positive impression wherever you go.

Now that you know what’s expected, you can handle tipping situations in Los Angeles with confidence. Locals appreciate when visitors understand the city’s etiquette, and a polite “thank you” often follows a well-earned tip. Whether you’re dining out, taking a cab, or checking into a hotel, tipping the right amount is a simple way to participate in the city’s culture of gratitude.

So enjoy your time in Los Angeles, knowing you’re prepared to navigate every bill with ease. When you leave that fair tip behind and step out into the California sunshine, you’ll feel confident that you’ve contributed to the same warmth and courtesy that make LA such a welcoming place.

FAQ

Q1. How much should I tip at restaurants in Los Angeles?
At full-service restaurants, 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for good service. Around 15% is acceptable for average service, and you might tip more (20–25%) for exceptional service.

Q2. Do I need to tip at coffee shops and fast-casual places?
Tipping at cafés and counter-service spots is optional but appreciated. Leaving $1–$2 in the jar or roughly 10% for friendly service is common; no tip is expected for simple grab-and-go orders.

Q3. How much do I tip hotel staff in Los Angeles?
Bellhops typically get $1–$2 per bag, housekeeping $2–$5 per night, valet $2–$5 when the car is returned, and concierge staff $5–$20 when they arrange reservations or special services.

Q4. What’s the tipping norm for Uber, Lyft, and taxis in LA?
For rideshares and taxis, 15–20% of the fare is standard. On short or inexpensive rides, tipping $1–$3 is fine; tip more if the driver helps with luggage or goes above and beyond.

Q5. How much should I tip on tours and excursions?
Group tour guides usually receive about 10–20% of the tour price per person. For short tours, $5 per person is common; for full-day or private tours, $10–$20 per person or 15–20% of the total cost is typical.

Q6. What is the tipping etiquette at salons, spas, and barbershops?
For haircuts, styling, massages, facials, and nail services, tip around 15–20%. Assistants who shampoo or help may receive an extra $3–$5 in cash.

Q7. Who should I not tip in Los Angeles?
You generally don’t tip retail clerks, supermarket cashiers, hotel front desk staff for routine check-in, airline staff, bus drivers, or most government workers. A simple “thank you” is enough in these cases.

Q8. Is it better to tip in cash or on a card in LA?
Both are accepted. Cash is handy for small tips (valet, bellhop, barista), while card and app tips are common at restaurants, salons, and in rideshares. Many locals carry a few $1 and $5 bills for quick cash tips.