[Al-Khwarizmi]

I'm going to the US in a couple of weeks and I'm already abhorring the prospect of spending some time looking at the specific tipping requirements of the state I'm going to, to then spend a week awkwardly guessing if I'm tipping enough, too much, or offending someone in the process; while having uncomfortable feelings about the people serving me food, drink, tour guidance, etc. (on the one hand because they all seem to be hunting for my money and being a foreigner, they might be hoping that I will tip too much, on the other hand because they might be underpaid and I might be an asshole to them if I tip too little).

I suppose people who have lived there all their life just don't notice it, but for me as an outsider the amount of stress and awkwardness that the tipping culture produces in daily life is ludicrous.

[throw16180339]

If you don't want to think about it, just consistently tip 20%. It's generous and no one will complain.