How much to tip in Las Vegas

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/23/2023. Last updated: 11/10/2024

Welcome to the glittering desert gem known as Las Vegas, the "Entertainment Capital of the World." If you've ever wondered where to have the time of your life and experience all the razzle-dazzle – well, my adventurous pal, you've hit the jackpot! But let's dish the dirt on that one prickly pear in an otherwise smooth desert ride, the often perplexing conundrum: how to tip in Las Vegas.

How much to tip at restaurants

Tipping with cash
US cash and coins placed on a restaurant receipt, highlighting the practice of tipping for service.

Ah, yes, food – the universal panacea that brings utter joy to our hearts and bellies. The lights are dim, the waiter is charming, and your taste buds are dancing to the symphony of flavors. A typical tip at restaurants in Las Vegas hovers between 15% - 20% of the pre-tax bill. Impressed by the impeccable service? Feel free to toss in a bit more, it'll be appreciated warmly. Remember, it's always about the gesture of appreciation (and keeping the servers on your side, of course!).

How much to tip at coffee shops

Table with tip and coffee
A customer leaves money as a tip next to a half-drunk cup of coffee, exhibiting the common practice of tipping for service.

But what about those cozy nooks serving up liquid caffeine by the barrel? Well, customary tipping at coffee shops in Sin City is $1 - $2 per drink, depending on the complexity of your order. Ordered a Decaf nondairy skinny hazelnut caramel mocha with an extra shot? You might want to dip a little deeper into your wallet.

How much to tip at bars

Now, a night out in Vegas isn’t complete without hitting the myriad dazzling bars. A jazzed-up bartender pouring out your exotic cocktail deserves a generous thank you with every drink you order. Typically, patrons tip $1 - $2 per drink or 15%-20% of the total bill. If you're opting for a tab, tipping at the end of the night works – just don't stumble out forgetting it!

How much to tip in a taxi

Las Vegas is a city of excess, and that includes road travel. Our chauffeurs in the city—AKA the taxi drivers—appreciate a gratuity of 15%-20% of the fare. Got heavy luggage? An extra $1-$2 per bag wouldn't hurt either. Your driver will remember your generosity the next time he hoists your mountain of luggage!

Should you tip with card or cash

The penultimate quandary - should you tip in cold, hard cash or use the magic plastic? Here's the inside scoop - it's all about personal preference. Some staff prefer cash, which goes directly into their pockets—no waiting, no payment splits. Charging your tip to a card, on the other hand, offers the convenience of a streamlined transaction. Plus, it's trackable and harder to lose than those pesky green notes!

Remember, tipping in Las Vegas, like anywhere else, is about expressing appreciation for a service well rendered. So, my intrepid adventurer, strap on your generous boots, put on that winning smile, and prepare to conquer the undulating dunes of Vegas. Happy tipping, and what happens in Vegas...well, you know the rest!


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

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