Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is one of those non-written, but definitely mandatory, social rules in Canada. For those who don't know a tip is a small amount of money that's given in addition to the payment of a certain service,  as a thank you to the person delivering the service.

For someone who has never tipped before it can be confusing when to tip, where to tip, and how much you're supposed to tip. This guide will help explain these rules.

At a Restaurant

At a sit-down restaurant

poor service = 10% of total bill

good service = 15% of total bill

amazing service = 20% of the total bill

Takeout or pick-up

no tip necessary (can do it if you want but definitely not mandatory)

Tip jars at fast-food counters

no tip necessary (again, can do it if you want but definitely not mandatory)

Food delivery drivers

Under normal conditions it's good to tip 10-15%. 

If the weather is bad, or they need to drive a really long way to get to you the consider tipping them 15-20%.

Salons

Manicurist: 15-25%

Hairstylist or barber: 15-25%

Spa services: 15-25%