Tipping Guide to Las Vegas

The basic guidelines for tipping in Las Vegas aren't that much different from those in your home town. Tips are expected in restaurants, parking lots, bars and other businesses that provide similar types of individual services.

Additionally, in Las Vegas as elsewhere, service people depend on tips to be a significant percentage of their income. It encourages them to do everything possible to earn tips, thus making guests happier and more generous. The old adage that T.I.P. stands for to insure promptness, and that is the norm in Sin City.

Tipping begins as you arrive in Las Vegas. If you're flying in with luggage, and a baggage handler helps you, tip $1 a bag. When you ride a taxi, limo or van to your hotel, you're expected to tip from 10 to 20 percent of the fare.

When you arrive at your hotel, and a doorman helps take your bags out of the vehicle and carries them to the check-in desk, tip $1 a bag. When you've been assigned to your room, and a bellman takes your bags there, tip at least $1, more if he checks the room and tells you about the features.

Tipping is also an expected practice in the casino. Cocktail waitresses roam throughout, providing free drinks to players. Even if she brings you water, you should tip her from $1 to $5 for each delivery. Another situation is when you leave the table, you should tip the dealer $5. If you win big, you may make it more.

If you decide to eat at the hotel buffet, tip the waiter $2 per person. If you eat at a sit-down restaurant, tip from 10 to 20 percent of the tab. When you go out into Las Vegas night life, tipping becomes more costly. When you leave your hotel, tip $5 to the doorman who calls you a cab and opens the door.

In addition to tipping the cab driver after you get to your evening destination, the club or theater doorman expects at least a $5 tip. If you get a very good seat for the show or a well-located table at the restaurant, you should shell out more for the usher.

After a night on the town, you may want to rest in the sun by the hotel pool. If a staff member gives you a towel and sets up a pool lounge, the tip is from $1 to $5. If you go to the hotel spa and get a massage, the tip should be 20 percent of the charge for the service.

If you decide to order room service, a tip of $5 is appropriate. Another expected gratuity is for when you check out of your room. The tip for the maid should be $5 to $10 for each day you've been there.

Maybe your visit to Las Vegas would be simpler if you followed one basic rule. If you feel a tip is appropriate or expected, do so.