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Tipping in the US, and when to call 911

How much to tip at restaurants and for common services, checking for included charges, when to call 911, asking for an interpreter, and other key numbers.

Quick answer

At sit-down restaurants, tip 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax; servers often rely on tips. Delivery, rides, hair and nail services and hotel housekeeping usually get tips too; counter tipping is optional. Check whether a service charge is already included. Call 911 for real emergencies, like fires, crimes in progress, serious injuries or crashes with injuries; it’s free from any phone. Say your language and location first. Use the police non-emergency line, 988 or Poison Control for other needs.

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Your checklist

  • Restaurants: tip 15–20%
  • Tip for delivery, rides and hair too
  • Check for an included service charge
  • Call 911 for real emergencies
  • Say your language and location
  • Know non-emergency, 988 and Poison Control

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Tipping

In the US, many service workers earn a low base wage and rely on tips.

  • Sit-down restaurants: 15–20% of the bill before tax.
  • Bartenders: about $1–2 per drink or 15–20%.
  • Food delivery: a few dollars or 10–20%.
  • Taxi or ride services: 10–20%.
  • Hair, nails, barbers: 15–20%.
  • Hotel housekeeping: a few dollars per night.
  • Counter service or coffee shops: optional.

Check your bill: some add a service charge or gratuity, especially for large groups. If it’s included, you don’t need to tip again.

When to call 911

Call 911 for emergencies: a fire, a crime happening now, a serious injury or sudden illness, or a crash with injuries. It’s free from any phone, even one without a service plan. Many areas also accept text to 911.

On the call

  • Say your language if you need an interpreter; interpreters are available.
  • Give your location first, then what happened.
  • Answer questions and stay on the line.

Other numbers

  • Police non-emergency line for non-urgent reports.
  • 988 for a mental health or suicide crisis.
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
  • 311 for city services in some cities.

Calling 911 falsely on purpose is illegal.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • [your city] police non-emergency number
  • text to 911 [your county]

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Do I have to tip?

Tipping isn’t legally required, but at sit-down restaurants and for many services it’s expected because workers rely on it. More ›

Can I call 911 if I don’t speak English?

Yes. Say the name of your language and stay on the line; an interpreter will be added. More ›

How much should I tip at a restaurant in the US?

Usually 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax at sit-down restaurants. More ›

Do you tip for takeout or at a counter?

It’s optional. Many people leave a small tip for takeout or counter service, but it isn’t expected the way it is for table service. More ›

What is a service charge on a bill?

A fee some restaurants add, often for large groups. If it covers the tip, you don’t need to tip again; ask if unsure. More ›

When should I call 911?

For emergencies: fires, crimes in progress, serious injuries or illnesses, and crashes with injuries. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.