# Tipping in the US, and when to call 911 > 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. - URL: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911 - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=tipping-and-911 ## Step by step 1. **New to the US? Two everyday things to know.** How tipping works, and when to call 911. Let’s start with tips. 2. **At sit-down restaurants, tip 15 to 20 percent.** Servers often earn a low base wage and rely on tips. Tip on the bill before tax. 3. **Other common tips.** Delivery, rides, hair and nail services, and hotel housekeeping usually get tips. At counters, tipping is optional. 4. **Check if a tip is already included.** Some bills add a service charge or gratuity, often for large groups. If it’s there, you don’t need to tip again. 5. **Call 911 for real emergencies.** A fire, a crime happening now, a serious injury or illness, or a crash with injuries. It’s free from any phone. 6. **Say your language and your location.** If you need another language, say which one and wait for an interpreter. Give your location first, and stay on the line. 7. **Know the other numbers.** Use your police non-emergency line for non-urgent issues, 988 for a mental health crisis, and Poison Control for poisonings. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/do-i-have-to-tip ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/can-i-call-911-if-i-dont-speak-english ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/how-much-should-i-tip-at-a-restaurant-in-the-us ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/do-you-tip-for-takeout-or-at-a-counter ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/what-is-a-service-charge-on-a-bill ### When should I call 911? For emergencies: fires, crimes in progress, serious injuries or illnesses, and crashes with injuries. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/when-should-i-call-911 ### Can 911 help if I don’t speak English? Yes. Say your language and stay on the line; 911 centers use interpreters. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/can-911-help-if-i-dont-speak-english ### What number do I call for a non-emergency? Your local police non-emergency number. Some cities use 311 for city services. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Source page: https://explained.page/tipping-and-911/questions/what-number-do-i-call-for-a-non-emergency ## Official sources - [911.gov: when to call](https://www.911.gov/) - [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) - [Poison Control](https://www.poison.org/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your city] police non-emergency number" - "text to 911 [your county]" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.