Tour guides · United States
How much should you tip a tour guide in United States?
Short answer
15–20%, or $10–20 per person
15–20% of the tour price, or $10–20 per person.
Common
Tour guides in the US are tipped as a matter of course. For a priced group tour, 15–20% of the ticket price works; for a day tour, $10–20 per person. Tip a separate driver $5–10 per person on top.
Tip calculator
- 10%
- —
- 15%
- —
- 20%
- —
Things to do in United States
Where are you actually going? These are the best rated in each place.
New York CityNYC Private Walking Tour5.0·185 reviews·from €1548.12
OahuSurf Lesson Without the Crowds Including GoPRO Videos5.0·219 reviews·from €113.83
Las VegasPrivate Valley of Fire Hiking and Sightseeing Adventure5.0·211 reviews·from €163.92
MiamiMiami: 60 Minute Private Everglades Airboat Ride5.0·167 reviews·from €122.94Some links may earn WhatTheTip a commission at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
- How much should you tip tour guides in United States?
- 15–20%, or $10–20 per person. 15–20% of the tour price, or $10–20 per person.
- Can you tip by card in United States?
- Card tipping is universal, receipts have a tip line and terminals prompt with preset percentages. Cash is still welcomed but never required.
More on tipping in United States
Tipping tour guides elsewhere
Full tipping guide for United States
Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 3 September 2026.
Figures checked against the sources below on 4 September 2026.
Sources
- Rough Guides, “USA travel tips: tipping” (consulted 2026-09-04)
- Lonely Planet, “Everything You Need to Know About Tipping in North and South America” (consulted 2026-09-04)
- US Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (consulted 2026-09-03)