Tipping in America is a customary practice where customers voluntarily give extra money to service industry workers, typically in restaurants, bars, hotels, and other service-oriented businesses, as a way to show appreciation for good service. Tipping is not legally required, but it is culturally expected and an integral part of the American service industry. Here are some key points to understand about American tipping:

• Service Industry Workers: Tipping primarily affects workers in the service industry, such as servers/waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, hairdressers, hotel housekeepers, and delivery drivers. These workers often rely on tips to supplement their income, as their base wages can be relatively low, especially in the restaurant industry.

• Standard Tipping Rate: The standard tipping rate in the United States is typically 15% to 20% of the total bill before tax. So, if your restaurant bill is $100, a 20% tip would be $20. Some people may tip more for exceptional service, while others may tip less for subpar service.

• Tipping Etiquette: It's customary to tip based on the quality of service you received. If the service was exceptional, you might lean towards the higher end of the tipping range. If it was poor, you may tip less, but it's still considered polite to leave a tip unless the service was egregiously bad.

• Tipping in Cash: While it's becoming more common to leave tips on credit/debit cards, many people still prefer to leave cash tips. Cash tips are often appreciated by service industry workers because they receive them immediately and don't have to wait for their paycheck to see the gratuity.

• Tip Pools: In some establishments, tips may be pooled together and then distributed among all staff, including kitchen staff and support staff. This is common in restaurants, where servers share their tips with cooks, bussers, and hosts.

• Tipping in Other Situations: Tipping is not limited to dining out. In other situations, such as taxi rides, hotel stays, and delivery services, it's customary to tip drivers, housekeepers, and delivery personnel. The recommended tip amount may vary depending on the service provided.

• Tax and Tipping: In the United States, tips are typically calculated based on the pre-tax total. This means you should calculate your tip before adding the sales tax to the bill.

• Mandatory Service Charges: Some restaurants may add a mandatory service charge to the bill, especially for large parties. In such cases, it's essential to check if the service charge is being distributed to the staff or if additional tipping is still expected.

• Changing Norms: Tipping practices can vary by region and over time, so it's a good idea to be aware of local customs and any changes in tipping norms.