Tipping Etiquette: New Brunswick, Ca

Tipping culture in New Brunswick, Canada, is similar to the rest of the country, where tipping is customary for certain services. In restaurants, the average tipping percentage falls between 10% and 20%, with the amount determined by the level of service. While tipping is expected for waiters and bartenders, it is not mandatory, and customers can choose to tip below the standard amount or not at all if the service is poor. In taxis, tips typically range from 8% to 20% of the fare, and in hotels, tips are usually given to staff such as bellboys, maids, and concierges. Other services that may receive tips include delivery services, hotel staff, and spa treatments.

Tipping in restaurants

Tipping culture is a prominent aspect of dining out in New Brunswick, Canada. While it is not mandatory to tip, it is considered rude or cheap not to do so. The standard tip percentage in the province is between 10% and 20%, with some sources stating that it can go up to 23% for exceptional service.

The amount of tip is usually determined by the quality of service provided. For instance, if the service is subpar, customers may choose to tip below the standard percentage or not at all. On the other hand, excellent service can result in tips exceeding the typical range.

It is worth noting that the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff in New Brunswick is $17/hour, and there is a "tipping ban" in place. This means that customers are not prompted to leave a tip and staff are instructed not to expect tips for performing their basic job duties. This ruling was implemented to ensure that service staff are paid a fair wage and are not dependent on tips to supplement their income.

In addition to the standard tip percentage, other factors can influence the amount of tip left by customers. For instance, the cost of the meal can impact the tip amount, with more expensive restaurants often resulting in higher tips. The type of dining, such as table service or takeout, can also play a role, with higher tips typically expected for table service.

Credit card machines and point-of-sale terminals can also influence tipping behaviour. The suggested tip percentages on these machines have been trending upward, and customers may feel pressured to tip within the given range, even if it is higher than they would usually tip.

Overall, tipping in New Brunswick restaurants is a common practice, and customers should be aware of the social expectations and norms surrounding gratuities when dining out in the province.

Tipping for taxis/cabs

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it is no different for taxi drivers. In New Brunswick, tipping taxi drivers is a part of the culture. Here are some guidelines for tipping taxi drivers in New Brunswick:

Amount to Tip

According to tipping-in.com, 90% of people in New Brunswick tip taxi drivers between 8% and 20% of the total fare. The actual amount tipped is determined by the level of service provided, and it can go above 8% for superb service or under 20% for poor service. The tip is usually no less than $3-5.

Factors Affecting Tip Amount

Several factors can influence the amount you tip a taxi driver. These include:

• Quality of the Ride: If the service was poor, you may tip at the lower end or not tip at all. If the service was excellent, consider tipping above the standard amount.
• Speed of Service: Consider whether the driver took the most efficient route and got you to your destination on time.
• Extra Effort: Did the driver go the extra mile to assist you with your luggage or provide helpful local information? This may warrant a higher tip.
• Demeanor: How friendly and helpful was the driver? Did they make you feel comfortable, or were they rude and demanding? Adjust your tip accordingly.
• Area Knowledge: A good taxi driver should know the area well and be able to suggest attractions and activities.

Other Considerations

• Rounding Up: If you are in a hurry, you can round up the fare to the nearest $5 or $10 increment as a tip.
• Baggage Handling: You can add $1-2 per bag if the driver assists with your luggage, especially if you have a large number of heavy bags.
• Non-Monetary Tips: You may consider offering a gift or gesture of similar value to the standard tip amount if you are unable to tip in cash. However, it is always preferable to tip in cash if possible.
• Politeness: Always be polite and respectful to the driver, and remember to say "thank you" and "have a nice day."

Tipping for hotel services

Doorman

Tip the doorman $1-2 if they hail a cab for you.

Bellman

It is customary to tip the bellman $1 per bag or $2-5 for heavier or multiple bags. If the bellhop uses a cart to deliver your luggage to your room, a tip of $3 to $5 per cart is appropriate.

Housekeeper/Chambermaid

The housekeeper or chambermaid should be tipped $2-5 per day, depending on the size of your room and how messy it is. You can leave the tip on the bed or side table, along with a note saying 'thank you'. Alternatively, you can leave a lump sum at the end of your stay.

Room Service

Verify whether gratuity is included in the bill. If not, a tip of 15% of the bill is common.

Concierge

Tipping the concierge is not common practice in Canada. However, if you are pleased with their service, you can tip them $2 or more at the end of your stay.

Valet

A tip of $1-5 is typical for valet service, depending on the level of effort required to retrieve your car. Some people also tip when leaving their car with the valet.

Spa Staff

If you receive spa services during your stay, such as a massage, a tip of 10-20% of the total cost is customary.

It is important to note that tipping culture in New Brunswick aligns with the rest of Canada, with an average tipping percentage of 13.69%. Therefore, the above guidelines for tipping hotel staff in Canada can be applied to hotels in New Brunswick.

Tipping for salon/spa services

For haircuts, hair colour, and other hair treatments, it is generally recommended to tip between 15% and 25% of the total bill. Some sources suggest tipping $5–$10 to the person who washes your hair and the person who blow-dries it. It is also good manners to tip around 10% for taxi rides.

In 2015, the provincial government of New Brunswick raised the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff to $17 per hour and mandated that customers should not be prompted for tips or given foul looks if they don't leave a tip. However, according to a 2023 source, 99% of people in New Brunswick still tip between 10% and 23% in restaurants.

Tipping for delivery services

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it is no different for delivery services. In New Brunswick, Canada, tipping is customary and expected for delivery services. Here are some guidelines and tips for tipping delivery drivers in New Brunswick:

Understanding the Importance of Tipping

Delivery drivers rely on tips to supplement their income, as they often earn lower hourly wages compared to other professions. Recognising their hard work and effort is essential. Additionally, it is important to note that delivery fees and service fees do not go directly to the driver but are used to cover expenses such as gas, insurance, and parking tickets.

Determining the Appropriate Tip Amount

The recommended tip range for delivery drivers is typically between 10% and 20% of the bill. For large orders over $100, a tip of 10% is appropriate, while for smaller orders, a tip of 15% is suggested. A $5 minimum tip is also recommended for all deliveries. It is worth noting that you can adjust the tip amount based on factors such as the distance of the delivery, weather conditions, and the level of service provided.

Examples of Delivery Services in New Brunswick

New Brunswick has several delivery services, including Grubhub, Checker Capital Deliveries, and JP Delivery Service. These services bring food, groceries, and other items directly to customers' doors. Additionally, Instacart offers grocery delivery from stores like Metro, Costco, and Walmart, with a delivery fee of $3.99 for orders over $35.

Tipping for Special Circumstances

In certain situations, you may want to consider adjusting your tip. For instance, if the delivery driver goes above and beyond, navigates through treacherous weather, or delivers outside of normal business hours, you may want to increase the tip amount to show your appreciation. On the other hand, if the delivery is late or the food arrives cold, you may decide to reduce the tip accordingly.

Tipping delivery drivers is a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and ensure they receive fair compensation. By following the recommended tip ranges and considering the specific circumstances of each delivery, you can recognise the value of their service and contribute to their livelihood. Remember, tipping is entirely voluntary, but it goes a long way in making a positive impact on someone's day.

Frequently asked questions