Off topic - what is the usual mode of payment at restaurants and shops in US?

[Worldsfastestfatty]

Hey sorry for off topic convo that's probably a bit.... Odd for a bb forum but you're the only "American" community I'm in so only place I can ask!

I'm off the US in April for first time - California, texas and New Orleans (if that's relevant). I'm trying to work out how to bring money.

Over here we predominantly use Google pay/tap and pay on our phones for most purchases at restaurants, bars, shops etc. Noone uses cash and debit card is reserved for high value transactions.

However someone I know mentioned that in the US cash is still used a lot and in restaurants/bars they prefer card; with some restaurants wanting the card before they take orders?

Is this right? Just working how to take cash with me. I was just gonna use my revolut e-card via Google wallet but now wondering if I should bring cash (ew. Gross) and a physical card?

 

[Siggy]

A lot of places take google wallet, but 100% of them will take a card.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

I would highly suggesting having *some* cash, just for emergencies. That said, I would definitely have a card on hand. Most places take tap, but not yet all, and you don't want to be in a spot where you are trying to check out and don't have a card. Also, keep in mind that, while we get dogged for it by the rest of the world for it, the US is a tipping culture. It is not required, but frowned upon if you don't. Most times if you are at a restaurant you would just add the tip on the end when paying (if you choose to tip), but in other spots it might be handy to have maybe $10-20 worth of singles for 1-2 dollar tips here or there. Some places like mom and pop sandwich shops or barber shops have a tip jar and prefer cash for that. There is almost no where here that is exclusively cash. I know of only one place near me that is a super super old school restaurant that is cash only, but is extremely well known, and every knows that fact going in.

 

[Splitzz]

A lot take Apple Pay, or card

 

[Worldsfastestfatty]

I would highly suggesting having *some* cash, just for emergencies. That said, I would definitely have a card on hand. Most places take tap, but not yet all, and you don't want to be in a spot where you are trying to check out and don't have a card. Also, keep in mind that, while we get dogged for it by the rest of the world for it, the US is a tipping culture. It is not required, but frowned upon if you don't. Most times if you are at a restaurant you would just add the tip on the end when paying (if you choose to tip), but in other spots it might be handy to have maybe $10-20 worth of singles for 1-2 dollar tips here or there. Some places like mom and pop sandwich shops or barber shops have a tip jar and prefer cash for that. There is almost no where here that is exclusively cash. I know of only one place near me that is a super super old school restaurant that is cash only, but is extremely well known, and every knows that fact going in.

Good point man - how much is it customary/Normal to tip? Is it the same everywhere (restaurants, bars etc) or does it vary in different situations?

 

[BodybuildingLife]

Apple Pay card cash

 

[Theone233]

Good point man - how much is it customary/Normal to tip? Is it the same everywhere (restaurants, bars etc) or does it vary in different situations?

I generally tip 20% and if it’s upscale I go 30% especially if the service is great

 

[Thebiggestdumbass]

I’m in CA and everywhere around here has tap to pay.

15-20% is a good tip. I work as a server and am more than happy with 15 tbh

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

Agree 20% is considered a good tipper but not over the top. It also highly depends on the situation. If you order a carry out pizza or sandwich, 20% might be high for that vs a sit down restaurant with full service. I usually never go below 20%, but that is within my means, and how I was raised to tip idk lol. That said consider this, you are also not from here, and won't see these people again, so if you don't feel like it, or if it is not within your means, tip whatever you feel necessary if at all, and roll out. In the US we tend to appreciate our food service workers a lot, but if that is not in your culture, you shouldn't feel obligated. I lived in Belgium for 3 years, and while I feel like I tied hard to / learned their customs and courtesies quite well, I am sure I fucked up a bunch of shit along the way, and never lost sleep about it.

 

[PRorER]

Working as a server at a steakhouse, I strive to make 23% of my total sales in tips. Where I work we tip out bussers, bartenders, and kitchen 3%. Generally speaking I’d say 90% of clientele tip anywhere between 18-25%. Some people go wayyy over and others wayyy under. Definitely recommend you tip based off the service you get. I work with people who are really good and genuinely care about your experience and I also work with people who are drugged out of there mind their whole shift and live by the day

 

[ChefTren]

I believe I use my card or some type of Apple wallet source 98% of the time that I always try to tip in cash so they don’t have to report it

 

[bigbumpkin2003]

Gonna say I think it’s depends on persons age. My gal strictly the cell phone and Apple Pay. I do debit and even cash

 

[pimpman]

Good point man - how much is it customary/Normal to tip? Is it the same everywhere (restaurants, bars etc) or does it vary in different situations?

On tip you usually have the option on the machine or sign bill to put 16% 18% 20% or whatever more you want if you want to give more.

Some places will already have the tip included in the check so be careful and you don’t double tip. Many people fail to see that and pay tip on top of that.

I personally think it’s a scam because not everyone sees it or understands when it says gratitude included. And tip again

Also the tip should be in the amount before taxes .NOT on the full amount of the bill. No need for anyone to tip on a tax your being charged for.

And no there is no restaurant that ask for the card before placing your order. I don’t know where that came from. The way that happens is if you are at a bar and open a tab. Meaning you give the card and order as many as you want and then at the end they charge the card for your bill.

But that just a safety reason so people don’t walk out on a tab. You be surprised what people do when they are drunk lol

 

[Thebiggestdumbass]

That said consider this, you are also not from here, and won't see these people again

This. Anytime I have obvious foreigners at a table, I don’t expect a tip so any is appreciated.

 

[Worldsfastestfatty]

On tip you usually have the option on the machine or sign bill to put 16% 18% 20% or whatever more you want if you want to give more.

Some places will already have the tip included in the check so be careful and you don’t double tip. Many people fail to see that and pay tip on top of that.

I personally think it’s a scam because not everyone sees it or understands when it says gratitude included. And tip again

Also the tip should be in the amount before taxes .NOT on the full amount of the bill. No need for anyone to tip on a tax your being charged for.

And no there is no restaurant that ask for the card before placing your order. I don’t know where that came from. The way that happens is if you are at a bar and open a tab. Meaning you give the card and order as many as you want and then at the end they charge the card for your bill.

But that just a safety reason so people don’t walk out on a tab. You be surprised what people do when they are drunk lol

Thank you - the whole tax after the price thing is gonna throw me too - over here sales tax is displayed in the list price.

I'm sure I'll figure it out - being British I'm just irrationally terrified of people thinking I'm impolite!

My partner is also terrified American people will try to talk to us about politics and stuff (we don't really follow it on either side of the pond) - I keep reassuring her were more likely to be asked about the queen and what the fuck is rugby?

 

[hogan87]

Standard tip is 15%. Outstanding service you may leave more. Beware of coffee shops and other non service related businesses adding an auto tip. Or when swiping a card you must choose a tip option. I`ve seen 20, 25, 30% for a latte in NYC. I gave the girl cash and ZERO tip. I reserve tips for people who get paid a "service wage" which is less than minimum wage. Doing your standard job of making a latte is not giving me a service. Bring it to my table and clear it when I`m done, ok a little tip.

 

[Worldsfastestfatty]

This. Anytime I have obvious foreigners at a table, I don’t expect a tip so any is appreciated.

Oh id definitely tip - I know it's your thing and many of the servers don't get proper pay so tips is the income source.

It's just knowing how much - over here you just tip £2 or so per person but our servers get full salary etc different set up here.

 

[pimpman]

Thank you - the whole tax after the price thing is gonna throw me too - over here sales tax is displayed in the list price.

I'm sure I'll figure it out - being British I'm just irrationally terrified of people thinking I'm impolite!

My partner is also terrified American people will try to talk to us about politics and stuff (we don't really follow it on either side of the pond) - I keep reassuring her were more likely to be asked about the queen and what the fuck is rugby?

lol you be ok. The bill will show you items purchased and price for it. Then total at bottom then the tax amount then the total including your order and tax.

Just remember to tip on the amount of what you purchaser not the amount of the tax in it.

So if you ate $100 and tax is $25 .tip on the $100 not the the $125

And if you didn’t receive good service don’t be embarrassed to give a bad tip or no tip at all. I’m a great tipper my wife always says I give way too much. But I believe good service deserves it. But at the say time bad service sucks. If I ask you for water and after asking you 2 or 3 times and I’m almost done with my meal by the time you bring it. Not only will I tell you but you ain’t getting a cent

Hope you both enjoy your vacation. I’m sure you will. Just ignore the rude people we seem to have way too many of them here. And if you can avoid driving do so. Use uber. driving here will give you a heart attack or get you killed

 

[buck]

I use my plastic CC card 99.9% of the time. Locally or when traveling around the US. I see few people using their phone as the source of their payments. Cash occasionally. I am sure age and location can make a difference as to what is seen.

 

[Worldsfastestfatty]

And if you can avoid driving do so. Use uber. driving here will give you a heart attack or get you killed

Tell me about it - you crazy fuckers all on the wrong side of the road

I'm sure I'm gonna have a hoot - we get so much American culture over here. I can't wait to see it.... But more importantly eat it