If you've decided to tip, you need to think about how much the service you've received is worth. In the UK any tip is completely discretionary and drivers will be grateful for any amount.
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Standard tipping procedure is to round up your fare to the nearest pound. That's still an acceptable gratuity even in London, where taxis are notoriously expensive—though a 10–15% tip is growing more common. Heaven knows the drivers earn it, having passed an encyclopedic test of London streets called The Knowledge.
It is polite to tip 10 to 15% of the taxi fare for black cabs and licensed minicabs in London. However, most people simply round up the fare to the nearest £1 and tell the driver to keep the change.
Unlike some countries you do not have to tip in the UK. However, there are some unsaid social rules about leaving a tip. For example, if you take a taxi it is normal practice to round up the fare to the nearest pound.
Unless the waiter or porter is laying the table and setting the dishes out for you, you don't have to tip for room service. In mid-range and chain hotels, you can simply take the tray and say thank you. In 5-star hotels, though, guests often hand over one or two pounds at the door.
It is not a requirement to tip in taxis, but it is customary to round up to the nearest pound on metered taxi journeys, more as a convenience to both passenger and driver than as a tip. On an airport journey in a booked minicab you might wish to tip two or three pounds if the driver helps with your luggage.
You should tip your taxi driver at least 15 to 20% of your trip fare. If you think of giving anything less than 10%, you might as well leave without tipping at all. If your fare is less than $10, leave a tip of not less than a dollar. Something like a 50-cent tip is insulting and more of a hassle to come up with.
London black cab fares are metered, and the minimum charge is £3.20. Additional charges apply when you take a black cab from Heathrow, book by phone, and on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. All black cabs accept payment by credit or debit card without a surcharge.
The expectation does vary from place to place - in fine dining restaurants where you receive personal service, a tip would always be expected (while never compulsory, it would be considered rude unless there was a problem with the service), whereas in the most casual of restaurants tipping is not universal.
Tipping in hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs in the UK is a kind gesture. Tips are not expected but are greatly appreciated. The most commonly tipped employees are the porters and chambermaids, although in anything less than a 4-star hotel it is rarely common.
Although tipping the chambermaid isn't common, you can leave a token amount if you think the room cleaning service has been outstanding. You may wish to tip the concierge for various tasks or services. If the concierge hails you a taxi on a wet day, for example, £2 is sufficient.