Your Ultimate Guide to Tipping Everyone From Taxi Drivers to Baristas

Figuring out what to tip someone can be tricky, especially when you're unsure if a tip is even necessary. "Tipping is truly a way to show your gratitude," says Lizzie Post, co-president of The Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast. "We need to think of it not as an obligation but as an opportunity to give thanks." However, the only thing worse than not knowing whether or not you need to tip someone is not knowing how much is considered appropriate. After all, no one wants to worry about whether or not they've left an adequate amount behind for the services that were provided. "The biggest thing people get wrong about tipping is undertipping when they're dissatisfied with service," Post says. "They think they are conveying a message of poor service in the form of a bad tip, but lots of things can cause holdups at a salon or restaurant, so they should be talking to a manager instead of shorting an individual."

So, what do you do when you find yourself in a situation where you're not sure if you're supposed to tip? "Don't be shy about asking someone who works there if a gratuity is expected or included," Post says. If you already know a tip is expected but aren't sure what to leave, Post has a goof-proof technique for that, too. "Move the decimal of the dollar amount of your total once to the left and double that number," she says. "That should get you close to 20 percent territory."

Ready for more expert advice on what to tip and when? We turned to Post and the team at The Emily Post Institute for help breaking down the right tip amounts for different services. From bartenders to dog groomers, we're sharing the 411 on what to tip in any situation.