Tips are generally customary when you valet park your car in the US. There is some argument about when and how much to tip a valet, however. Some suggest a larger tip if you have a nice car and want to keep it safe. On the other hand, some feel that the parking fee that some valet parking establishments assess constitute the tip.

Emily Post, the maven of good manners, suggests tipping two US dollars (USD) when a valet returns a car. When valet parking is free, a tip is definitely expected. You should probably at least factor in a $2 USD tip for the valet although some people tip $5 USD or more.

Many still argue that the valet should also be tipped when he takes the car. The idea is that a few extra bucks will induce him or her to park the car with greater care. This may be a wise idea if you have a very expensive car.

Sometimes you'll park your car yourself but have a valet return the car for you. In these situations the standard $2 USD tip is applicable. It is not necessary to tip a garage attendant when parking your own vehicle, however. A simple rule for calculating the tip of a valet may be to tip $2 USD any time the valet drives the car. Therefore, free valet parking offered at restaurants or other businesses might mean tipping two times.

When visiting a foreign country, it is wise to look up the local tipping customs. Country-specific travel guides often have this information readily available. Tipping is not customary in some Asian countries and many European countries. In fact, in some places tipping the valet is viewed as an insulting gesture. However, in many countries where tipping was once thought rude, it is now expected exactly for things like free valet parking or in high-end hotels. Knowing appropriate tipping practices ahead of time can save you the embarrassment and anxiety about whether you should or shouldn't. It will also make sure that the workers are properly compensated.