Yup, receipts are required.

Thanks for sharing. Honestly it’s been nagging at me because I’m coincidentally on a business trip. It occurred to me whether I should tip the gas station attendant (or whatever it’s called, the person who refuels your car in some states). He didn’t seem to expect it and I didn’t, but I’ve begun worrying about whom I should be tipping.

I wasn’t aware about this specific way that corporate America is creating cultural habits that benefit them at the expense of the consumer. I’ll confess that it’s odd to learn about them from a fellow consumer.

It seems to me that hotels should be more upfront about their staff being unpaid and clearly post the guidelines you’ve shared about donations from guests. Although, I suppose that if they cared about the well being of their staff, they would pay them a livable wage in the first place.

As for me, I’m irked that I’ve evidently been a cheapskate over the years. I’m generally a very tidy person—I make my bed, take off my shoes when entering the room, and neatly organize my things in my suitcase and in the wardrobe. I find it awkward and unnecessary for housekeeping to attend to my room daily, and now I feel torn and more awkward about having to pay somebody extra for something I don’t want or deem necessary.

As a European, I had no idea this was something I needed to do. Man, I have so many questions.

How much? Is it a fixed amount per night or a gesture amount for the whole stay? Do I only put money in the envelope when I’m leaving or do I get a new envelope every day? Is it always the same housekeeper? Do they pool the money and divide it among themselves? If there’s anything the matter with the housekeeping, do I dock it from their tip? Are there envelopes for the bus driver, too?