TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 18, 2012) - As holiday season-related activities and events get into full swing, many Canadians will be making added use of services provided by businesses in many areas, including the tourism and hospitality industries. For many employees of these enterprises, tips comprise an important part of their overall income and help them meet day-to-day expenses.

"For many service workers, the gratuities earned during the holiday season significantly contribute to their overall income - which is important for many this time of the year," said Su McVey, Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal. "It's important to keep in mind that a small gift can go a long way, such as a small tip to show your appreciation for a service provided."

With that in mind, BMO offers the following guide to tipping:

Services and Other Professionals	Suggested Gift or Gratuity
Occasional and/or Regular Baby Sitter	One evening's pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
Full-time Nanny	One week's pay and a gift from your child(ren)
Camp Counsellor	A handwritten thank you note or a small gift from your child(ren) with value up to $20.
Fitness Instructors/Personal Trainers	A gift up to the value of one session.
Volunteer Sports Team Coach	A handwritten thank-you note or a small gift from child with value up to $20.
Dog Walker/Pet Sitter	A small gift or the equivalent of a week's service.
House Sitter	A gift brought back from your vacation.
Driveway Shoveler	Equivalent of one day's pay or a small gift with value of up to $20.
Hairdresser/Stylist	Cost of one haircut or a small gift.
Aesthetician (standard tip is 15 per cent, just as it is in the restaurant industry)	Double your usual tip or a gift up to the value of one visit.
Hotel Bellhop	$1 to $5 per bag.
Hotel Concierge	$5 for basic service and up to $25 for special or difficult requests.
Hotel Housekeeper	$1 to $5 per night given at the end of your stay.
Hotel Room Service	More than usual tip; 20 per cent should suffice.
Restaurant Servers	More than usual tip; 20-25 per cent.
Bartender	$1 per drink or 15 per cent to 20 per cent of bar bill before tax.
Food Delivery	15 per cent to 20 per cent and if the size of your party is 10 or more add 5 per cent.
Tour Guide	10 per cent to 20 per cent of the cost of the tour.
Extended Tour Guide	$1 to $10 per day.
Taxi and Limo Drivers (standard 15 per cent)	More than usual tip; approximately 20 per cent.
Valet Parking Attendant	More than usual tip; approximately 20 per cent.

* Based on a survey of Tipping Guidelines web sites

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $525 billion as at October 31, 2012, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

Contributing Sources

Market Wire

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BMO Releases Annual Holiday "Tips for Tipping"

BMO Releases Annual Holiday "Tips for Tipping"