We’ve got our travel game on lock. Oodles of frequent flier miles, go-bag at the ready, never above a spontaneous jaunt to some hot new locale. So why do we still get stressed about tipping?

We’re not alone, either. You know that feeling: you’re all checked in, the bell boy’s helping out with your bags, and when everything’s squared away, that “can I help you with anything else” moment arrives. Oh, yeah—the tip. The etiquette has flown out the window, and you fumble for a $10 bill. He seems pleased, and while he’s walking out the door, you do the math. Did you tip too much? Not enough?

Turns out, there are a few simple rules to follow that make this time-honored expression of monetary gratitude a breeze.

Small Bills

Nothing’s more awkward than having to make change to give a tip. Carrying about $50 worth of Lincolns should be as standard a practice before jetting off as packing your toiletries—it’ll definitely be enough to get you settled in.

Tip as You Go

There’s a school of thought that says tips should be deposited in an envelope at checkout, in the desire that the cash will be divided up equally between the staff. But regardless of how trustworthy the front desk is, there’s no guarantee that the proceeds will go to the right place. Instead, tip as you go. Someone calls you a cab? Tip $2 or $3. Bell people should get around $3 to $5 per bag. Housekeeping responds to a request for an extra bottle of soap? Around $3 to $5 works, too.

The Concierge is Your Friend

Oh, the concierge. Depending on the hotel, this individual can be responsible for the truly memorable elements of your trip, so it’s good to get off to a nice start with this person as quickly as possible. If he takes care of your dinner reservations, throw him $10. Does he snag you some primo seats at a ball game? He deserves $50. Has he conjured a pair of tickets to Hamilton? Give him your first-born child. Also, leave his name and place of employment in the comments below.

Out and About

A good guide won’t just show you the standard sites around a city—that’s what Lonely Planet books are for. Instead, this is the individual who will point you toward the out-of-the-way jazz clubs, speakeasies, intimate eateries, and super-fun activities that only the locals know about.

The base standard for a day-long guide is $25 to $50. If he or she goes over their time, or takes special care to show you some once-in-a-lifetime stuff? An extra $15 to $25 is in order. Add $10 extra if this urban sherpa has rustled himself out of bed before 3 am.

Do the Math

The easiest thing to keep in mind is that these rates apply everywhere—more or less, anyway. So if you’re planning on tipping someone US$25 in, say, Marrakech, you’ll end up tipping them 250 Moroccan dirham. So ditch the exchange rates, forget what the guide book says about local tipping customs, and pony up the cash. At the worst, you’ll be maintaining a standard. And at the best (especially in a locale where tipping is seldom observed), you’ll be making some invaluable friends.

Photo courtesy Negative Space