Hello,

My wife won a wine tasting limosine tour of Napa Valley. Since the limosine is provided free as part of the tour, is it necessary to tip the limo driver? If so, how much would be appropriate?

Thanks!

Yes, I do think you should include a gratuity, or rather, I believe one will be expected and I would do one. On all the limo rentals I pull up for Northern California, the limo driver's gratuity is not included.

The recommended (customary) tip for limo drivers is 15-20% of the bill, and in general, limos seem to rent for $60 to $75 an hour. That would give a low to high range of between $9 and $15 an hour depending on your trip length. Personally, I would think that $10 an hour would be greatly appreciated...

I have no idea how to tip a limo driver. However, I'm sure a tip is in order.

Whenever I need to tip on something that was free, I do it based on what I would have paid for the service, dinner, etc. would have cost.

Consult the event sponsors; but I'd think $10 an hour a bit over the top for a supposedly free limo. But take the guy a coffee or hot chocolate periodically.

WT....I would ask whoever is sponsoring the trip....they will be able and willing to research this for you.Tell them why you want to know.If the tip is always included with the cost of the trip, then you have your answer.

I believe you should tip the driver unless the tour will tip him for you; I kind of doubt that, but you should call to find out for sure. The fact that his services are free to you doesn't mean he should have to give up a tip. And with all due respect, SoBe, most folks don't work for beverages--coffee might be a nice gesture, but won't substitute for a tip. (Have a great trip!)

I don't think SoBe meant to substitute coffee or whatever for a tip. I read it as a nice gesture in addition to a tip.

If that's the case, SoBe, I apologize!