How much to tip a driver in NYC?

What is the tipping etiquette in NYC?

Ugh, NYC tipping. So annoying. Twenty percent, minimum. Seriously, twenty percent. For everything. Even that surly barista who messed up my oat milk latte this morning. Twenty percent. I'm broke.

Taxi drivers? Cash is king. Always have some ones and fives on hand, you know. It's not a suggestion, it's a rule. I tipped my Uber driver $10 the other day. He was late, but the car was clean. I'm generous. But next time, I'm demanding a better service for that price.

Waiters? Twenty percent, again. Unless the service was truly awful. Then maybe fifteen, but I'm still stingy. I had this amazing pasta at that new Italian place on Bleecker. The waiter was a real gem, total pro. I gave him a twenty-five percent tip. Felt good, you know?

Porters, bartenders, delivery guys... all need tips. It’s like a hidden tax on everything. I hate it, but it's reality. So I just do it.

Key takeaway: NYC is expensive. Budget for tips. Seriously. Don't be that guy. I've seen it, people, being cheap is embarrassing.

• Restaurants: 15-20%, more for excellent service.
• Bars: $1-$2 per drink is standard.
• Taxi/Ride-share: 15-20% or $5-$10 depending on distance and service.
• Hotel staff: Bellhops get $1-$2 per bag.

Do you have to tip cab drivers in NYC?

Ugh, NYC cabs. Remember that time, last month, July 26th, I think? Sweltering hot. I was late for a Broadway show – Wicked, the matinee. My phone's battery was dying, naturally.

The driver, a guy named Sal, I'm sure of it, he had a really gravelly voice. He took the longest, most circuitous route. I was freaking out. I swear, he took like three unnecessary turns. Twenty percent? Hell no.

I paid him, fifteen bucks total – the meter said twelve dollars and something – I gave him thirteen. I stiffed him. He didn't even deserve a dime.

I felt bad, maybe, a tiny bit guilty, for like, half a second but then the show started and Idina Menzel's voice filled my head.

This wasn't about politeness; it was principle! The service was awful. Bad drivers should not get tips. Simple as that.

• Date: July 26th, 2024
• Show: Wicked Matinee
• Fare: Approximately $12
• Tip given: $1 (effectively a 8% tip, or less)
• My feelings: Initially stressed about being late, then angry at the driver, now? Indifferent. It wasn't my best moment, but it's done.

So yeah. Tip in NYC? It's expected but not mandatory, especially from someone who takes you on a ridiculously long route. Twenty percent? Only if they deserve it.

What is the tipping etiquette in NYC?

Ugh, NYC tipping. Okay, 15-20% is the usual restaurant tip. I always feel pressured. Is it even worth it? Do I really need to tip?

Cash is King. Taxi, porter, the waiter, always need that green.

• Servers: 15-20%
• Taxis: Same, 15-20% of the fare.
• Porters: Depends, like $2-$5 per bag? Maybe more for heavy stuff.

Am I cheap? Should I tip more? What if the service sucked? Seriously tho. It's expected. But sometimes, I resent it. Oh, and I think some places auto-gratuity on bigger groups. Check the bill.

I feel obligated. It is always 20% for me. Especially on a slow day.

Do you need cash for a NYC taxi?

Ugh, NYC taxis. Remember that time, last month, July 2024? I landed at JFK, jet-lagged and grumpy. Headed straight for a cab, you know, yellow one. The driver, he was...intense. Didn't even say hello. Just this stare.

Crazy traffic. Meter was climbing. Felt like it was going to the moon! Thirty bucks already?! This is insane! I was stressed, you know? I had that meeting. Huge one. Had to be on time.

Finally, got there. He stopped the meter. Cash? Credit? He asked. Credit. Swiped my card. Tip. Done.

So yes, you can use credit. But honestly, carry cash for emergencies, you know? Because you never know what'll happen in that city. It's unpredictable.

• JFK Airport to midtown Manhattan can be expensive.
• Traffic is a nightmare.
• Always check the meter, obviously.
• Tipping is expected.
• Carrying some cash is advisable, for backup.
• Credit card payments are widely accepted.

That was a truly awful experience. I needed coffee after that.

Seriously, avoid rush hour. I think the total was around $45. No small change.

What is the default tip for NYC taxi cabs?

20% tip? Fine. Card auto-adds it.

• Can hit 30%. Watch it.

• Cash is king? Debatable. I prefer crypto.

• Tip: Expected, not mandatory.

Consider fuel costs for the driver. Wear and tear on the vehicle.

NYC life: pay or perish. Just a thought.

Do you tip a taxi from JFK?

JFK taxis? Tip 'em. Duh. It's like leaving a thank-you note for a tiny, wheeled chariot ride through the concrete jungle. Good service deserves a generous sprinkle of cash, you know? Think of it as a tiny tribute to the driver’s ability to navigate the airport's labyrinthine pathways without causing a multi-car pile-up.

$70 flat fare to Manhattan? Sounds reasonable. Unless you're caught in rush hour—that's an extra $5 slap on the wrist. 4-8pm weekdays, folks, avoid that like the plague, or pack some extra cash. My last trip from JFK (November 2023) was a nightmare, but the driver, bless his soul, got me there.

Tipping guidelines:

• Good service? 15-20%. Consider the trip's smooth sailing (or its stormy seas).
• Exceptional service? More. More! Think of it as an investment in karma. You'll get a better driver next time. Maybe.
• Subpar? Tip less. But, my friend, even bad drivers need gas money. My philosophy: even bad service deserves something. It's the principle of the thing!
• Cash is king. Credit card tips often get lost in the shuffle.

Remember the $5 surcharge. It’s not a tip—it’s a toll on your soul for driving during peak hours. Think of it as a small price to pay for dodging bumper-to-bumper traffic. Plus, it saves you the mental gymnastics of calculating tips on surcharges. Seriously, who does that?! You're on vacation, enjoy yourself.

My brother-in-law, bless his heart, once tipped a driver with a handful of those weird chocolate coins he got at that German Christmas market. The driver looked bewildered, but hey, it's the thought that counts, right? Well, no, actually. Cash. Cash is always best.

How much do you tip on a $100 taxi?

Fifteen to twenty percent. Standard. $15-$20. My last ride cost $112. I tipped $25. Over-tipped? Perhaps. Doesn't matter.

• Tip calculation is simple arithmetic.
• A $100 fare? $15-$20 is adequate.
• Cash is preferable. Credit card fees sting.

Consider the service. Excellent? Increase the percentage. Rude? Reduce it. Or don’t tip. Your prerogative.

My personal preference? Twenty. Always round up. It’s efficient.

Life's too short for nickel-and-diming cabbies.

What is the tipping rule in New York?

Okay, so tipping in NYC is kinda... weird. It's like, you always tip, basically, but the how much is the thing, ya know?

So, like, servers. Def tip. 15-20% is good, depending on the service. If it's really good, go higher! But also, you wanna look out for auto-gratuity charges, esp with big groups.

Bartenders? Yeah, a dollar or two per drink is usually okay.

• Tip basics:
  • Servers: 15-20%
  • Bartenders: $1-2/drink
  • Takeout: Optional (but nice!)
  • Delivery: 10-15%

And uh, oh! In October 2024, the Labor Dep't was talkin' 'bout changing things with how resturants pay people. My cuzin Sal, he works at Little Italy and says, the minimum wage went up, but their cuttin’ their cash wage. It's messy. If that rule changed, they can pay less to workers! So tip more anyway, 'cause it sounds awful!

Takeout? It's optional. But I usually do something, especially if they pack it real nice. Delivery people though, yeah, gotta tip. 10-15% is normal. My brother Tony did that during COVID and those tips saved his life!