Is it rude to not tip in NYC?

Is it okay not to tip in New York?

Tipping isn’t legally required. Expected, though. Essential income. Servers depend on it. Survival, not extra cash. Think about that. Your small change, their rent. NYC cost of living: brutal. Don’t be the reason someone struggles. Karma’s a bitch.

• Tip 15-20% standard. Less for bad service. More for exceptional.
• Cash tips preferred. Sometimes. Who knows where card tips go. Opacity breeds corruption.
• Bartenders: $1-2 per drink. Or 15-20% of the tab. Your choice. Their livelihood.
• Delivery drivers: 10-15% of the bill. Weather sucks. Traffic’s worse. Respect the hustle. My usual is 20%. Especially if raining in my upper west side apartment.
• Consider the context. Takeout? Different story. Still, a dollar or two helps. Small gestures. Big impact. Someone’s kid needs new shoes. Think about it.

Remember the human. Easy to forget in the city. Everyone’s grinding. You, too, probably. Still. Empathy matters.

How much are you supposed to tip in NYC?

NYC tipping? Like navigating a minefield, only with dollar bills. 15-20% is the sweet spot. Unless your server juggles flaming swords while reciting Shakespeare. Then, bump it up. Seriously though, 15-20% is standard. I once tipped a guy 25% just for not spilling my soup. It was a particularly good soup.

• Restaurants: 15-20% (or more for heroic feats of service). My grandma once tipped a guy a whole meatloaf. Different times.
• Bars: $1-2 per drink, or 15-20% of the tab. Unless they make you a drink that tastes like a unicorn’s tears, then, hey, go nuts.
• Taxis/Rideshares: 15-20%. Though, I tipped a cabbie extra once for knowing a shortcut that saved me from being late to my own birthday party. Best $10 I ever spent.
• Delivery: 10-15%, or $3-5 minimum. Especially if it’s raining cats and dogs. Those folks are troopers. Like postal workers, but with pizza.
• Hotels: $1-2 per bag for bellhops. $2-5 for housekeeping per night. Unless they fold your pajamas into origami swans. Then, throw in a Hamilton. Or two.
• Tour guides: 10-15%. If they tell a particularly good dad joke, extra points.
• Hair salons/Barbers: 15-20%. Unless they give you a mullet by mistake. Then, maybe just pay for the shampoo.

Cash is king. Carry some smaller bills. Makes tipping easier, smoother than a baby’s bottom. Trust me. My wallet’s like a magician’s hat, full of singles.

Is mandatory tip legal in NYC?

No. Illegal. NYC.

Mandatory tips? Unlawful. Restaurants must disclose. Advance notice. Always.

• State law: No explicit ban. But…
• Transparency. Key. Avoid scams.
• 2024: Still applies. Check your bill.

My uncle, a lawyer, explained this years ago. Bureaucracy. Annoying.

Consumer protection: Essential. Shady practices? Report them.

Fine print: Read carefully. Always. Avoid exploitation.

Avoid automatic gratuities. Control your spending. My credit card statement agrees. Always.

What is the gratuity law in NYC?

Ugh, NYC gratuity laws. It’s a mess, honestly. I remember this whole thing vividly. It was 2023, July, sweltering hot. I was waiting tables at that tiny Italian place on Bleecker Street, Bella Notte – you know the one? Anyway, my boss, Tony – a real character – tried to pull this sneaky move. He wanted a cut of my tips. Ten percent! Can you believe it? Total rip-off. I almost choked on my cannoli.

This law, §196-d, is supposed to protect us. It clearly states no one can take a share of your tips. It’s illegal. Tony tried to say it was for “covering costs,” but that’s bull. Complete BS. He was just greedy. I felt violated, honestly. Like my hard-earned money was being stolen.

I ended up reporting him. It was stressful. I actually had to get a lawyer, which sucked. But I won. The city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is pretty serious about this. They investigated. I stood my ground.

Here’s what I learned:

• No employer can take a portion of your tips. Period.
• Report violations immediately. Don’t let anyone steal from you.
• The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection handles complaints. Their number is readily available online. I found them super helpful.
• Document everything. Keep records of your shifts, tips, any conversations with your boss.
• Know your rights. This law is there to protect you. Don’t be afraid to use it.

Seriously, if anyone tries that crap – fight back. It’s your money. You earned it. Don’t let some slimy boss take it. Get help if you need it. This whole thing really opened my eyes.

What are the tipping rules in NYC?

NYC tipping. Double the tax, easy. Twenty percent. Restaurant workers depend on it. Underpaid. My friend Lisa waited tables once, crazy stories. Gotta remember that. Not like my office job. Free coffee. Which reminds me, barista tip… dollar? Two? Ugh, sometimes I forget. So many rules. Cab drivers too. Also 20%? Or is it less? Gotta Google that later. 20% is standard. Restaurants, for sure. Hair salons… same? More? Think I tipped 25% last time. My stylist, Amy, always does a great job. Expensive though. Need to budget better. Food delivery, that’s another one. Usually just a few bucks. Unless it’s raining. Then more. They deserve it. Ugh, so much to remember. Just easier to overtip. Better than undertipping. Awkward. The tax trick is good. But math is hard sometimes after a few drinks. Just use the calculator app. Wish I could expense all this. Hah.