Is it rude to not tip taxi?
Yes, it's generally considered rude not to tip taxi drivers, especially in cities like NYC. A standard tip is 15-20% for good service. While not mandatory, tipping acknowledges their work and is customary in the service industry.
Is it rude to not tip a taxi driver?
Ugh, tipping taxi drivers in NYC? It’s a whole thing. I mean, 15-20% is the expectation, right? I once forgot, felt awful. Cost me $5 extra guilt, man.
That’s different than a bus driver, though. Bus drivers are salaried. Taxi drivers, it’s mostly their income. It’s a whole different economic model.
So, rude? Yeah, probably. It depends on your vibe. I got a grumpy driver last year, October 27th, near Penn Station. I tipped less, I admit. But generally, it’s expected.
Are they friendly because of tips? Definitely influences things. Some are genuinely nice people. Others… less so. It’s not always a direct correlation, but let’s be real.
How much? Aim for that 15-20%. It’s basically a living wage supplement for them. A few bucks more for excellent service is great. I tipped $8 on a $40 fare once. That was a solid ride.
NYC taxi drivers – tip is expected. 15-20% is customary. Bus drivers are salaried.
Do taxi drivers expect a tip?
Taxi drivers? Tip ’em? Depends. Think of it like this: are you haggling over the price of a slightly bruised mango at a street market? If so, maybe skip the tip. If you just escaped a near-death experience in a dodgem-car-on-steroids taxi ride across downtown, 20% feels like a steal!
Here’s the lowdown, from my own wildly inaccurate observations:
- NYC: Tip like you’re paying for a therapist session. It’s expensive, and you need emotional support after that ride. Seriously, the traffic is insane! My last trip cost a kidney, a toenail clipping and probably a few years off my life.
- LA: Depends on the driver’s personality. Do they look like they own a yacht? More tip. Do they seem to have just crawled out from under a rock? Less. I tipped once with a gold coin I found in my pocket. It was a weird day.
- London: Honestly, they probably expect you to tip them in pounds of actual gold. They’re just that posh. I bet even the pigeons tip the cabbies. Okay, maybe not.
Bottom line: If the driver didn’t drive like my grandma on a three-wheeled bicycle, then yeah, throw a few extra bucks. Unless you’re in a place where tipping’s frowned upon. In that case, just try not to look them in the eye. Good luck. You’ll need it.
Do I need to tip in New York?
New York City. Tips. Ugh. It’s complicated.
You should tip. It’s just how it is here. People rely on it. I know, it’s annoying having to think about it, but seriously, do it.
It’s not always included, especially in smaller places. You’ll get judged if you don’t. I learned that the hard way. Trust me.
Think about it. They’re working hard. Minimum wage here is brutal. A few extra dollars means a lot.
This year, minimum wage is $15.50, but honestly, that’s barely enough to live on. Even in a shared apartment in Bushwick.
I once forgot to tip a bartender, felt awful all night. It haunts me, still.
Here’s the deal: Restaurants, definitely tip. 15-20%, standard. Hotels, bellhops, a few bucks per bag is good. Taxi? Round up, at least.
But my point is. It’s the culture here. It’s not optional. So. Tip. Please.
My own experience: I stiffed a cabbie once in 2022, and felt dreadful. It’s just wrong. They work so hard.
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