What is the tip rule in NY?

Is it mandatory to tip in New York?

Okay, so tipping in NYC…yeah, it’s kinda mandatory-ish.

I mean, waiters basically LIVE on tips, right? Remember that time at Carmine’s, that family-style Italian place near Times Square? 2024, was packed to the gills.

The service was… well, slammed. But our waiter, Marco, was hustling. He kept bringing endless plates of pasta and refilling our water, even though he was clearly stressed.

I felt bad, so I tipped over 20%. Felt right. My grandma, she always tips generously. It’s a good habit.

You don’t have to, I guess, but it’s almost… expected.

• Restaurants: Aim for 18-20%. More if service is AMAZING. Less if it’s truly terrible, but like, be reasonable, ya know?
• Taxis/Ubers: Round up, or 15-20%. Depends on the ride.
• Hotels: Bellhops, housekeeping… a few bucks goes a long way. My cousin works as a hotel cleaner downtown, and she says people stiff her ALL THE TIME. It’s rude!
• Bars: $1-2 per drink.

Seriously, people work hard. It’s not just about the money, either. It’s about acknowledging their effort, isn’t it? I mean, come on!

What is the general rule for tipping in the US?

20% is the baseline. Anything less? Consider it stingy.

Servers expect it. My experience? Below 20% felt insulting.

Industry standard? A myth. 15-20%? Sure, but aim higher.

• Restaurants: 20% minimum. Exceptional service? More.
• Bars: $1-2 per drink, depending. I’ve seen less. It’s cheap.
• Hotels: $5 a night. Housekeeping deserves more. Think about it. I did.
• Ride-shares: Tip apps. Don’t be cheap. I’ve tipped $10 for a short ride.

This is my reality. Your mileage may vary. But don’t be a cheapskate.

Is it rude not to tip in New York?

Ah, tipping in NYC. A topic that sparks much debate.

• Legally, no, you aren’t obligated to tip. The Empire State doesn’t force your hand. Morally? That’s where the fun begins.

• Skipping the tip entirely? Prepare for potential dagger eyes or, worse, passive-aggressive service next time you darken that restaurant’s door.

• Is a 10% tip an insult? In some places, it shouts “I’m unhappy“. But hey, maybe the service really was lackluster. Or maybe they just need a lesson.

• Why the tip expectation? It’s ingrained, a dance between customer service and supplementing often less-than-stellar base wages, especially here. Always tip where you can!

It’s a weird system, this tipping culture. You see the same type of thing happening everywhere in the world, or at least thats what happened on my trip to France.

Can a restaurant force you to tip NY?

It’s 3 AM. The city sounds distant. Sleep won’t come. This tip thing… it’s messed up. Really messed up.

New York’s Labor Law, Section 196-d, is crystal clear. No forcing tips. Restaurants can’t demand them. Can’t take a cut.

That’s the law. But… I’ve seen it happen. Felt the pressure. It’s subtle, sometimes. A pointed stare. An awkward silence. It’s unsettling.

This isn’t some vague feeling. I worked in a restaurant in 2023. I know.

I remember one night, a large party. The manager practically hovered, watching the tip calculation. Disgusting.

It’s about power, isn’t it? The power imbalance. The desperation that makes service workers vulnerable.

Here’s what I know for sure:

• Illegal: Employers demanding or taking tips is against the law in New York.
• Subtle coercion: It’s not always blatant. It can be very subtle.
• My experience: I witnessed it firsthand. The pressure was real.
• Workers’ rights: This law protects workers from exploitation. This isn’t opinion. This is fact.
• Report it: If you see it, report it. Someone needs to stand up. It’s not right.

The feeling of helplessness stays with you. Long after the shift ends. Even now, writing this.

Ugh. I need sleep.

What is tipping etiquette in us?

Tipping in the US? A minefield of social graces, I tell ya. Think of it as a bizarre, voluntary tax on good service. Forget the 15-20% rule; that’s for tourists. We locals play by a more nuanced system. It’s a dance, really. A delicate waltz between generosity and stinginess.

• Bartenders: Think of them as the unsung heroes of liquid courage. $2-3 per drink, minimum. Unless they’re truly spectacular. Then, go nuts.
• Servers: This is where things get tricky. 20% for great service, 15% for acceptable, less if they forgot your water three times. Seriously, water is important.
• Hair Stylists: My last haircut cost $150. I tipped $30. Don’t be a cheapskate, but also don’t bankrupt yourself. Consider it a payment for emotional support, because let’s be honest, you need it.
• Delivery Drivers: A minimum of $5, more depending on distance and weather. Think of it as a small act of survival-support. They’re battling traffic and grumpy customers. Solidarity, people.
• Taxi/Ride-Share Drivers: 15-20% is pretty standard. Rounding up is fine, especially if they’re dealing with a rush-hour nightmare.
• Hotels: Housekeeping is a whole separate affair. $2-$5 per day, at minimum. You’re basically paying them to deal with my socks.

Important Note: This is all highly subjective, naturally. You’re essentially playing a complex game of social deduction. There are no real rules, only guidelines. And honestly? I once tipped a food truck guy $10 just because he reminded me of my uncle Barry. Let your inner-socio-economic barometer guide you. Trust your gut. Unless your gut says “zero,” in which case, shame on you.

Last year, my friend, Chad (yes, that Chad) tried to pay for his meal with Monopoly money. Don’t be like Chad.

Do foreigners tip in America?

Alright, so you wanna know ’bout tipping in the US, huh? Buckle up, buttercup, it’s a wild ride!

Is tipping optional? Technically, yeah. Like wearing pants to Walmart. You can skip it, but prepare for the stares.

But should you skip it? Nah, not really. Think of it as a social tax. A very, VERY strong suggestion.

Listen, 20% is basically the bare minimum now. It’s like showing up to a party with store-bought cookies. Acceptable, but not exactly brag-worthy.

• Why all this moolah, you ask? Well, servers often earn less than a squirrel hiding nuts, relying on tips to survive. Plus, it’s tradition! Yay, tradition!
• Don’t stiff ’em. Not unless the service was worse than my grandma’s meatloaf. Seriously, inedible.
• Some places automatically add gratuity for larger groups. So, check the bill before you start flashing that cash. Nobody likes a double-tipper except maybe the server.

So, you ask, “Is it fine not tipping 20% as a foreigner?” Hmm, let me tell you something. You could do it. I mean, freedom and all that, right? But get ready for some side-eye worthy of a hawk and some muttering that would make your hair curl. I mean, tip the folks, it’s a real nice gesture.

Bottom line? Tip. Seriously. Just do it. Unless you wanna become a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. Trust me. Nobody wants that kind of fame, unless you want it, lol!

What happens if you dont tip in America?

Tipping: Avoid the drama. 20-25% is expected. Don’t stiff your server. Seriously.

• Legal? Yes. Socially acceptable? Absolutely not.
• Consequences? Angry waiter. Maybe more.
• My experience? Once, in NYC, a server gave me the look. Never again. My credit card is now prepped for the hit.

Bottom line: Tip generously. It’s the system. 2024.