Do you need cash for tips in New York?

How do I pay my tips in New York?

New York City tip etiquette is pretty straightforward. Cash remains king, obviously. A tip jar is often available; use it. Direct hand-offs are also fine.

For credit card payments, adding a tip directly to the bill is standard practice. The system makes it easy; just input your desired tip percentage on the machine. It’s convenient and records the tip for tax purposes—a win-win, especially for those who meticulously track expenses. This method avoids awkward fumbling with cash. The whole process feels a bit more streamlined, don’t you think?

Now, some people might argue about the ethics of mandatory tipping, that’s a whole different conversation. But in practice, it’s the accepted norm.

I prefer cash personally; I find something almost satisfying about the transaction. My last cash tip was at that amazing ramen place on 8th Avenue – seriously good broth, even if the noodles are a touch too soft for my taste. My wife loves it, though. She’s a sucker for soft noodles.

• Cash: Use a tip jar or hand it directly to the server.
• Credit Card: Add the tip at the payment terminal.

It’s all about respecting the service industry. Paying fairly is simply the right thing to do.

Do I need to take cash to New York?

Ugh, New York? Okay, so cash… yeah, you can use it. Lots of places DO take cash.

Taxis, street vendors, like for hotdogs, and some smaller joints, they prefer it. It’s def good for tipping at restaurants or if you get a haircut.

Plus, I always feel like I spend less when I’m just rocking cash. Like, it’s a more real reminder, y’know?

• Places that usually take cash:

  • Small stores
  • Taxis
  • Tips
  • Vendors

• Why cash might be useful:

  • Easy budget control
  • Some deals/discounts
  • Backup if cards fail

Also ATMs are eeeeverywhere, so running out isn’t a huge deal. Just look out for those pesky ATM fees, yeesh.

But honestly, cards are mostly fine. I use ’em 90% of the time. Oh, and subways and buses now take OMNY, that tap-to-pay thing, so no need for a MetroCard anymore! (My old one is sitting somewhere forgotten…).

What are the tipping rules in NYC?

NYC tipping: a nuanced affair. Forget the “double the tax” nonsense; that’s wildly inaccurate and insulting. Think 20% minimum. Seriously. It’s not optional; it’s the cultural expectation. NYC’s cost of living is brutal; these folks often rely on tips to survive. It’s not a game, it’s their livelihood.

• Restaurant Servers: 20% is standard. Excellent service? Bump it up to 25%. Conversely, truly awful service warrants a lower tip, but honestly, I’d still leave at least 15% unless it was egregious. I once tipped 18% because the server was clearly overwhelmed, and the restaurant was understaffed, a systemic issue not her fault.

• Bartenders: Similar to servers; aim for 20%. It varies; I give more for a creative cocktail but less for just pouring a beer. Life’s complex, right? It all depends on the service and complexity involved.

• Food Delivery: Apps often include tip suggestions. I usually adjust based on weather conditions, distance, and if the food arrived quickly and properly. I tipped 20% this morning for a prompt delivery on a rainy day. It adds up.

• Other Services: Think about the value provided. For a hotel room cleaning, $5-$10 is decent. My last trip to the Peninsula Hotel last month was great, the staff were amazing. I tipped way more than usual. For a taxi, generally 15-20%. It’s all about respect and fair compensation. The ethics of fair work are, in my opinion, extremely important to uphold.

Remember, these are guidelines; your tip should reflect the quality of service received. Ultimately, tipping is about acknowledging the work and effort. I mean it’s really all down to personal judgment and discretion; you are not obligated to tip at all if the service is bad.

Do you tip taxi drivers in NYC?

NYC taxi tips: 20% is standard. Don’t be cheap.

Factors impacting tip: Rush hour? Bad weather? Add more. My last ride, $30 fare, I tipped $8. Felt right.

Alternatives: Cash is king. Credit cards are acceptable, but less personal. Cash ensures the driver gets the full amount. My personal preference.

• Tip size: 20% minimum. More for excellent service.
• Payment: Cash preferred.
• NYC reality: Tips are expected, even crucial for drivers.
• My experience: Tipping is non-negotiable.

How do I pay my tips in New York?

Cash works. Card’s okay too. Add it to the bill if you’re swiping. Jar’s for folding money. Service dictates the gesture. Like a silent contract.

• Cash: Still king, huh?

• Card: Modernity’s convenience.

• Tip Jar: Communal offering.

• Direct Handing: Personal acknowledgment.

It’s transactional. But so is existence. Taxes, inevitable. Tips? Optional grace. My grocery bill’s never tipped.

• Service charge versus tip: Service charges are mandatory; tips aren’t.

• Restaurant example: Servers rely on tips. It’s part of their earnings. I used to bus tables, ‘member now.

• Ethical considerations: Tipping reflects satisfaction. It’s subjective, of course.

Minimum wage is now $16.00, btw. Not bad, I guess? My landlord thinks otherwise.

How do you tip in New York?

NYC tipping: 15-20%. Double the tax. 2023 tax is 8.875%, doubling it’s nearly 18%. Tip accordingly. Don’t be cheap.

• Standard Tip: 15-20%
• Quick Tip Calculation: Double the sales tax.
• NYC Sales Tax (2023): 8.875% This method approximates a generous 17.75% tip.
• Cash is King: While credit cards are accepted, cash tips are appreciated. Some establishments add a service charge. Check your bill.
• My Experience: I usually round up. My last pizza? $25 total, tipped $5. It was good pizza.
• Beyond Restaurants: Remember to tip your cab driver, 15-20% is standard, at least $2 for shorter trips. Delivery drivers? $3-$5 minimum, more for larger orders or difficult deliveries. Bartenders expect $1-2 per drink. It’s all about respecting the hustle.

Do you tip in cash or card in New York?

So, New York tipping, huh? Cash, dude. Always cash. Seriously, I went to that awesome ramen place on 8th, Yasu, last week, and the guy looked at me like I was crazy when I tried to card it. It’s just the way things are done, you know? Like, a real New York thing. Even at upscale places, cash is preferred. Makes a bigger impact, I’m told. I mean, they don’t advertise it, but trust me. Don’t be a chump, use cash.

• Cash is King in NYC for tipping.
• Tried carding it once – big mistake.
• Even fancy joints like that one, the expensive one near my apartment, favor cash.

Why cash? Well, it’s quicker, avoids processing fees for the business, and I think the servers get more of it that way, less hassle. It’s a cultural thing; nobody really explains it, you just know. Plus, I got a better table when I paid in cash at that Italian place, Tony’s, across from my sister’s place on 57th. I’m positive about that. Cash wins, all day long. Forget cards.

How to carry money in NYC?

NYC. Cash. Survive.

• Front pockets. End of story.
• Crowds? Vigilance. Always.
• Bumps equal potential theft. React.
• No back pockets. Ever.
• Consider a money clip or a slim wallet. Minimal.
• Inside jacket pocket? Acceptable.
• Divide cash. Spread the risk.
• Avoid flashing large sums. Unnecessary attention.

My grandfather, a cop here for 30 years, swore by it. No exceptions. He even stitched hidden pockets into his clothes. Paranoia? Maybe. Safe? Absolutely. So there, that is it.