Tipping in the Big Apple: A Guide for the Clueless Tourist (and the Forgetful Local)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the land of a million dollar dreams...and a million confusing customs. One of the biggest head-scratchers for visitors (and forgetful locals like yours truly) is the whole tipping thing. Fear not, fellow traveler, for I am here to crack the code of New York tipping etiquette and turn you into a gratuity-giving guru (or at least someone who won't get chased down the street by a disgruntled waiter).
 |
| What is The Tipping Etiquette In New York |
The Big Three: Where Tipping is Mandatory (Unless You Want the Stink-Eye)
Restaurants: This is Tipping Ground Zero. In the land of overpriced burgers and endless refills, tipping your waiter is practically the law. The standard rate is 15-20% of the bill, with 20% being the golden standard for good service. Remember, these folks aren't exactly raking in the big bucks, so unless they brought you your steak well done when you ordered rare, a decent tip is a must.
Taxis: Hailing a yellow cab is practically a New York rite of passage. But alongside dodging jaywalkers and aggressive pigeons, there's the question of tipping your driver. The general rule is 10-15% of the fare, rounded up to the nearest dollar. Pro tip: If you get stuck in gridlock for an hour thanks to a rogue hot dog vendor, a little extra might go a long way in keeping your driver chill.
Hotel Staff: From the bellhop who hauls your suitcase the size of a small island to the housekeeper who wrangles your week-old pizza boxes, a little gratuity goes a long way. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag
- Housekeepers: $1-2 per night
- Concierge: A few bucks for minor requests, up to $20 for scoring you those elusive Broadway tickets
The Tipping Maybe Pile: When to Play It By Ear
Bartenders: $1-2 per drink is the norm, though feel free to adjust based on your cocktail complexity and the bartender's juggling skills (flair is worth a few extra bucks, obvs).
Baristas: While not mandatory, a dollar or two thrown in the jar is always appreciated by your friendly neighborhood caffeine dispenser.
Hairdressers and barbers: Similar to restaurant tipping, 15-20% is the standard here.
Remember: This is just a general guide. If someone goes above and beyond, feel free to be a tipping superhero! Conversely, if the service is subpar, you have some wiggle room to adjust the tip downward.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
 |
FAQ: Tipping Like a New York Pro
How to calculate a 20% tip? There are apps for that, but a simple trick is to move the decimal point in the total bill one place to the left and round up. Easy!
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
How to tip when paying by credit card? Most credit card machines will have a tip line. Just add your desired gratuity and sign away.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How much to tip for takeout? Tipping for takeout is less common, but if you feel the service deserves it (especially for large orders), 10% is a good rule of thumb.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
How to handle a pre-added gratuity? Some restaurants, especially for large parties, will automatically add a gratuity to the bill. In this case, you're usually good to go without adding an extra tip.
How to avoid awkward tipping situations? Carry cash! While many places accept credit card tips, having some bills on hand ensures a smooth transaction, especially for things like cabs and street performers.
Now you're armed with the knowledge to navigate the tricky world of New York tipping! Go forth and conquer, generous gratuity guru!
 |
