Tipping in NYC: A Crash Course in Dollar Diplomacy
New York City. The city that never sleeps, where dreams are made and rent is astronomical. It's also a place where tipping is an art form, not just a financial obligation. So, grab your calculator (or just your phone) and let's dive into the wonderful world of tipping in the Big Apple.
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| How Much Do You Tip In Nyc |
Tipping: The NYC Way
Tipping in NYC is like ordering a pizza: everyone has an opinion, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But fear not, dear reader, we're here to shed some light on this complex issue.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
Restaurants: Let's start with the obvious. The standard tip for decent service in a NYC restaurant is 18-20%. But remember, this is a minimum. If your waiter/waitress went above and beyond (like, actually refilled your water without you asking), feel free to bump it up to 22-25%. And if they accidentally brought you a whole different meal, well, maybe stick to the 18%.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
Bars: Tipping your bartender is like buying them a tiny round of applause for their cocktail-making prowess. A dollar per drink is a good starting point, but if they're crafting you something that tastes like liquid gold, feel free to be more generous.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
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Taxis and Rideshares: While tipping your Uber driver might feel optional, it's actually quite customary. A 15-20% tip is standard, but if your driver knows the fastest route to avoid traffic or provides excellent conversation, feel free to tip more. As for taxis, the same rules apply. Just remember, those guys have to deal with NYC traffic, so a little extra appreciation goes a long way.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Hotels: From the bellhop to the room service waiter, there's a whole cast of characters in hotels who expect a tip. A general rule of thumb is $2 per bag for the bellhop, $2-5 per day for housekeeping, and 15-20% for room service.
Tipping Tips: Because You Can Never Have Too Many Tips
- Cash is King: While most places accept credit cards, it's always good to have some cash on hand for tipping.
- Round Up: If you're short on cash, round up your bill to the nearest dollar and leave the change as a tip.
- Split the Check Wisely: If you're splitting the bill with friends, calculate tips individually to avoid any awkwardness.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask: If you're unsure about how much to tip, politely ask a local or check online.
- Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, the best tip is one that comes from the heart. If you had a great experience, show your appreciation.
How To... Tipping Edition
- How to calculate a tip: Multiply the total bill by the desired percentage (e.g., 0.18 for 18%).
- How to tip in cash: Bring small bills for easy tipping.
- How to tip with a credit card: Add the tip amount to the bill before signing.
- How to tip for exceptional service: Go above and beyond the standard percentage.
- How to avoid tipping awkwardness: Communicate with your dining companions about splitting the bill and tips.
Remember, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service. So, go forth and tip with confidence (and maybe a little math)!
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