To Tip or Not to Tip: A New York Minute Dilemma
New York City: the land of dreams, overpriced apartments, and a tipping culture that could rival the plot of a Shakespearean tragedy. Let's dive into the murky waters of tipping etiquette in the Big Apple.
 |
| Is It Ok Not To Tip In New York |
Tipping: The New York Way
Now, you might be thinking, “Why would I tip someone to do their job?” And honestly, that’s a valid question. But in New York, tipping isn’t just about rewarding good service; it's often a significant part of a service worker’s income. So, while you’re free to be a Scrooge McDuck, remember, those dollar bills could be the difference between ramen noodles and a decent meal for your waiter.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Who to Tip and How Much?
Okay, so you’ve decided to embrace the tipping culture (or maybe your server is glaring at you). Who deserves a slice of your hard-earned cash? Well, the list is longer than a New York City phone number. From your waiter to your Uber driver, everyone seems to have their hand out. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a general guide:
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
- Restaurants: Aim for 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. If the service was exceptional, feel free to go higher. But if your waiter accidentally served you decaf instead of regular, well, you might want to reconsider that extra buck.
- Bars: A dollar per drink is standard, but if your bartender is crafting cocktails that could rival those of a seasoned mixologist, feel free to up the ante.
- Taxis and Uber: 15-20% is customary. Remember, those drivers navigate the concrete jungle daily. They deserve a little extra.
- Hotels: A few bucks for the bellhop, housekeeping, and room service is appreciated. But let’s be real, if you’re staying in a hotel that costs more than your monthly rent, you can probably afford to be a little more generous.
The Fine Art of Not Tipping
If you’re absolutely determined to buck the system and not tip, be prepared for some serious side-eye. But if you must, here are a few tips (pun intended):
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
 |
- Be discreet: Avoid loudly proclaiming your anti-tipping stance. It’s not going to win you any friends.
- Be prepared for consequences: Some places might refuse service if you don’t tip. It’s a harsh world out there.
- Consider the human element: Remember, those service workers are people too. A little kindness goes a long way.
How to Navigate the Tipping Maze
- How to calculate a tip quickly: Multiply the bill by 0.15 or 0.20 for a 15% or 20% tip, respectively.
- How to handle split checks: Each person calculates their tip based on their individual portion of the bill.
- How to tip with a credit card: Most places will add a tip line to the receipt.
- How to handle bad service: While you don’t have to tip, leaving a note explaining why can be satisfying.
- How to decide if tipping is customary: When in doubt, a quick Google search can save you from embarrassment.
Remember, tipping is a complex issue with no easy answers. But by understanding the basics and being mindful of the people who serve you, you can navigate the New York tipping scene with grace and confidence.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Now, go forth and tip (or don’t) as you see fit. Just be prepared for the consequences.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
