Tipping in New York: How much should you tip in New York?

January 29, 2024 New York Info Comments Off

Tipping in New York is, in contrast to many European countries, the most normal thing in the world. but who should you tip in New York and how much should you tip? In this blog we will tell you all about that.

Why should you tip in New York?

Tipping sufficiently in New York in a taxi or at a restaurant or in a hotel is very important. Most New Yorkers even think it’s rude if you don’t tip or tip too little. And many tourists experience this as an unnecessary money grab, but that is absolutely not the reason why you have to pay a tip in New York. Because in your own country it may be very normal to receive good service in a hotel, restaurant or bar, without having to pay extra for it. But this is different in New York and in other parts of America. Many jobs in New York are not very well paid and on average an employee in New York is paid $15.00 per hour. This is certainly not enough to live in this city! And many employees depend on the tip money to make ends meet every day.

Who to tip in New York

Tipping in New York is done at hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis, guides, chamber maids and even when someone helps you with your luggage, you are expected to tip.

How much to tip in New York?

Tipping in New York is done almost everywhere, but not everywhere you have to pay the same percentage in tip. Below we have listed a number of services for which paying a tip is required in New York.

1. Tipping in New York for Restaurant Service and Dinners

If you eat or drink something at a restaurant or dinner in New York, it is very important to leave sufficient tips. The standard tip percentage for wait staff in a restaurant or a diner is between 10% and 15% for poor service, and between 20% and 30% for good service. If you eat at a fast food chain, such as McDonalds or Burger King, you do not have to tip.

2. Tipping Bar Staff in New York

Tipping at bars in New York is normal and taken very seriously. And if you don’t pay a tip to the bartender or barmaid, you can even get into an argument with the bar staff. So if you have a drink in a bar, make sure you always tip the bartender or barmaid. The standard tip percentage in a bar is $1 per beer, soft drink or glass of wine. And for cocktails and spirits, you are expected to pay a $2 tip per drink. If you have several drinks and only pay the bill at the end of your visit, it is best to leave a tip of 20% on the amount you have to pay.

3. Tipping Taxi and Uber Drivers in New York

If you use a taxi or Uber in New York, paying a sufficient tip is very important, because for most taxi or Uber drivers the tip is sacred. And if you don’t tip or tip the driver too little, you can get into a lot of trouble. The standard tip percentage for taxi or Uber drivers in New York is between 20% and 30%.

4. Tipping in New York Hotels

You are also expected to tip in all hotels in New York. The tip percentage in Hotels is different. When using Room Service, it is best to leave a 15% tip, and if the Piccolo helps you with your bags, you can leave a 1 dollar tip per suitcase. Also leave $5 on your pillow every morning with a thank you note for the cleaners. They will therefore clean your room much better than if you do not tip.

5. Tipping tour guides in New York

In New York you can do many fun guided walking tours and bicycle tours. And at the end of the tour it is customary to pay the tour guide a tip of at least 5 dollars. Even if you go on a boat trip and there is a travel guide on board who tells you everything about New York, you are expected to pay a tip of at least 5 dollars at the end.

Is it mandatory to tip in New York?

No, tipping in New York is not mandatory, but don’t stick to the customs you are used to in your own country, and adapt to the customs of New York, because New Yorkers also pay a decent tip everywhere.

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