How much to tip in NYC
Every city, including New York City, has its own tipping culture. If you are planning a trip to NYC you should know how much to tip in NYC. It is very important.
If you’re going to spend a lot of time in hotels, taxi cabs, and restaurants while in Manhattan, it’s important to learn proper tipping etiquette before you go.
The table below is an helpful summary:
| Taxi Drivers | 10% to 15% for a “normal” service
18% or more for a very nice and professional taxi driver that helps you with luggage and information |
| Waiters | 15% for a normal service
18% for a good service more than 18% and up to 25% for an excellent service |
| Bellhops | 1$ per bag for standard hotels
2$ per bag for high-class hotels |
| Hotel Maids | 2$ to 5$ per night |
| Doormen | 1$ to 2$ for special services (e.g. hailing a cab for you) |
| Bartenders | 15% to 20% on the final bill
1$ or 2$ per drink |
| Spas & Salons | 15% to 20% of the price of the service |
| Tour Guides | 15% to 20% of the price of the tour |
Below are the most common tipping situations that may arise during your trip to New York City, so make sure you read through them before you arrive.
How much to tip a Taxi Driver in New York
You should absolutely tip your taxi driver. All professional taxi drivers accept card payment, including tipping, so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash. The standard tip rate for a taxi driver is 10% to 15%; however, if the driver took you on a longer detour than necessary or was not a safe driver, that tip is not required. You can file a taxi complaint or report an unsafe taxi driver with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC).
If you are planning a trip to NYC, have a look at the AIRPORTS section in our blog for useful tips.
If you prefer taking the SUBWAY, read the related section in our blog
How much to tip a Waiter in NYC
While some restaurants in New York City include a gratuity fee in their bill, many do not, especially for smaller parties. In New York City, the standard tip for a waiter is 15% to 20%, but it’s not uncommon to tip up to 25% if you received particularly excellent service. A tip of 10% or less indicates that your service was subpar. No matter how slow the service was, you should never leave a restaurant without tipping the waiter.
Looking for nice restaurants in NYC? Have a look to the FOOD section in our blog
Tipping in NYC: Bellhops
When you check into your New York City hotel, a bellhop will most likely offer to assist you in carrying your luggage to your room. While this service is technically “free,” you are expected to tip the bellhop. A tip of $2 per bag is appropriate for higher-end hotels, while a tip of $1 per bag is appropriate for more standard hotels. Bellhops can also assist you with other tasks such as filling your ice tray and notifying the hotel staff of any sleeping accommodation requirements while you’re checking into your room.
Planning a NYC trip? Have a look to the HOTELS section in our blog
Hotel Maids: how much tip to give them
Hotel maids may go unnoticed, but that doesn’t mean they’re not doing their jobs. After you’ve checked out, it’s customary to leave a tip in your room for the hotel maids (or are on your way to checking out). The standard tip for hotel cleaning is $2 per night of your stay, and you can leave this tip in cash on any of the room’s surfaces before you check out.
Doormen in NYC & tipping
While you are not required to tip doormen every time they open a front door or press the elevator button for you, it is customary to tip one if he or she hails a cab for you. A $1 or $2 tip is appropriate for the doorman. Also, if you know it’s going to be a busy time of day and want a taxi waiting for you, let the doorman or front desk know ahead of time so that someone can schedule one for you.
How much to tip in NYC: Bartenders
Bartenders, like waiters, should receive a 15% to 20% tip with each drink you purchase or on the final bill. If you’re paying in cash, it’s customary to leave an extra $1 per drink under $7 and a $2 tip per drink over $7. Cocktail waitresses can be tipped in the same way. If you’re not paying by the drink, you can add the tip to your total bill.
Are you ready for the Nightlife in New York? Have a look to the NIGHTLIFE section in our blog
Spas and Salons: tipping policy
Even if they accept credit cards, many spas and salons expect you to tip in cash, so keep this in mind when you go to your next appointment.
Hairdressers expect 15-25 percent tips on all treatments, with those lasting more than an hour deserving of a larger tip.
If applicable, tip the assistant who washes your hair between $2 and $5.
Manicurists, masseuses, and aestheticians all expect a tip of between 15-20% of the bill.
How much to tip in NYC: Tour Guides
Tour guides, like most other service providers, rely on tips. In general, a 15-20% tip is appropriate, but tipping in these situations should also take into account the size of the tour group as well as the length of the tour. Furthermore, if the tour guide gives you a lot of personalized attention or extra advice or assistance, your tip should reflect that.
Small group tours with less than 15 participants should tip $15 to $25 per person; medium groups with 15 to 30 participants should tip around $10 per person; large groups with 30 or more participants should tip $5 each, and the driver should be tipped between $5 and $10 in all cases.
Looking for a great tour in NYC? Check the TOURS section in our blog