New York City

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Tipping Culture

Overview of tipping customs in New York City, which are an essential part of the service industry.

Sections

General Overview of Tipping in NYC

  • Currency: Tipping is always done in U.S. dollars. Cash is widely accepted, but many establishments also allow tips to be added to credit card payments.
  • Why Tipping is Important: Many service workers in NYC rely on tips as a significant portion of their income, as their base wages are often lower than the standard minimum wage.
  • When to Tip: Tipping is expected in most service-related interactions, especially in restaurants, taxis, hotels, and personal services like salons or spas.

Tipping by Service Type

1. Restaurants and Bars

  • Sit-Down Restaurants:
    • Tip 15-20% of the pre-tax bill.
    • For exceptional service, tipping closer to 20-25% is appreciated.
    • If dining with a large group (6 or more), some restaurants automatically add a gratuity of 18-20% to the bill. Check before tipping extra.
  • Buffets: Tip 10% of the bill, or more if there is table service (e.g., drink refills).
  • Bars:
    • Tip $1-2 per drink for simple orders like beer or wine.
    • For cocktails or more complex drinks, tip $2-3 per drink.
    • If you’re running a tab, tip 15-20% of the total bill at the end.

2. Coffee Shops and CafΓ©s

  • Counter Service: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Many places have tip jars; leaving $1 or some spare change is common.
  • Baristas: If you order a specialty drink, tipping $1-2 is polite.

3. Taxis and Rideshares

  • Yellow Cabs: Tip 15-20% of the fare. You can round up to the nearest dollar for convenience.
  • Rideshare Services (e.g., Uber, Lyft): Tip 10-20% of the fare through the app or in cash. A minimum of $2-5 is common for shorter rides.
  • Airport Transfers: For longer rides, tipping $10-20 is customary, depending on the service and distance.

4. Hotels

  • Bellhops: Tip $2-5 per bag they assist with, depending on the weight and effort required.
  • Housekeeping: Tip $2-5 per night, left in cash in a visible spot (e.g., on the pillow or desk) with a note indicating it’s for housekeeping.
  • Concierge: If they provide a special service (e.g., securing hard-to-get reservations or tickets), tip $5-20, depending on the complexity of the request.
  • Valet Parking: Tip $2-5 when your car is returned to you.

5. Personal Services

  • Hairdressers/Barbers: Tip 15-20% of the total bill.
  • Spas and Massage Therapists: Tip 15-20% of the service cost.
  • Nail Salons: Tip 15-20%, with a minimum of $2-5 for smaller services like a manicure.

6. Delivery Services

  • Food Delivery: Tip 15-20% of the total bill, with a minimum of $3-5 for smaller orders. If the weather is bad (e.g., rain or snow), consider tipping extra.
  • Grocery Delivery: Tip $5-10, or more for larger orders or if the delivery person carries heavy items up multiple flights of stairs.

7. Tours and Activities

  • Tour Guides: Tip $5-10 per person for group tours, or 10-20% of the tour cost for private tours.
  • Bus Drivers (on guided tours): Tip $2-5 per person, especially for longer trips.

8. Other Services

  • Coat Check: Tip $1-2 per item when retrieving your belongings.
  • Restroom Attendants: Tip $1-2 if they provide a service (e.g., handing you a towel or toiletries).
  • Doormen: Tip $1-2 if they help you hail a cab or assist with luggage.

Tipping Etiquette and Procedures

  1. Cash vs. Card:
    • Cash is often preferred, especially for smaller tips (e.g., bellhops, housekeeping, or coat checks).
    • For restaurants and bars, you can add the tip to your credit card payment, but ensure you write the amount clearly on the receipt.
  2. Discretion: Hand cash tips directly to the person or leave it in a visible spot (e.g., for housekeeping). Avoid tossing money or being dismissive.
  3. Check for Automatic Gratuity: Some establishments, especially in tourist-heavy areas, may include a service charge or gratuity in the bill. Look for terms like "gratuity included" or "service charge" before tipping extra.
  4. Cultural Sensitivity: Tipping is not optional in NYCβ€”it’s a social norm. Failing to tip appropriately can be seen as rude or disrespectful.

Special Considerations

  • Tipping During Holidays: If you’re staying in NYC for an extended period, it’s customary to give holiday tips to service workers like doormen, building superintendents, or regular delivery people. These tips are usually higher and can range from $20-100, depending on the relationship and level of service.
  • Bad Service: If service is poor, it’s still customary to leave a small tip (e.g., 10%) rather than nothing at all. However, you can adjust the amount to reflect your dissatisfaction.
  • Tipping in Groups: When dining with a group, ensure everyone contributes their share of the tip. If gratuity is included, no additional tip is necessary unless you feel the service was exceptional.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only show appreciation for the hard work of service professionals in NYC but also avoid any cultural missteps. Tipping is a way to acknowledge good service and is deeply ingrained in the city’s culture, so it’s always better to err on the side of generosity.