We at New York Habitat think it is really useful to explain to our traveling clients, many of whom are newcomers, about tipping customs in New York, especially since the customary amount to leave is not always indicated on bills.
In comparison with most foreign cultures, New York’s gratuity is high, but is expected in restaurants, bars, and taxis. Here are a few pointers often underlined by many New York travel guides, including the New York Magazine article, “Tipping Points” to help you know when and how much tip you should leave for the goods and services you receive.
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New York waiters are not salaried employees and they rely on tips as their pay. Traditionally, customers will pay a tip totaling around 15 to 20% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. An easy way to calculate this is to double the quantity of tax that is printed on your check, which is 8.25% in New York City. In high-end restaurants, 20% is standard. For groups of six or more, the gratuity may be included in the check itself, but keep in mind that even for smaller groups, some restaurants will still add it in, especially if they sense that the customer is from a region where tipping is uncommon. Also, remember that in some establishments tips are divided among multiple employees.
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In bars, tips are normally one dollar per drink. However, in upscale bars, two dollars is normal for more expensive drinks. Bartenders, like waiters, are not compensated workers, and live off of customer gratuity.
- By contrast, in smaller eating establishments like delis, pizzerias, and bodegas, it is usually up to you to decide if or how much you would like to give. The employees here are paid in wages, so a tip is not necessary.
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For beauty salons and barbershops, tips vary depending on how much time and effort is put into the service. According to a New York Magazine article, if beauticians and a lot of assistants spend 45 minutes blow-drying your hair, that should be a $10 tip. But if it takes a shorter amount of time, the tip should be calculated accordingly. You should tip all the assistants that help with the process.
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Lastly, remember to tip your taxi driver. Generally, cab drivers anticipate tips of about 15% of the fare, with a minimum of two dollars. Make sure you have singles on you —cab drivers don’t always have change on them. If your driver is particularly helpful with your luggage or gives you travel advice, it is normal to give him an extra dollar or two.
By tipping correctly in New York, you will be sure to receive quality service the next time you frequent the same restaurant or bar, or by chance ride with the same cab driver. Happier servers and drivers are more likely to make your experience in a New York accommodation particularly enjoyable.
This U.S. tipping culture has become absurd. It’s time for America to come out of the dark ages and ensure that waiters, bartenders and the rest of these “unsalaried workers” are paid a normal wage. I would much rather pay more for my restaurant meal as a result so that employees would receive a wage, than have to leave these folks a “voluntary” (not) tip. How demeaning for both tippee and tipper.
Fully agree with Dot