Acknowledging those who serve you in NYC

This is one of the most frequently asked questions on the New York City Trip Advisor Forum. It is also one of the most hotly debated.

Tipping is a part of our service economy, and all visitors should accept that it is part of our local culture.

 

Please do not try to avoid tipping in NYC simply because you don't believe in it or don't agree with the concept philosophically.

If you receive horrendous or offensive service, speak to a manager immediately. Be polite and to the point. It is customary to inform management and provide feedback about service problems. Don't be shy.

If you want to read all the debates about tipping and the finer points on how to do it, enter the words "tipping customs" in the search box on the NYC Forum.

MOST RESTAURANTS THOUGHOUT NYC  INCLUDE TIP IN YOUR BILL FOR GROUPS OF 6 OR MORE

  • This is usually indicated at the bottom of menus. Read the fine print.

RESTAURANTS IN TOURIST AREAS MAY INCLUDE TIP IN YOUR BILL, regardless of number of people

Restaurants in tourist areas serve many visitors from countries where tipping is not customary or is done differently. To avoid squabbles and explanations with every check, and to ensure tipping is done, many venues will add the tip as a "gratuity" or "service charge" at the bottom of your bill.

  • Read your bill carefully
  • Check if there is a "gratuity" or "service charge". There should be only one of these charges.
  • The tip should not be at an "extortionist" rate. Anything over 18% can be challenged.

MOST SERVICE PERSONNEL PREFER TIPS IN CASH, NOT ADDED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD CHARGE

 A GUIDE TO TIPPING

One of the regulars on the NYC Forum recently ran across this guide one a website / forum dedicated to service personnel here in the US. It pretty much covers all those who help make your vacation in the US more enjoyable and is a good basic guide. Tipping Standards - United States Note: There are no hard and fast rules about tipping, nor are there laws requiring tipping in the United States. The list below are generally accepted guidelines.

  • Waiters/Waitresses: 15% - 20% for average - good service, more for exceptional service.
  • Headwaiter/captain: May get a cut of table server's tip; so tip your server extra to reward captain, or tip captain separately.
  • Bartenders: $1 - $2 a round -or- 15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, $1 per alcoholic drink. If you tip well, and have more than 2-3 drinks, you'll probably get a "buy-back" - a drink on the house - as a reward.
  • Cocktail Waitresses: $1 - $2 per drink
  • Sommelier or wine steward: 15% of cost of the bottle
  • Buffet Servers: At least $1 per head if you get your own beverages. If you order beverages (or more) from the server, then you should tip 10-20% of the bill based on service quality.
  • Coatroom attendant: $1 per coat
  • Room Service: 15% - 20%
  • Valet Attendant: $2 - $5 average for each trip to the car, more may be appropriate given conditions. (Like weather or location)
  • Pool Attendant: $1 - $2 for each service (providing towels or lounge chairs)
  • Showroom Maitre d': $1 - $2 for preassigned seats
  • For unassigned seating, you may tip according to where you want to sit (usually a tip over $50 will guarantee your seat)
  • Washroom attendant: 50 cents to $1
  • Taxi driver: Varies depending on locality. Assume 15% will be enough; an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags.
  • Food delivery person: The Greater of 10% of the bill or $2.00. Should tip 15%-20% for a difficult delivery.
  • Grocery loader: Check with store policy if tips are accepted. If so, $1 for bringing bags to car; $1.50 to $3 if you have more than 3 bags.
  • Barber: 15% to 20%, minimum $1, for a haircut. For other services (shampoo, shave or manicure) tip $1 to $2 to service provider.
  • Hairdresser: 15% to 20%. (It is acceptable to tip owner, unless he or she says otherwise.)
  • Shampoo person: $2
  • Manicurist: 15%
  • Spa service: 15% to 20%. If service is provided by owner, no tip.
  • Coffee/food retailers w/ tip jars: Tip is optional.
  • Handyman: Tip is optional.
  • Gas attendant: Tip is optional.
  • Skycap at airport: $1 per bag if you check-in curbside; $2 per bag if skycap takes bags to check-in counter.
  • Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person for hailing a cab
  • Hotel bellhop: $1 per bag for bringing luggage to your room (but a $2 minimum if you have just one bag)
  • Hotel housekeeper: $2 to $5 per night
  • Tour guide: $2 - $5 per person in your party. But, first inquire with the tour company whether tips are included in the cost of the tour.
  • Hotel concierge: $5 for getting you tickets or reservations ($10-plus if they're hard to get). No tip required when you ask for directions.
  • Cruise: Varies. Ask cruise line about customary gratuities.

The general rule is that you do not need to tip on tax. Most people just look at the bottom line (tax included) and just tip on that.