All About Tipping in New York

In the United States, tipping is standard practice and you’ll need to follow it. Tips correspond to service charges, not just a small extra amount you give if you feel like it. Here’s how it works.

How much should you tip at New York restaurants?

• Let’s be clear: whether you’re satisfied or dissatisfied with the service at New York restaurants, you must pay the service charge. The quality of service doesn’t determine whether you tip—it’s expected regardless. The tip is part of how servers are paid.
• In the United States, the standard restaurant tip is now 20% of the bill. Take the amount shown on your check and add 20%.
• After that, you can add a little extra based on your satisfaction, just like anywhere else. If the service was particularly good, you might add an additional 5%.
• However, you don’t need to tip at fast food restaurants and delis where you serve yourself. Tipping applies when someone serves you.
• Important: before adding a tip, check that one hasn’t already been added to your bill. You’ll see it listed if it has. Some restaurants now automatically add the tip to prevent visitors from leaving without paying it.

Who should you tip at hotels and how much?

• The bellhop who takes your luggage from the taxi trunk expects a tip. Count on $1 to $2 per bag.
• Give $1 to the doorman when he calls a taxi for you and holds the car door open. Don’t try to get in the taxi without tipping—the door might slam shut on you. It’s just how things work in the United States.
• If you use the concierge’s services, tip accordingly: $1 to $10 depending on what they do for you. If you just ask for a map or directions, no tip is necessary. It should be for an actual service like making a restaurant reservation or booking an activity.
• Remember to leave a tip for the housekeeping staff: at least $5 per day. Place the bills clearly on the desk or nightstand. To avoid confusion, you can add a note that says “Thanks” next to the money.

Should you tip in transportation?

• Tipping applies only to private vehicle transportation. You don’t need to tip the bus driver or the New York subway operators.
• If you take a taxi in New York, add 15% of the fare. You can increase this if the driver gets out to help you with luggage or takes a shortcut to avoid traffic. Anything beyond 15% is up to you.
• If you take a shuttle between the airport and your hotel in Manhattan, tip the driver when you get out. Plan on $2 to $5 depending on your satisfaction (a driver who helps with your bags deserves more than one who stays in the seat).

Should you tip at theaters?

• Yes, ushers expect a tip: $2 to $5. Tips are often their only income. This applies to all Broadway musicals and shows.

How much should you tip a tour guide?

• If you take one of our guided tours of New York, it’s customary to tip your guide $5 to $15 per person at the end of the tour. It works the same way as other services where someone is taking care of you for an extended period.
• Keep in mind that tips are important to guides and make up a significant part of their income.