Tipping and Etiquette in New York City
Tipping in New York City is a de-facto economic obligation, not optional courtesy. The baseline is 20% at restaurants and for most personal services; 15–20% for taxis and ride-shares; and cash tips for hotel staff, delivery workers, and tour guides. Skipping a tip is immediately noticed and considered disrespectful.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Applicable citywide — all subway lines, buses, and taxis |
| Time needed | Ongoing — applies to every service interaction during your visit |
| Best time to go | Prepare before arrival: carry small bills ($1, $5, $20) for cash-only tip situations such as hotel porters, coat checks, and shuttle drivers |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much should I tip a food delivery driver in NYC?
- For orders under $100, tip 10–15%; for large or heavy orders over $100, tip 20%. Deliveristas (app-based delivery cyclists) work an average of 17.4 hours per week and take home under $20,000 annually, so tips are a critical part of their income. Tip more in bad weather or if they climb multiple flights of stairs.
- How much should I tip a bartender in NYC?
- At a bar, tip at least $1–$2 per drink for simple orders. If you're running a tab or ordering cocktails, tip 18–20% of the total when you pay. Bartenders notice tipping behavior quickly — regular tippers receive faster, better service.
- How much should I tip at a restaurant in NYC?
- 20% is now the standard baseline at sit-down restaurants in New York City, not a reward for exceptional service. Anything below 18% signals dissatisfaction, and servers depend on tips as the primary portion of their income since the minimum wage for waitstaff is $15/hr — not a living wage in this city.
- What is the tipping rule for tour guides in NYC?
- For small group or private tours, tip 20% of the ticket price. For large group tours of 30 or more people, $2–$5 per person is customary. Tour pricing is often set with the expectation that guests will tip, so skipping it directly impacts guide income.
- Do I need to tip hotel staff in NYC, and how much?
- Yes. Tip the hotel doorman $2–$5 for hailing a cab, bellhops/porters $1–$2 per bag, and housekeeping $3–$5 per day (leave it in the room daily, not just at checkout). A concierge who secures hard-to-get reservations or Broadway tickets warrants $5–$20 depending on the effort.
- When is a service charge or automatic gratuity added to my NYC restaurant bill, and do I still need to tip?
- Many NYC restaurants automatically add an 18% service charge for parties of six or more, and some add surcharges in tourist-heavy areas. Always check your bill for the words 'Service Included' or 'Gratuity Added' before tipping again. Under NYC rules, mandatory gratuities for parties of eight or more must be clearly disclosed on the menu or signage.
- How much do you tip a taxi or Uber/Lyft driver in NYC?
- Tip taxi drivers and ride-share drivers 15–20% of the total fare. This applies to both metered local rides and flat-fare airport trips. For Uber and Lyft, you can tip through the app or in cash after your ride.
- Do I have to tip at coffee shops and counter-service spots?
- Tipping is optional for basic drip coffee but customary for espresso drinks, specialty beverages, or custom orders — $1 or rounding up is standard. You are not expected to tip 20% for a black coffee, but leaving nothing repeatedly at the same shop sends a negative message.
Nearby in Ask New York City
- Best Months to Visit New York CityAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
- Getting Around New York City Without a CarGetting around0 km · 0 min walk
- 9/11 Memorial & MuseumMuseum0.64 km · 8 min walk
- OverstoryBar0.72 km · 9 min walk
- Brandy LibraryBar0.8 km · 10 min walk
Where to stay near Tipping and Etiquette in New York City
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Locals Score