Tipping and Sales Tax
Here's a handy guide to help you when eating out, taking taxis and making purchases.
Tipping
New Yorkers in the service industries (hotels, restaurants and transportation) usually have gratuity factored into their wages, so tips are expected and greatly appreciated. You don’t have to go overboard, but be sure to show appreciation for the help you receive. The only exception is restaurants that implement a no-tipping policy—they either add on a service or administrative charge or they raise their prices and use the overage to pay their workers a higher hourly rate (the policy will typically be indicated on the menu or bill). In lieu of that, here’s how much you should tip:
Hotel doorman: $2–$5 for hailing a cab.
Porters and bellhops: $1–$2 per bag.
Housekeeping: $2–$5 per day of your visit, depending on the services supplied.
Waitstaff in restaurants: 15–20 percent of the total bill (the higher end has become more of the norm). This is the one place where you really must tip; unless you’ve had awful service, staff may look askance at anything less than 15 percent.
Bartenders: typically expect at least a $1 tip for every beverage they serve you (and if the drinks are pricey, perhaps more than that). If you are paying your full tab with a credit card, add the usual 15–20 percent instead.
Taxi drivers and ride share apps: 10–20 percent of the total fare.
Hairdressers: 15–20 percent of the total service cost.
Tips for other service personnel, such as tour guides, coat-check staff, baristas and so on, are always appreciated.
Sales Tax
While price tags may display one number, they typically don’t include tax. The sales tax on most goods and services in New York City is 8.875 percent, but there are a few exceptions:
There is no sales tax on many food items purchased at grocery stores (heated or otherwise prepared foods are an exception), diapers or prescription drugs.
There is no sales tax on clothing or footwear under $110.
For more information, visit the NYC Department of Finance website or 311.