Tipping in NYC: What You Need to Know

Tipping in NYC can be confusing, especially for international visitors. If you’re coming from a country where tipping isn’t part of everyday life, North America’s tipping culture might feel a bit overwhelming at first.

North America has a unique relationship with tipping, and New York City sits right at the center of it.

I’m from Toronto, just across the border, and while both cities share a similar energy, the expectations around tipping still catch people off guard.

Over the years, new tipping situations have emerged, such as cafés and counter-service spots, which make things feel a little more complex.

However, when it comes to sit-down restaurants, bars, taxis, and other services, tipping remains the standard.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying longer, it’s helpful to understand when tipping is expected, when it’s optional, and what amount is considered appropriate.

Why Tipping Matters in NYC

New York is a fast-paced city where service plays a huge role in everyday experiences, from grabbing a meal to taking a cab or getting help with your bags.

In most cases, tipping isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s part of how service workers earn a livable wage.

Many hospitality jobs in the U.S. pay below minimum wage, with the expectation that tips will make up the difference.

This is especially true in NYC, where the cost of living is high and service standards are equally elevated.

While tipping might feel optional to some visitors, it’s seen as a sign of respect for the work being done, and in many situations, it’s expected.

Tipping at Restaurants in NYC

Tipping at restaurants in New York City isn’t optional; it’s expected. For full-service, sit-down dining experiences, the standard tip ranges from 18% to 20% of the pre-tax bill.

While 15% may be seen as acceptable in some parts of the U.S., it’s considered on the low end in NYC unless the service was poor.

If you’ve received outstanding service or dined somewhere upscale, it’s common to tip 20% or more.

Some restaurants may even prompt higher percentages on the card reader, especially in busy or high-end neighborhoods in NYC like the West Village, SoHo, and Tribeca.

While tipping is always at your discretion, remember that servers in the U.S. rely heavily on tips to make a living; it’s not just a bonus, it’s a core part of their income.

If you’re visiting from a country where tipping isn’t customary, this cultural norm may take a moment to adjust to, but it’s an essential part of the NYC dining experience.

Also worth noting: some restaurants in NYC automatically include a service charge for larger parties (usually six or more), so always double-check your bill before tipping; you don’t want to tip twice by accident.

By the way, if you’re visiting NYC during a busy time, such as the holidays, it’s best to make a restaurant reservation in advance. I recommend using Resy and OpenTable, both of which are convenient mobile apps for making reservations.

Tipping at Cafés & Quick Bites

Tipping in casual spots, such as cafés, coffee shops, bakeries, food trucks, and quick-service counters, can be a bit confusing, especially for international visitors.

In NYC, it’s common to see digital tipping screens suggesting 15%, 18%, or even 20% on a simple cup of coffee.

While these suggestions are optional, a $1 tip or rounding up is a nice gesture if the service is friendly or if you’re a regular. Baristas and counter staff typically appreciate even small tips.

If you’re grabbing a bottled drink or a pre-made sandwich, there’s no pressure to tip. But if someone’s making a customized drink or prepping your food fresh, it’s courteous to throw a little something their way.

For places like takeout sushi counters, salad bars, or delis where food is prepared to order, tipping around 10% is appreciated, especially if the service goes beyond the basics.

As for tipping jars or digital kiosks, don’t feel obligated, but know that a small tip can go a long way in a fast-paced city like New York.

Tipping at Bars, Lounges & Rooftop Venues

New York City’s bar scene is iconic, from low-key dive bars to sleek rooftop lounges with skyline views. However, no matter the vibe, tipping remains an integral part of the experience.

At a standard bar, $1–$2 per drink is the norm. If you’re running a tab or ordering cocktails that require more effort, tipping 18–20% of the total is expected.

In upscale lounges or trendy rooftop spots where cocktails cost $18 or more, tipping at a rate closer to 20% is the standard, especially when table service is involved.

If you’re seated and being looked after by a server, treat it like a restaurant; the same 20% rule applies.

And if you’re receiving bottle service or a dedicated host? Gratuity is often included, but double-check your bill. If it’s not, 20% or more based on the total is the go-to.

Ultimately, tip based on the service, but remember, NYC is expensive to live in, and bartenders and servers in NYC depend heavily on those tips to make a living.

Tipping for Hotels & Luggage Services

Staying in New York City often means interacting with hotel staff who go the extra mile to make your stay smooth, and tipping is a way to show appreciation for that.

Bellhops typically expect $2–$3 per bag, especially if they’re handling multiple suitcases or navigating tight elevators.

If they go out of their way, say, helping with storage or bringing things up late, consider giving a bit more.

Housekeeping is often overlooked but well-deserving. A general rule is $2–$5 per night, ideally left daily, since the person cleaning your room might change each day.

If you’re staying in a luxury hotel or somewhere with concierge service, tipping isn’t mandatory.

Still, it’s appreciated, especially if the concierge books hard-to-get reservations, secures show tickets, or helps with luggage storage or travel advice. In those cases, the standard tip is $5–$20, depending on the level of service.

And yes, families or anyone with extra needs (cribs, extra towels, multiple room requests) should keep in mind that a slight extra tipping goes a long way in maintaining that high level of service throughout your stay.

Tipping Taxi Drivers & Rideshares (Uber/Lyft)

Getting around NYC by cab or rideshare is common, especially if you’re hopping between boroughs or heading out late at night.

For yellow cabs, tipping is expected. The screen will usually offer quick-tip buttons: 15%, 20%, or 25%.

Most people opt for 15 – 20%, depending on the ride and the driver’s attitude. If they helped with bags or navigated traffic like a pro, a bit extra doesn’t hurt.

With Uber or Lyft, tipping is done through the app. There’s no hard rule here, but again, 15 – 20% is a good range.

You might want to tip more for things like spotless cars, engaging conversation, or if they waited patiently for you at a pickup point.

Personally, I always chat with my drivers. I’ll often ask them for their go-to food spots in the city, then look them up and save them.

If they give me a solid recommendation, I make sure to leave a generous tip. You’d be surprised how many local gems you can uncover this way.

Tipping Tour Guides & Group Activities

Whether you’re walking through the autumn leaves of Central Park on a history tour, joining a food crawl in the Lower East Side, or biking across the Brooklyn Bridge, tipping your tour guide is the norm, especially for small-group or private tours.

For paid tours, a tip of 10–20% of the tour price is standard. If your guide went above and beyond, offered great storytelling, answered every question, or kept the vibe fun, aim for the higher end of that range.

For free or “pay-what-you-wish” tours, tips are how the guides make their living. In these cases, $10–$20 per person is considered a respectful amount, depending on the length and quality of the experience.

Guides often spend hours prepping routes, memorizing facts, and tailoring experiences. If they made your day memorable, it’s worth showing some appreciation.

When Tipping Is Already Included

In some cases, the tip or gratuity is automatically added to your bill, and this is especially common in New York City for larger groups.

Restaurants often include an automatic 18–20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. You’ll usually see this clearly listed on the bill, so double-check before tipping again.

High-end hotels may also include service charges for services such as room service or bellhop assistance.

Always scan your receipt, and if you see “service charge included,” then additional tipping is optional (though still appreciated if the service was excellent).

At some tourist-heavy bars, rooftop lounges, or restaurants, a “hospitality fee” or “admin fee” may also be listed; this isn’t always a tip for the staff. If you’re unsure, ask your server or bartender before skipping a tip.

Bottom line: Always check the fine print before adding a tip; it’s the easiest way to avoid double-tipping without underappreciating the service.

Final Thoughts on Tipping in NYC

Overall, when it comes to tipping, visiting New York City for the first time can definitely be a little confusing, especially if you’re coming from a country where tipping isn’t the norm.

Unlike other places you might’ve traveled, tipping in NYC isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected, and it’s deeply ingrained in the culture here, just like much of North America.

In a city as expensive as New York, many workers in service-related jobs rely heavily on tips to make a livable wage.

And while I personally believe livable wages should be standard, and yes, that’s a topic we could explore in a dozen different directions, I’ll save you the TED Talk. The reality is: tipping matters here.

Whether you’re at a restaurant, in a cab, or taking a walking tour through SoHo, tipping goes a long way. Disregarding tipping is a common mistake in NYC that tourists should avoid as guests.

When in doubt, 15 – 20% is the standard. It may feel odd at first, but once you get used to it, it becomes just another part of the NYC rhythm, and a great way to show appreciation for good service in a fast-paced city that never really slows down.

One of the best travel tips for your visit to NYC is to get an international debit card, such as WISE, which allows you to exchange currency through the mobile app with competitive rates and withdraw US dollars from any ATM in the city.