Tipping guidelines

Three days to go. Its my third trip (first for the teenagers) and I feel ok about restaurant and bar tipping (though I%26#39;m still interested in comparisons). Its the hire cars that have a fixed price from JFK of $40 + toll + tip. What should that be and is 10 - 15% a good guide for taxi tipping? Any other tipping tips?

Thanks,

Ken

Tipping guidelines

10%-15% is good for taxis. If you%26#39;re feeling really generous and have an exceptional driver, maybe 20%. For restaurants, 15%-20% for a tip is proper. However, if you have really bad service, you shouldn%26#39;t feel obliged to tip that much--on the other hand, for great service, always 20%. When you get the check at the restaurant, look closely--some places add in the gratuity. For the hotel maid, leave $2-$3 dollars a day, and please leave something everyday. Sometimes people leave the tip at the end of the stay. When you do that, the maid who cleaned your room throughout your stay may not be the one who cleans it on the last day. Leave the maid%26#39;s tip either in the bathroom by the sink or some people leave it on a bed pillow. Enjoy your stay!

Tipping guidelines

1. The flat rate from JFK airport to Manhattan in a LICENSED NYC yellow taxi cab is $45 + tip + tolls, if any. Get in the taxi stand line (queue) and wait for the dispatcher to assign you a cab. Let the dispatcher know if you have any special needs (large group, disability, lots of luggage, etc.) and hopefully they will try to accomodate.

All official NYC taxi are yellow, have the same license nuber on the roof light and license plate, and have a ';medallion'; (saucer-sized metal plaque) welded to the roof of their car hood. They are all metered, and you should ask for a receipt when you pay, just in case you need to track down that lost cello you left in the back seat! ;o)

2. Private livery cabs (';for-hire'; cars), limo companies, other car services, etc. charge their own rates. Check their websites for rates or call them (e.g.: www.crownlimo.com, www.carmellimo.com, etc.) to arrange for a pick-up. Or you can use the courtesy phones at the luggage carousels. If you use a car service, print out your confirmation so that the driver can%26#39;t change your fare on the fly.

3. Tipping. Usually 15 - 20% of cost of any service before any other add-ons (tax, tolls, etc.)

Search this forum for words like ';tipping'; or ';how much to tip'; or ';tipping etiquette';, and you%26#39;ll find previous discussions such as this heated debate!

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4. Never take a ride from anyone in the airport terminal/luggage carousel area who offers their taxi.

Many thanks - never would have thought about the maid. Can%26#39;t wait to look up the heated debate

Ken, the taxi from JFK is $45 plus $4.50 toll (unless you go over the 59 Street bridge which is unlikely)which comes to $49.50 and I would give the driver $57. Ken