New York Spending Money

ferf1223

little_miss_muppet_face wrote: »

Really ? is that for bars restaurants etc...?

No, not really...tips are standard in the US.
Remember that in most places the US waiters and waitresses make less than minimum wage...on the basis that they are tipped.

One of the reasons that you get so much better service in the US as standard (not everytime, not everwhere, but in general - no doubt about it)...because your server has a real monetary incentive to do a good job.

scoobyju1

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

Don't forget it's very rude to tip, just pay the amount stated no more,
I never do.

Rude to tip who?

I generally tip most when I visit the US. Taxi drivers, waiters, bar persons, chambermaids etc.

bleepandbooster

I'll give you a tip .......... "Don't stand up in a dinghy on a windy day"

Cofion
David

claire16c

little_miss_muppet_face wrote: »

Really ? is that for bars restaurants etc...?

He must be trying to wind you up.

Its very rude not to tip in the US. Everyone there will want a tip lol And yes in bars, not just restaurants. Tour guides, taxis.

But the service is much better. I normally try to get some $1s in change at the airport, you'll be needing them!

little_miss_muppet_face

Usually we go to Florida.. and over on the florida forum that i am a member off tipping threads usually turns into a HUUUGE debate...
I am of the understanding that you do tip.. unless of course you are not happy with the service.
I will continue to tip..
Gee.. glad we got that sorted... could just see me getting filthy looks from all the waitresses for not tipping them :eek:

PurplePow

We went last year for 4 nights and took just over £500 each, we did lots of shopping (something from Tiffany & Co. lots in abercrombie etc.) and did tons of sights, no shows not our thing, ate in one restaurant and rest of time did cheaper places and pizza's to keep cost down, plenty of money.

neilbond007

little_miss_muppet_face wrote: »

Usually we go to Florida.. and over on the florida forum that i am a member off tipping threads usually turns into a HUUUGE debate...
I am of the understanding that you do tip.. unless of course you are not happy with the service.
I will continue to tip..
Gee.. glad we got that sorted... could just see me getting filthy looks from all the waitresses for not tipping them :eek:

15% is the norm. 20% for good service.
If you leave no tip they'll think you've forgot. If you get bad service leave them a $1 tip. Shows you remembered and were less than impressed...

Bob_the_Saver

I repeat, I never tip. It's their problem not mine. I pay the bill for what I have had, it is not my job to pay the staff it is the employers. If people stopped tipping the workers would have to be paid a proper wage.
The fact some people tip is WHY they are not paid a proper wage.
I wasn't brought up in Yorkshire to start paying more than I have to now. If a waitress gives you a filthy look give her one back.
This is the MSE web-site not a registered charity web-site.

ferf1223

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

I repeat, I never tip. It's their problem not mine. I pay the bill for what I have had, it is not my job to pay the staff it is the employers. If people stopped tipping the workers would have to be paid a proper wage.

A 'proper' wage being far less than the good ones can currently make in waitstaff wage + tips = all the good ones quitting to do something else (many only do it because they know if they make an extra effort they can make a good living this way, after all) and the customer being stuck with rubbish service from those who are happy to make that 'proper' wage.

It's certainly your choice to do as you please...but I'll keep tipping, thanks.

astramax151

Hmm, I have a feeling Bob The Saver is a comedian/wind up merchant, if not he is a VERY GRUMPY MAN.... Tipping is the norm in New York + the service reflects this. You can tell this by going in a supermarket or pharmacy, where tipping isn't expected, the staff are generally disinterested, do not make eye contact or even register your existence. In a restaraunt/diner the staff will usually be polite + attentive + the tip should reflect this.

M4RKM is your man for advice, I've read his posts + had his advice on another forum + he really does know New York..

On the spending money front, 2 of us took $1600 for 5 days + came back with $600, so you should be ok. We did pre-book Empire State Building + Top of the Rock tickets, which i would recommend. We also ended up seeing a Broadway show when we were there + I paid for those on a Post Office credit card, which is well worth having as a back up plan in case you decide to do something similar (no charges/commision etc)