Tips for World Cup Visitors: A Practical NYC Resource
Photo: Evan Angelastro
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. Be sure to show appreciation for the help you receive—and when possible, tip in cash. The only exception is for 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, generally pegged to amount percentages rather than flat numbers:
Hotel doorman: $2–$5 for hailing a cab.
Porters and bellhops: $1–$2 per bag.
Housekeeping: $7–$13 per day of your visit.
Waitstaff in restaurants: 20 percent of the total bill for dining in is standard. 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. Also not that many restaurants automatically add 20 percent gratuity for large parties (usually 6 or more; it is typically noted when reserving or somewhere on the menu; check your bill either way to see if the tip is already included).
Takeout: Tipping on takeout orders has become more commonplace since the pandemic—perhaps not expected, but 5–10 percent is fairly standard.
Delivery: Tipping for delivery is expected. Aim for 20 percent on most orders, and above that for large orders—say, those above $100.
Café counter service: optional for dispensing a drip coffee or handing you a pastry, though something, perhaps $1, is fairly standard to leave for baristas making you an espresso drink, someone making you a sandwich or similar. If you are paying with a credit card, you will see suggested percentages (likely 15, 18 or 20); feel free to choose a preset one, customize an amount or indicate no tip.
Bartenders: typically expect at least a $1 tip for every beverage they serve you (if the drinks are pricey, perhaps more than that). If you are paying your full tab with a credit card, add the usual 18–20 percent instead.
Taxi drivers and ride share apps: 15–20 percent of the total fare.
Hairdressers, nail technicians and other beauty services: 20 percent of the total service cost.
Tips for other service personnel, such as tour guides, coat-check staff and so on, are always appreciated.
New York City’s hospitality workers deserve to do their jobs in a safe and respectful environment. Unwanted attention isn’t harmless—it’s harassment. Creating safety and dignity in public spaces is a shared responsibility. Learn more about preventing and responding to harassment at nyc.gov.
Jackson Heights, Queens. Photo: Lucia Vázquez
Shop Small Businesses and Street Vendors
New York City is powered by small businesses. As you enjoy the excitement of the World Cup, we encourage you to support the neighborhood businesses that give the City its energy, flavor and character. Grab a coffee from a local café, enjoy a meal at a neighborhood restaurant, shop at a family-owned store or pick up a soccer-related item rom a street vendor.
In most NYC stores, restaurants and small businesses, prices are typically fixed and not negotiated. That said, some open-air markets and street vendors may have a more informal culture around pricing and souvenirs, though its always best to engage respectfully and kindly.
Tips for Buying from Street Vendors
Display Pricing: Look for prices posted on food truck and cart menus, and for prices posted on each item of merchandise for sale to confirm your total payment due.
Payment Methods: Ask before you order what methods of payment are accepted (cash, card, e-payment). Not all vendors accept cards or e-payment.
Food Safety First: Look for a letter grade posted on the outside of a food cart or truck to confirm the vendor is approved by the NYC Health Department.
Tipping Welcome! If you enjoyed your service, feel free to leave a tip in appreciation.
Consumer Protections for Visitors
Whether you’ve come to NYC to play, stay, shop or tour, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) protects you. If you have a problem with a business, report it right away (visit their website or call 311) so they can help while you’re here. Be sure to share documentation, including receipts. The following instructions come from the DCWP.
Businesses Licensed by the DCWP
Electronics
Look for the store’s posted refund policy before you pay.
Examine products closely to make sure they’re not used or refurbished and will work where you live.
Avoid buying extra warranties you may not need.
Get an itemized receipt and look closely for hidden fees or add-ons.
Keep boxes and original packaging in case you need to return products.
Hotels
The rate you pay must match the rate you’d booked. A hotel can’t add “destination fees,” “resort fees” or other service fees when you check in unless they were included when you booked. This applies to reservations through third-party booking sites.
Hotels must tell you about service disruptions that will affect your stay and let you cancel without penalty. Service disruptions include strikes, construction, or closed amenities like a pool.
Hotels must have continuous front desk coverage. Large hotels must also have a security guard.
Pedicabs
Look for posted rates before you ride. Rate must be per minute using a timer.
Pedicab drivers can’t charge tax, increase the price for additional passengers, or add other fees. They must give you a Pedicab Information Card.
Public Parking Garages and Lots
Look for the posted rate sign which must be at each entrance.
If businesses charge different rates for certain days of the week or for special occasions, they must post those rates directly under the regular rate sign or on a separate sign next to the regular rate sign.
Businesses can’t suddenly change rates. They must notify DCWP and post a time-stamped notice for customers for at least 60 days before they change rates.
Confirm rates before you park, check the time on your claim ticket, and save your receipt.
Sightseeing Guides and Buses
All guides must wear their DCWP license. This includes guides who offer walking, bus, and boat tours.
Bus operators must post rates at the entrance of the bus and where you can see them when seated.
Be sure to get receipts!
Guide receipts must include the guide’s or tour organization’s name, address, telephone number; DCWP license number; date the ticket was purchased; specific tour purchased; and total price.
Bus receipts must include the fare amount; the description or number of the trip; and the company’s DCWP license number.
Ticket Sellers
All ticket sellers who approach you on the street to buy tickets to events and attractions must wear their DCWP license.
Ticket sellers may not vend in an aggressive manner or intentionally touch you.
Additional Notes
Only pay Statue City Cruises to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. No one else can legally sell these tickets.
The Staten Island Ferry is always free. Do not buy a ticket for the Staten Island Ferry from a ticket seller.
Predatory Practices Regulated by the DCWP
Price Posting
Businesses must post prices where you order or where products are displayed.
If you don't see them, ask to see a price list.
The price you pay can’t be higher than the posted price which should show both the credit card and cash price for items. Businesses can’t add a credit card surcharge at the register.
Restaurant Surcharges
The price on the menu should be what’s on the bill when you pay.
Acceptable required fee: additional charge for staff due to a labor agreement.
Acceptable service charges include: charge to share a meal, minimum per-person charge.
Restaurants can charge certain service or required fees only if they are disclosed on the menu or signage.
False Advertising
Ads must describe the name and details of sale items and any restrictions.
“Bait and switch” ads that promise savings that aren’t actually available when you arrive at the store are illegal.
A Note About Street Performers
Busy tourist areas often have performers wearing costumes or playing music. They may approach you for a tip. Even if you watched their show or took their photograph, you do not have to give them money. If you feel you are being harassed, look for a nearby police officer or call 911.
Times Square. Photo: Kyle Deitz