The expected gratuity in New York restaurants, and across the United States generally, is much higher than in the UK. In the US you are expected to leave a 15-20% tip, where as in the UK 10% is considered more than acceptable.
When I first arrived in New York it took me a while to get used to leaving such large tips, especially if the service wasn't that great! However, after a few months I got used to it and just allow for gratuity in the cost of a night out.
Restaurants often put a recommended service charge on the bottom of the bill, telling you what 15 % and 20% of the total bill amount would be. Personally, to make it easy for myself, I just double the tax which is in between 15% and 20% of the bill.
Make sure you read the bill carefully though as I have come across places where they add the service charge to the bill and then leave you room to put 'additional gratuity'. I think this is really cheeky, if they suggest a tip amount and you happily pay it they shouldn't really ask for more.
However, if the service is terrible don't feel like you have to leave a tip, but you may want to leave quickly and quietly and never go back there again ;-)
No comments:
Post a Comment