Why is it that in NYC you have to leave a tip for everything?

I don't know where you're from, but tipping is standard throughout the US not just in NYC. And while, yes, these workers are being paid to do their jobs they're being paid low amounts specifically because it's expected that they'll be tipped.

You get the reminder from them because so many foreign visitors don't tip, whether because they don't know (which is unlikely) or just choose not to. As a New Yorker, I've never had a cab driver "it's __ dollars plus tip." They'll only say that if you're obviously not a New Yorker. We certainly know, and are going to do it.

But again, not just a New York thing. You'll be expected to tip in any city in the US.

New York is an expensive place to live. The people that work in low paying jobs need all the money they can get to even keep the electricity on and feed their kids that is why I personally tip. I used to be a poor student in New York so I can remember what it was like not having enough money to catch the bus home so I would have to walk from Midtown to Brooklyn. Now it has turned around and I have more money than I could ever need so if its not going to make a difference to me it might as well be a big tip and allow the waiter to buy his kid a new toy or something necessary. I assume because you will be holidaying in New York you can probably afford to feed everyone in your family, so don't be cheap and give a crappy tip, be generous and if they give you great service be even more generous. It might not be a financial difference to you but it might mean keeping the heating on for a waiter that lives in a Harlem housing project.

And yes they do get paid for opening a door but you wouldn't believe how low its like $3 an hour so they rely on tips. I originally come from Australia so its not common to leave tips because the waiters get paid about $20 an hour, now can you see why tips are necessary in the most expensive city in the world?

good luck.

Tipping in NYC isn't any different than any other major city in the country. Taxi drivers, hotel maids, doormen, tour bus guides & the hotel consigere make low wages and depend on tips, just like a waiter does. A taxi driver should get a 15% tip, a hotel maid $1 per day if you left the room a mess, you do not have to tip the doorman for opening the door for you, but if he handles your bags tip him $1 per bag, and another $1 if he hails a taxi for you, tip a tour bus guide $1,

and tip the hotel consigere 10 - 15% depending on what he does -- get tickets, make dinner reservations, etc.

In some countries the tip is included in the total bill just like tax is here, so if you're told "it's ___ + tip" they just want you to know it does not included the tip, but they are not forcing you to tip.

It's just what courteous people do.

Although it is not done universally the world over, "Tipping" is not a New York City thing. It is customary across USA. In California usually the tip at any restaurant is 15% of the cost of the food bill. You will find that it is even higher in some fancy restaurants and is automatically added to you bill.

You generally tip almost everywhere, restaurants, bars, hair dressers, pizza delivery, room service, bell hops, porters at the airport, tour guides, etc.

tipping is pretty much the same all over the U.S. I,ve never had a taxi driver ask me for a tip I,ve never seen anyone tip a doorman just for opening the door People in the hospitality business are tipped because it,s formulated in the wages they are paid tips are usually based on the quality and or amount of service provided

Tipping is never mandatory.

That being said, you really should leave a 15-20% tip in a restaurant with table service as the wait staff is paid a small amount in anticuipation of the tips that they will receive.

You dont have to its just considered good manners in certain situations.

And of course taxi's etc will ask for a tip, 9 out of 10 times they will get one as people like tourists falsly feel a pressure to do so.

Restaurants etc then yeah but the rest can kiss my backside

in the UK we also have workers that are poorly paid and are very grateful for a tip, difference between her and New York the New Yorker's expect it and think it is their right . its funny i never saw a bathroom attendant get a tip in New York . We speak the same language but that's all .

"Why is it that people often give a man a dollar for opening the door at the hotel?"

possibly an internet phenomenon.

Why are English, Australians and Canadians so cheap?