As you know, I just got back from San Francisco. And while I was there, I took a couple of cab rides. But I have always been curious as to how much you should tip a cab driver. What’s the standard?  I can only think of one circumstance where I refuse to tip a cab driver and that is if they talk on their cell phone from the moment they pick me up until we reach our destination… especially if I am trying to keep a conversation going with a friend.
On the other hand, if a cabbie has been helpful like letting me know where the good strip clubs are or which great restaurants I should check out, I will take care of them – sometimes as much as 100 percent tip.
So how do you tip your cab driver?
I usually tip 50% or so to a friendly driver on a $20 fare. I guess I figure that it’s a karmic thing for those of us who do well compared to their average customer to make up for the crappy tips that I see others dish out. (And the tips usually have nothing to do with someone’s wealth, some people are just assholes and don’t tip.)
That said, I’ve negative tipped several times in places like Vegas where cabs are largely unregulated in practice and you get scummy cabbies scamming people they’ve identified as tourists. The classic move I see is for them to make the airport-Caesars trip several minutes longer than it needs to be, basically doubling the cost of the fare. I hand them a wad of cash equal to what the fare always is (about $16), and get out of the cab. I tend to hope it teaches them a lesson, or maybe makes them scamming tourists less economical. It probably doesn’t, but it makes me feel better. I travel there often and know the ropes, but feel bad for those who don’t. I also once had a cabbie intentionally miss the notoriously-long green light (he stopped on a green, waited for it to turn red) at Tropicana which increased the fare by like $8. I stiffed him completely. I’ve got no sympathy for people taking advantage.
Agreed – if someones gonna be a dick, they don’t deserve a tip at all
I would generally tip 20%, just as I would tip anyone else in the service industry
dude so this is your first/last warning to stop responding to the first person who comments. Its annoying and a lot of people are complaining about it. Dont make other names just stop it.
That is crazy, the cabbie stopped at a green light. Did you say anything to him at the time? Like, “Um the light is green dude.” I don’t know if I could stiff someone and get out of the car and walk away all cool like, if I was with someone else maybe but if I was by myself idk. I wouldn’t want to have to throw down with a cabby.
Haha, I agree.
I’d probably give them the wad of cash and then run away as quick as I can laughing.
I have a family friend in Vegas and he is a cab driver there, and an honest one at that.
He said if you ever get long routed on the way to the airport immediately say something to the cabbie at the end of the ride. If they cause a fuss about it, then tell them to get the Taxi Authority on the phone right now to get it straightened out. 9 times out of 10 they won’t take it any further because they don’t want to deal with the TA.
Another notorious scam route is from the Hard Rock Casino to the Airport. It is like the shortest ride there, but cabbies will always try to long route you all the way around the strip.
Taking it up with “big brother” always seems to work, no matter what kind of scammers you deal with.
Fyi,
I used a be a firefigher for Las Vegas and I have to say…LV is the most regulated place there is. No prostitution, no illegal gambling. The Taxicab Authority are actual police whose sole mission is to police the above and all the other problems from over charging to running off the meter and so on.
d
We really cant help that can we? If i am new there I wont know which is the long route and which is the short route and this they can take you for a ride.
yeah vegas cabbies suck. Plus, they also get comped big time by many of the clubs, strip clubs, and restaurants for “recommending” them.
Yeah I have heard this as well, they are making way more on recommendations then your tips. Tip them something but no need to go overboard.
The last part is actually really funny!
You are full of shit!!! I am a new cab driver so I do understand people thinking we want you at a light.That is false we want to get you the fastest way and be on our way to the next pick up.Lights are our worst enemy but people always sit and look at the meter but if I say I know a better way.Oh no don’t take me that way I want the direct route I am screwed and the customer is pissed.
Normally I would ask them to keep the change. Say its $18 and I will give $20 and keep the change would be a $2 tip?
I’m ok with ‘Keep the change’ strategy 🙂
Same thing as Ben Pei.
I have really only been a Taxi twice when I visited Seattle, from the airport and back to it. The first cab driver was crazy he drove like a maniac, and we thought we might die a few times. The second I don’t even remember.
Back to the point, I really don’t know how much to tip either. I would imagine that the major factors in the tip would be mileage driven, friendliness of the driver, overall mood for the day, and the amount of money you have on you at the time.
Excuse me for my ignorance, I didn’t even know you were supposed to tip a cab driver!
Yeah you can tip for almost all service industries. Well generally
Yea, I don’t really hear a lot about it either.
If you’re supposed to tip for all services, do you expect tips for bank tellers, air hostesses, and/or the guy who set up your internet last week?
I took a cab back to the San Francisco airport on Saturday and the fare was only $33, where everything I was told and read said it would be $45-50. So I think my driver was efficient and the traffic was light. So I gave him $45, about what I planned on paying.
I started a conversation about the economy, money, etc. He said it’s getting so bad in SF, he’ll be looking for other work soon. He said everyone is taking the cheaper options there.
it depends on if they are nice or not, talking on their cell for the wole ride results in a 0 tip for me most definitely!
10%
I suppose that it is a cultural thing, but I really don’t understand the Americans necessity to tip everyone. Years ago I used to manage bars and I used to find people tipping me sort of insulting, I was paid to do a job to the best of my ability which I did because I took pride in my work, not so strangers would give me their loose change.
I will tip cabs and restaurants a couple of pounds if I feel they’ve done a good job but never ever feel obliged to do so.
Call me tight, but I just don’t buy into the idea of chucking money at strangers.
Saying that, the one person who I always do tip though is my barber, I don’t want him rushing lol
Well the reason I think most Americans tip people (myself included) is a culture thing we have grown up tipping them so it is engraved into us to tip people. I agree with you though people are paid to do a job why should I have to give them extra? However in someplace like waiter/waitresses are paid under the minimum wage because the are generally given a tip to balance out the difference.
I agree with Chris. Ideally, if I find myself asking “Do I need to leave a tip?” then that should be a reason enough to NOT leave one. If they earned a tip w/out question by being a great service, then I feel it is appropriate even when tipping isn’t customary. But 15% at Subway for making me a sandwhich? C’mon!
Well subway employees get actual minimum wage were other restraints can give their waiters and waitresses only like $2/hr.
Very true. And typically, I get much better treatment by restaurants waiters and waitresses paying below min. wage than I do at a fast food place. Thus, I tip them well because they usually deserve it.
A close friend of mine, paid her way through first year college basically on tips alone.
If you can get a waiter or waitress job across from like a government building or a courthouse your set lol
Perhaps it is a cultural thing, but I would also like to point out that in North America people in positions where they make tips are paid less. The assumption is that the tips will make up the rest of their salary.
Here in Montreal the govt taxes service people with the assumption that they make 14% tips … so if you tip them less it comes out of their pocket!
I was going to mention the exact same thing.
You don’t always have to tip someone. They’re getting paid most of the time anyways.
That being said, I will tip someone only if I found they’ve gone far above their duties, and have done the extra mile to take care of me.
I don’t understand all of this tipping business either! People get paid to do a job – taxi drivers, waitresses, whoever.
The argument I hear all the time is that the wages suck – get a higher paying job! People who leave large tips are just keeping people in these poorly paid jobs for longer and the restaurant owners are getting away with it!
It’s not that you can go work for a higher-paying restaurant if you want. You can’t. Most restaurants legally pay their servers UNDER minimum wage. In Europe, most restaurants include service on their bill (and in their prices). In (North) America, service is NOT included on your restaurant bill. It is the customer’s responsibility to include pay for service in the form of a tip, since the waiter/waitress is making $2.25/hour–and is taxed on this, as well as on all tips. It may be a ridiculous system compared to Europe, but it is our system. And if you don’t like it, perhaps you should either move to Eruope or stick to carry out food… If you chose to stiff the server, you are basically pocketing their wages.
It really depends, if I am satisfied with the ride – anywhere from 8% to 10% of the cab fare….
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It varies. I usually tip pretty generously, and moreso if it’s something like a short ride out of the airport (since they’ll have to go back and sit in line to get another customer). I guess I do a minimum of $5 or so as long as the service is decent, and higher for larger fares. So probably $5 tip for fares under $20, and 25% or so for fares over $20.
I usually tip very well. I am a waitress and I know how it is to work for tips. If a cab driver is nice then I’ll tip them at least 20%.The driver should have respect for the person that’s in the cab and if they’re smoking and talking on the phone I would tip them a lot less.
Honestly speaking I do not believe in Tip policy. I hired them and I paid them what their billing is saying.
I wont leave even a single penny. If you will let them than they will try to grab the money from others as well. Its just like encouraging them to get greedy.
That was my own thoughts and I follow them 🙂
I agree ZK.
They’re already getting paid for the service, and a tip isn’t always necessary. It’s like you giving Uncle Sam an extra $500 for a job well done in healthcare. You already pay him your taxes, why give them more?
I was in London and I gave tip to cab driver, but he did not take it, because “he doesn’t take tips from rude persons” I was totally shocked. I did not understand why he was so upset. Stranger! But I usually give tip, not taking change! If it’s 8, I give ten and leave.
Were you rude to the cabby? But even if you were why not take the tip to make up for having to sit there with a rude person.
Cabbies in London are highly professional people. It’s almost like tipping your doctor. These guys have to study for 2 or 3 years to pass the London taxi test. And most own the car you are riding in, and earn > 100k a year.
Tipping in the UK is interesting. Like when you go to a pub, you don’t leave a tip at the counter. (though you can say “keep the change”) The bartender is your “friend” and you wouldn’t tip a friend. But on your second round, you place your order and the say “..and one for yourself” — they’ll tack on the price of a drink to your bill and that’s their tip, whether or not they actually make/drink the drink. Hope this helps! See: http://xr.com/tnp
Well thats really interesting to know … and this one sound more friendly … if they will accept such kind of tip from every customer than after 10 customer they will be full drunk … lollzz
ZK, you don’t drink all the drinks! Most British pubs will let their staff take the cash home instead.
Vic …
That was just a try to put smile … nothing else … lollzzz
Yea, I’ve heard about “The Knowledge”, and how London taxi drivers make like 130K once they’ve done their test, even though only 15% actually do pass the test.
London cabbies earn>100k a year??? London cabbies have high overheads. Approximately 40% of their earnings goes on overheads e.g taxi maintenence/rental, diesel etc and then theres tax. So as a London cabbie I’d say that all tips are welcome!
What?! That’s incredible… I’ve never heard of that.
BTW… I’ve never been fleeced by a cabbie like I was in London. They have a great scam for rides from the airport that are supposed to be a flat rate of 40 pounds. My cabbie charged me by the meter and it was like double that amount! Most of my friends have been taken by that one at least once!
just fyi – in London you just round up. So, if the fare is 35.23 you give 36. If it’s 12.30 you give 13. If it 12.80 you still only give 13. That’s what was explained to me by multiple cabbies in London during my 2 years there.
But in the US, I do the same as restaurants. 10 to 20% depending on the service. And ZK — unless they own the cab, the tip is a significant portion of their earnings. No tips = min wage or less.
It depends from my condition and mood. I give between 5% and 30%, but often I only give him some money and forget about the change.
Usually 10 to 20%.
Depends really on the cost of the fare. If the cost was £8 or £9, I’d just give them the £10.
100% is darn nice of you Shoe! But 20-30% is probably the norm
Yeah a 100%….I would really have to be feelin’ myself that day…LOL
Regardless of the fare I usually tip between $3-$5, even if it’s a shorter ride. I’ll go higher if the guy is helpful and friendly. Besides… being a cabbie is a tough job – 12 hour days – traffic – stupid customers – long waits between fares… etc.
I’ll help the cabbie out when I can.
That’s kindof what I was thinking.
Whenever I tip, this is how I do it.
A set benchmark, not on a percentage most of the time. It’s like you’re encouraging them to charge you more.
Depends on the length of the ride and how it was but around 20% normally. Will give a lot more for great service and nothing for bad service though.
Less in Las Vegas going forward since every cabbie bitched hardcore about the economy (practically begging for a big tip) and one seemed very unappreciative of a $4 tip on an $11 fare as if I had wasted his time…
Good question. I usually tip them any where between $2-$10. It depends like you said if they “talk on the phone the whole ride”. I don’t know the right percentage though.
It’s funny I usually start with $5…If they do good it keeps going up from there. If they suck it keeps going down.
But I also carry my own bags and am low maintainence.
It’s funny because I waited tables for a long time and that whole $2.14 hourly rate is crap…so I have always tried to tip good.
I used to wait tables too. I figure there’s 2 types of people. Those who have worked in the service industry and tip high because they know what its like to work for tips. The other type tips low and treats people like crap because its their turn and they feel entitled.
I like to tip big when I can. But being familiar with the service industry I also believe there is no excuse for bad service and a tip is not automatic.
I agree, even though I have never personally worked in the restraint business I know people who do and did. I may not like to tip but it makes you feel good that you did, sometimes when the tip is optional and not added onto the check automatically.
I must say I’ve worked at restaurants before and relied on tips to get by and it makes you appreciate tipping more so. And you always just wish service is good at a restaurant or cab ride so you can give them a nicer tip.
But I don’t believe in entitlement and I tip accordingly when service is horrendous.
Oh yeah wanted to let you know…I just noticed the new pic of you on the homepage…
You are lookin’ dapper. Great job.
Great Move Shoe! Especially in today’s economic crisis , I am sure some people really appreciate gestures like this.
Check out Stacie Krajchirs book a pretty funny look at this and many other random tipping questions.
http://www.amazon.com/Itty-Bitty-Guide-Tipping/dp/0811840387
http://www.twitter.com/valerotti
No tip. When these cab drivers tell you where to go and they take you there, they get a payout. So that is good enough.
Do you tip waiters and waitresses? They bring you your food and refill your drink and get paid a wage too, does that mean they don’t get tipped?
They only time I don’t tip a waiter or waitress is if they don’t do their job and ignore me. Also when they take forever to bring my bill out to me. Once I literally sat 20 minutes after I got done eating to get my bill.
What’s worse is having the waitress seat you in a crappy part of the restaurant because there were “no seats” in the good part, and then seat the next group right where you wanted to sit originally.
Horrible. No tip, plus a complaint form.
That’s not the same thing. A cab driver’s job is to drive, which they get paid for. They’re job isn’t to jerk you around and give you bad recommendations for a payout from a 3rd party.
But even than a taxi driver can give you a better ride than alternate forms of transportation. It is a service, and often taxi drivers make less than minimum wage because they are in service for themselves so the tips are what boosts their take home income.
@Tushar, Yah I agree with when a restaurant just wouldn’t seat you properly. Once I had a lady explain to us that a certain part of the restaurant was colder than the rest, but we didn’t want to wait too long to be seated, than she said it is really cold there, but if I seat you there you better not ask to be moved.
I mean we totally weren’t going to move but that line was really uncalled for.
I had to go to Chicago quite a bit last year and I always tipped a few dollars. It really depended on how far he was taking me and how big the bill was going to be when we got there.
I once had a cabbie not turn on the meter and when we got there he said “$12”. I knew it wasn’t a $12 ride so I handed him a $5 and walked out. It really depends on the driver.
That is perfect because if he complains just ask to see the receipt.
Normally I keep it at 10%. But I do tip the more sociable cab drivers more like 20%. So it depends on the experience.
Here’s my strategy: if the cabbie was efficient, I round up to the nearest $5 over the customary 15%. If they just do their job, they get change. If they suck and/or piss me off, they get nada.
[…] How much do you tip your cab driver? – ShoeMoney® 23 February 2009 1 views No Comment So I gave him $45, about what I planned on paying. I started a conversation about the economy, money, etc. He said it’s getting so bad in SF, he’ll be looking for other work soon. He said everyone is taking the cheaper options there. … Original post: How much do you tip your cab driver? – ShoeMoney® […]
I didn’t know you were supposed to tip a cab driver. Oh well.
My dad is a cab driver, tipping for cabs is very open to discussion because there are a lot of variables at play.
Many business people usually tip at a higher rate overall than the tourist rider.
I would say its all based on %s.
If he got you to your location safe and efficiently than that should rake him 10-15% of the overall fare.
If he was nice than maybe another 5% on top.
If he was rude and on the phone like you said, or driving dangerous than that would reduce his tip possibly to zero.
I usually tip on impulse though, because unlike at restaurants you pay the cabbie, and get out of the ride, while they may be helping you with extra luggage, and if the ride cost $12.36 I’ll give $15 and let them keep it. If its $16.12 than $20 will do. If its a seriously long distance trip though like city to city, than I would tip a much higher amount because the cab driver is not allowed to pick up passengers in foreign cities so they will take that same amount of time getting back to their zone thus losing out on some income.
That’s one thing I agree on.
If someone helps me with my luggage even when they weren’t obliged to, I’ll make it worth their while.
I tip 10-20 percent, same as for wait staff. Funnily enough, cabs in my town charge by the mile, not by time.
[…] How much do you tip your cab driver? […]
I didn’t realize how global this blog was until today when almost half of the comments are from the UK. That is pretty cool.
Didn’t I see you on Taxi Cab Confessions??
That show is pretty stupid, especially the after hours one. All it does is pick up drunks, and crack heads and people watch this show. Why listen to an drunk or crack head idiot ramble on about how crappy their life is. Go to rehab already.
Yea, duhhh, Why you think Shoemoney was in the back seat on THREE episodes…ha jk
No, no.
The show you saw him on was Cash Cab.
I dont
Tip him or her whatever you think the ride was worth.
Like most everyone else here, it depends on the service. I’m a firm believer in tipping for good service. There are rules about picking up fares so I know that on long trips they have to return back to their territory before they can pick up again. Also I deal with the government and most times only approved cabs can go on base. So again it depends on the service, tip the guys, they usually deserve it.
Shoe$,
After spending some months doing some after-work delivering for a local pizza place, I’ve come to appreciate and understand the need for giving a decent tip. It all depends on the length of the cab trip (I’ve never ridden in a cab over 15 minutes), and as you said how helpful they are, but usually $3-$10. It’s easy to be a big tipper if there’s other rider that can pitch in.
Hi Jeremy,
I live in the SF Bay Area of California, and sometimes take a cab. It’s always hit and miss. If I’m alone I usually try to talk with the cabbie. If they are friendly this influences my tip.
I also note whether the route they have selected is “out of the way” or the most direct one. Sometimes the cabblie selects a route to avoid local traffic, and in this case the cab ride is more or less expensive, based on the time required to arrive at the destination.
A good starting point is 10%-20% of the “Fare”. When I was slammed for time and had to get to Dulles Airport in Virginia, I tipped an additional 20%, the guy flat drove like Richard Petty, and I just made my flight to California.
Respectfully,
Nicholas Chase
http://www.twitter.com/nachase
Seems like something straight out of a movie!
I think 50% is a lot. I tend to tip about $1-$5 for up to $20 cab fare. I think $5 tip is good. If I wanted to tip more I’d take a limo.
Living in downtown Chicago the general rule of thumb is “a few bucks” somewhere between 15-20%.
If the total is $5 I’ll throw him 2-3, which is more. For longer rides ALWAYS negotiate a flat fee inclusive of tip. This ensures a few things. You know how much the total will be and they know how much compensation they’ll get (100%, they turn the meter off and drive like a bat out of hell).
So if you’re going say, from the hotel to the airport, always ask for flat fee.
This is one very solid recommendation, many taxi drivers definitely prefer this method.
A city to city trip is often costly to the taxi drivers bottom line especially if they’re unsure of the kind of tip they may be receiving to cover their loss income from driving back passenger-less.
Many taxi companies in SF have already preset flat rates for trips out of the city such as SF to San Jose, or SF to Oakland.
hmmm…i just give them a few bucks, I never really think about it.
I agree with Adam, I tip a few bucks when its a cab depending on how far I’m going and the overall ride experience.
A few times I have had paid drivers to get me from the airport or from my place to an event and for that, I usually just throw a flat $20 for their trouble (I dont know if the person that is covering the ride will also tip or not, but will do it on my part alteast)
Don’t really tip over here (Oz) like it’s done in the US. Here you just pay the fare and hold on for dear life as you are rocketed around the city.
You tip cab drivers?!? wtf, why do they deserve a tip at all?
It is customary, their wage structure is set up low on assumption that their income gets boosted by tips.
Same thing can be said of how restaurant workers wages are set up, they usually get bare minimum wages and are offered a share of the tips, OR they can choose to forgo tips and accept a higher hourly rate. That was what my boss offered me during my first job, he said I could start out with the tips option and if I didn’t like it I could go with the hourly, but if I were to go to the hourly I couldn’t switch back to tips.
drive a 12hr shift sometime and see if your opinion is the same jerk
We dont take a lot of cabs in our area, useually I tip well (or I feel like i do) anywhere from 25% to 50% depending on service. I feel bad not giving any tip at all
it depends… sometimes the cab driver whines too much about things/location and it pisses me off… i give tips (20-25%) if the driver is really a cool guy.. its been rare for me but i give them if they deserve it
I dont usually take taxis but if I do I usually tip pretty well. Especially if the fare is low, it would be anywhere from 25-50%
When I was in Vegas last March I found myself tipping my drivers more than I normally would in other cities. Usually around 20-30%. I’d tip more if the driver recommended a good show or restaurant or something.
it depends. From nothing to something
They must love you when they get 100%.
I think like wait service 20% is a good tip
One thing I don’t understand though is why so many people rely on the cab driver for recommendations on restaurants, and good foods.
They know the city well enough to tell you where is a good tourist spot to snap pictures, because they often cart people to these places and have observed the “effects” of these places on tourist.
But in terms of if you need a nice restaurant to take your family, asking a taxi driver is like an oxymoron, they don’t earn a great living to be able to eat at the same restaurants that business travelers can afford on expense accounts.
Most taxi drivers grab cheap chinese food, or McDonalds.
Not all cab drivers are poor and only eat fast food. I came to this site because I am a house wife and full time student but wanted a side job for “playing” money. I waited tables for 4 years and I made really good money. The first 5 days in dec. I made $1,700. I am going tomorrow to start training and all the money I make is going to buy a motorcycle…. My husband already has a Mercedes, Ford, and a Toyota….. He makes enough for me not to work,ever. Sometimes people have tip jobs like these because they do not NEED a steady paycheck, but rather to live MORE comfortably. Just giving my perception.:)
Hey In my country, it is fair to pay 20% of the total bill,, not a specific amount and i think thats good enough
If you’ve worked for tips, you know the percentage tip can be the bane of your existence. I used to deliver pizza and cabbies are like that. If you take a 100-mile ride with a cabbie, a 20% tip is huge. In fact, a 0% tip is still a nice fare for him. If you ride six blocks and have a $6 fare, and you tip 50%, it’s still not a great fare for the cabbie unless he was there already.
It’s like I’ve gone to a restaurant and sat for 1.5 hours with a cup of tea. In a case like that, if the restaurant is at all busy, you should tip the waiter more like $10, 1000%, otherwise you’re literally causing the guy to starve by taking his table out of commission (excuse the pun).
Generally for taxis I tip about 20%. This of course is altered on several factors – how long is the ride, did they help me with my luggage, were they friendly or just yap on their cell phones the whole time.
But I’d say my average is 20% on the fare.
As for the Vegas issue, if you are going from the airport to/from the Strip, make sure you specify you don’t want to take the tunnel. It can be faster but actually costs more.
25% as a base. Less if the cab smells like the driver hasn’t showered in a month, or if they’re cranking smooth jazz. Much less if their a/c doesn’t work in the summer time in Chicago.
I always get in trouble with these sorts of things. From one stand point they charge a lot of money when the price of gas is down, from another they are doing a service. I do like most of the others do, 20%
I also use ‘Keep the change’ strategy, unless the driver take extra trouble of showing his friendliness such as helping with baggages, giving me helpful advises about a new destination or try his best to keep his phone conversation shorter.
‘Keep the change’ works for me either 🙂
I would generally tip 20%, just as I would tip anyone else in the service industry
I think only 20% are good tips.
The size of the tip i usually leave depends on how intoxicated i am. The olny time i use a cab is when i am out on the town. I don’t like to tip tho. Because tipping isn’t fair across the board – who decides who to tip and who not to tip. Do you tip the person at mcdonalds?
Actually WillBlogForFood, I do and HAVE tipped people at fast food restaurants and even my bank teller.
Why not? Some of them are already underpaid what they are worth, so why not show them they deserve more?
i like leaving tips, nice sized ones, none of that scrimpy stuff, but only if they gave a good service, are friendly, polite and are doing their job
In Canada we have 2 minimum wages, one for people making tips and one for people who don’t make them. So the McDonald’s employee makes more per hour than someone relying on tips.
As a San Francisco Taxi driver “MYSELF” i talk and make jokes and cap on people in very cute ways to make my tips so I mostly get above what other my get by just driving and not having anything good to say. As a driver you have to size up people super fast and once’s thats done you just do you (if you are funny) and mostly it ends up good.
I take quite a few cabs around SF and usually either tip $3~4 or up to the nearest $10, whichever it larger. It is always hard to know what to do in other countries, though.
Well I don’t catch many taxi’s but usually I just pay them the fee – I don’t know, I just pay what the charge is, nothing more and nothing less
It depends on my spirits and the results I am having on that day,but I really don’t think much of it.
We normally don’t tip taxi driver here in Malaysia
I think it depends on their service and attitude, I usually give at least $5.
Here in Malaysia, there is no need to though I usually let him keep the change.
Depend on the service they give and how much money left on the pocket.
Here in VietNam, We normally don’t tip taxi driver.
Vietnam tourists don’t tip in the States either
Depends on how drunk I am I tend to tip to much when I am drunk.
Ya, in Indai we dont tip taxi drivers
your Indian, you don’t tip for anything…
Well if the driver is really a nice person and a friendly one I will surely tip 30% for his great services.
What about the drivers of those shuttle vans that take you from your hotel to the airport along with 3 or 4 other people? I never know if I should tip them or not.
Holy, a 100% tip? that’s insane (well unless the fare was only like $5 or something) my typical cab rides range from $35 – $45. And I usually tip 10% – 20% depending on if the ride. When I get in I start the tip meter at 20% and in goes down depending on things like rudeness, their knowledge of where I’m going, how the drive…etc
if the driver is really a nice and friendly i will tip him around 30% of the fare.
I tip them according to the fair and how the drive went. They don’t live off tips, like waitresses, It just helps them.
I don’t think you should tip people for doing there job . i will olny tip if the service is exceptionally great. The tips depends on how good the cab driver is.
I gave only few times and that also when I saw that driver done a nice job. Like helping me to give an idea about the good restaurant or warn me about some shop or similar kind of things or make that little journey funny with his sense of humour and all.
I usually dont give tips to the driver, but once i gave a half eaten box of swwetminths 🙂
Wow, I feel like an ass, I don’t know if I’ve ever tipped a cab driver. I actually didn’t know you were supposed to!
Maybe that will depend on how much money you have in your pocket! Unless you are successful in your business online. HEre let me help you!
How much do I tip the cab driver?
Not as much as I used to.
I hired a car service to take me from Fire Island Ferry to the airport. They charged $135 and the guy was a NIGHTMARE. We got in and his battery was dead. He started yelling and screaming and running around the parking lot like a maniac and some other car service took pity on him saying he was a jerk and he couldn’t believe he was helping him.
I tipped him 10% because he was so annoying and embarrassing and he CALLED me TWICE on my cell phone to complain about his tip.
I called the car service mgr and complained and said if he called my cell one more time I was gonna sue and I didn’t hear from him again.
You know, I do try and give a tip to everyone that is helpful and useful to me in anyway shape or form.
It’s not always monetary, but sometimes might offer to give them a hand doing something.
Unless they help with the bags, including getting the bags to the house NOT just stopping by the curb ZERO. They are just doing their job and with all of the fees tacked onto the fare, unless above and beyond service nothing should be expected and they SHOULDN’T ask for a tip.
Why would you tip a taxi driver, they are expensive enough already.. lol
Its like £20 for a 15 min drive.. :/ Then about £30 after 11pm 😮
I think it is absurd to tip a taxi cab driver. They are already charging a fee for their services. Most of them just expect a tip, like they are entitled to it. Give me a break. I work hard for my money too and I don’t expect any free handouts.
I have never really tipped a taxi driver. However, I have told him to keep the change, when it was something less than a dollar. I have never meant it as a tip.
I think everyone that provides a service and does it well deserves a tip. You tip your hairdresser for cutting your hair! You tip the valet for bringing your car (most of them work on tips alone)! You tip your barista! You tip the skyhop at the airport! Yeah they are all doing their job, but mostly they are helping you!
I drive a Taxi in a small college town, usually the fare is around $8, I round down if the people are cool and don’t give me crap the whole way. I have many repeat customers that call me on my cell phone to be picked up at the bar, they usually tip between 50-150%. I have also picked some of them up and charged them nothing to get home safe. Of course I make the ride home fun and take the shortest route. No tip is like saying thanks for the crappy service.
i think if someone gives you service you should indeed tip…..
It depends on the ride. If its a typical short one usually around 5 bucks. If its a longer ride I’ll tip a little more. It all depends on their service though.
I work for metro yellow (owned by yellow cab) in suburban chicago. I am an owner operator, and between insurance and dues it runs me 213/week. Lease drivers pay about $400/week. Since I am an owner operator, I am responsible for my own maintence, permits(they do get expensive. 300-500 every quarter), vehicle saftey inspections, fuel, car washes, etc. After running last years taxes, I need to bring in 130 a DAY just to BREAK EVEN. That’s not including income tax, so its even MORE Tips can make or break my day.I work a grueling 70 hours per week, and it takes a toll. I did not want to be a cab driver, but I needed work! I’m a graphic designer by trade, with many other computer related talents. However I was unable to complete college due to finances. So no degree. No degree means no job. I’m desparately trying to finish it up, but life just gets in the way. I am very polite, and thank each and every customer, (unless they are abusive in which I have them arrested, has happened twice in 2.5 years). To the people complaing about overpriced, you have no clue what costs we incur. Most of us drive gas hogs, so its more comfortable for YOU! Do you really want to be squished up in the back of a prius? So you think $1 in gas when its really $3. And that doesn’t include the 3-10 miles we drive just to get you. Factor in no shows and it goes up up up!. Insurance costs 250-300/mo. For LIABILITY, we have to pay a special tax to pick you up at the airport too, so bam more money gone. On a $60 airport ride, I may walk away with $30 in my pocket, that I still have to pay income tax on, pay maintence with, etc. So that’s roughly $15 for that trip. I also waited 1-3 hours for that ride, and drove you for an hour. So yes, tips do matter, big time.I think its funny people will spend $100 getting drunk, tipping the barkeep $.50 or more per drink(hopefully), yet skimp out on us, who get you home safely, when your often too drunk to tell us where you live.(has happened to me more than you think), then you complain about being over charged because I had to drive in circles to figure out where you ive because you can’t tell me your address. Luckily, most customers are at least polite, and things go smoothly. I personally thank each and every customer after each trip. Now for the good tippers, or even decent tippers, I go above and beyond to please you. It could be 4am and I’m in my driveway, you call me I’m there. Those who don’t tip, get a company card. Those who do, get my personal number and are virtually guaranteed a ride. I am clean, my car is clean, and smells good. (It is REALLY HARD to keep a cab smelling good, mostly due to customers believe it or not) I go through 20 bucks a week in disinfectant/febreeze and cleaning supplies(Not including car washes) I’ve had weeks where I actually went negative money(meaning working 70 hours and actually oweing money) it is hard work, time consuming, and tedious. I do a good job, and while tips are generally accepted, don’t make a fuss if it isn’t there. Especially for people who rely on us daily, or people who simply can’t afford it. I still smile, thank them, and move on. A lot of people also expect us to converse with them, and after12 hours behind the wheel that too can be a chore. Most people I do enjoy talking to though. You literally take your LIFE, and put it in our hands. That in itself deserves a tip. I’ve always tipped well, but after the econ crash, and me doing this job to make ends meet, I tip even better. Waitresses, bellhops etc are by far the best tippers, and I return the favor. Il be honest, I’ve even had a few days in the last few years where I’ve cleared $1000 in a day(new years eve,xmas, blah blah), but I’ve had many many many MANY more days where I’ve made $0 or ess….. I thought the same way about cabbies as many of you here, but after doing the job, I have a newfound massive respect for them. Cab driving is one of the hardest and most dangerous job in the WORLD, and I see many new drivers fai time and time again because it is so hard to get started. Now I am happy with the standard 15%, and extactic with anything over. And airport runs deserve or greater, at least here. We have greatly reduced flat rates(compared to meter) and we have to load your bags and get you there on time. My last run would have run $122 on the meter, and it was a flat rate of $64, with a whopping $5 dollar tip after playing tetris with 6 bags to get them to fit, driving a heavy van, ( which can get difficult in chicago rush hour). So that’s $69 dollar, in three and a half hours time. Not to shabby huh? Now let’s look at costs. $18 dollars in gas, $1 in tolls, $2 airport taxes, and wear and tear. So $ 51 in pocket,(which now gets income taxed which brings it down to $45 ish, without maint. Or wear and tear. So $45 dollars in four and a half hours time( hour long drive, much longer in any kin of traffic) now have to make another $25 for that day, just to break even, and over a third of my shift is over, and that’s STILL not incuding repairs. I now see why drivers refuse $3 $10 dollars trips with no tip… they don’t make a dime and often go backwards. And don’t expect the driver to know ever place every street. That’s impossible
beware of some of the cab drivers in vegas. i am a local, and i have seen a couple of cabbies, from orleans casino do weird shit when they drove. this 1 guy i got 2 times randomly in a couple months, both times he was trying to sell girls and strip club shit in a booklet binder he had. and then another time i got this weird fucked up taxi guy, that acted like he was tweaking on some kind of drugs, and he was very rude to me as well, i tip him a 2 buck almost cause i feel like i have to tip, but that driver was super sketchy, watch out who theh ell your cabbie is out here. also i have met the nicest cabbies out here as well, but 2 fucked up cabbies is creepy. im more scared of the tweaker cabbie he was strange.
cleaning supplies should be environment friendly too, choose cleaning supplies which does not harm the environment”*
cleaning supplies should have earth friendly organic ingredients so that they do not harm the environment -*`
It depends on the service of the cab driver. If they help you with your luggage, fill you in on helpful information or even take the time to engage in conversation, then it seems appropriate to tip them more. Otherwise, I recommend following the standard 10-15% tip that is common in the service industry.
Lovely advice. The amount of time and wealth you can accumulate by just doing the front job is surprising. Sweet dog!
I used to be a huge tightwad as far as tipping. Then, a good friend who is a waitress once told me that if you don’t have the money to leave a good tip, you don’t have the money to eat out. (or take a cab, or get a pedicure, etc). I’ve never forgotten that and tip MUCH better than I did before, probably 20%.
Too Many Cab Driver Stink. When I was in Miami the Driver had no Idea where he was going and Most Likely had not Taken a Bath in a MONTH. Should I Tip Him.
sarge
TIP THEM EVEN IF THEY STINK WHICH MOST OF THEM DO.
SARGE
There are a lot of cheap people commenting here. I am a cab driver in Vegas, I get fares sometimes that are 9.70 or 9.90 and the passenger will give me a $10. That is insulting, I have your life in my hands and if get you to your destination safely and comfortably without long hauling you ( which I do not long haul) you should tip a MINIMUM of $2. We do get comped from many strip clubs but not night clubs or restaurants. Cab drivers work 12 hour shifts and do not get paid hourly, if we don’t have passengers we are not making any money. Often we are sitting in the taxi line for long periods 1-2 hours and then get a low fare ride maybe $6 of which we in Vegas get 50 percent of fares. So if I’ve waited an hour for a ride and get a $6 ride I just made $3 for that hour minus the gas that I paid for which is why tips are very important for cab drivers.