Yes especially since it could work the other way. If we would carry cash, I think I agree I would much rather personally give the server the tip, then they will know who you are and go out of the way next time to give as good or better service.
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First trip to the US
- Thread starter Lyrca
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I don't normally give cash, I just add an additional amount to the charge on my card. I prefer the non-interaction for a few reasons.
I had one pizza delivery driver come to my door once. In my mid-20s I did a few weeks delivering pizza with my own car so I know the hassle these guys get and I tip. At that time I was generally tipping $10 in cash. This was probably 2006-2007 maybe, IDK.
Anyway, the guy looked at me as if I'd handed him 10 cents. In his mind I guess he was entitled to much more than the $10. At the time tips were averaging around $2.50-3.50. So-yeah, one of the reasons I prefer not to interact with the server/delivery person over the tip. You think you're being generous and the server/delivery person thinks you're a jerk for not giving more.
Paradoxically, I discovered that the more in-line with the average tip I gave, I got better service the following times. In other words, the more I tipped, the worse service I got. I guess the delivery drivers figured they were getting the tip anyway so why do extra, IDK.
SMH.
Come on up! I always clarify for people when I say I'm from New York that I'm from the 'predominantly green' part of the state. Where I live I can get to NYC, Montreal or Boston in about 3 hours - PERFECT for day-trips if I want to see anything but then the mountains are only an hour away also...
Go to upsbecasue the Finger Lakes have a good Kewka Lake Wine Trail or voted as Eastern Grand Canyon with the large Waterfalls at Letchworth State Park (see videos on Youtube). and also the 19 falls at Walkins Green State Park (see that on YouTube too)! So taste Wine, see som e water falls and hike at your pleasure!
So far so good, we’ve been in NYC for 3 days and had an amazing time.
Overall the city is what I expected. It’s been fun walking around Times sq, Fifth av, Grand Central, Central Park, Soho, Greenwich village, Chinatown, Little Italy, Dumbo…
Each area seems to have it’s own vibe. Walking a couple of blocks takes you to a different atmosphere.
People are very polite. Every time someone bumped into me they kindly apologised. I held the door open at stores when entering or leaving and folks always thanked me for it. This is not something I am accustomed to back in my city.
I asked for directions a couple of times and the locals where not only friendly but also really willing to help.
Police seems to be very present which is reassuring.
Subway is really easy to ride and everything is clearly indicated.
We visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The moment we got to Battery Park all the directions where clear. All you need to worry about is having a good time.
The guys at the airport arrival who try to hustle you into one of their cars for an insane price to Manhattan are terrible. They will keep telling you that you cannot get a Uber from here and that you need to take a train to God knows where. I was also told by them that the cabs will only go to Queens or Brooklyn. It’s easy to fall for it if you haven’t looked up the details before arriving since they can be very insisting. We took a cab since we knew beforehand it’s a flat price to Manhattan without any surprises. I had a chat with the driver and he told be some people were asked for $300 to $400 for a ride upon arriving in Manhattan by the guys I mentioned.
Even here in France upon arriving in Paris you will be approached by unofficial drivers charging insane amounts. I guess it’s just what happens at International airports where loads of tourists arrive.
Great experience so far, no disappointment at all. Thank you all again for your precious advice.
Overall the city is what I expected. It’s been fun walking around Times sq, Fifth av, Grand Central, Central Park, Soho, Greenwich village, Chinatown, Little Italy, Dumbo…
Each area seems to have it’s own vibe. Walking a couple of blocks takes you to a different atmosphere.
People are very polite. Every time someone bumped into me they kindly apologised. I held the door open at stores when entering or leaving and folks always thanked me for it. This is not something I am accustomed to back in my city.
I asked for directions a couple of times and the locals where not only friendly but also really willing to help.
Police seems to be very present which is reassuring.
Subway is really easy to ride and everything is clearly indicated.
We visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The moment we got to Battery Park all the directions where clear. All you need to worry about is having a good time.
The guys at the airport arrival who try to hustle you into one of their cars for an insane price to Manhattan are terrible. They will keep telling you that you cannot get a Uber from here and that you need to take a train to God knows where. I was also told by them that the cabs will only go to Queens or Brooklyn. It’s easy to fall for it if you haven’t looked up the details before arriving since they can be very insisting. We took a cab since we knew beforehand it’s a flat price to Manhattan without any surprises. I had a chat with the driver and he told be some people were asked for $300 to $400 for a ride upon arriving in Manhattan by the guys I mentioned.
Even here in France upon arriving in Paris you will be approached by unofficial drivers charging insane amounts. I guess it’s just what happens at International airports where loads of tourists arrive.
Great experience so far, no disappointment at all. Thank you all again for your precious advice.
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