Originally Posted by
stevenshev
You're sorely mistaken in that there is no "American attitude" when it comes to tipping at New York. We were at 20% long before the rest of the country exceeded 15%.
We tip de rigeur at rates many would consider egregious. But it's what done.
Would you go to Japan and insist on your $10 tip?
I hope not.
So when you go to NY, you conform to NY's tipping customs. $20 is an appropriate tip for this ride. No less.
Excess doesn't need to be matched, just the habit itself. The basic tip is about 10% for driving/taxis - esp when there is limited personal service, e.g. lifting your luggage into the trunk, etc. The over-tipping you prescribe to definitely happens in many locales, NY among them, but that does not mean everyone needs to follow!! I'd guess you tip over and beyond many others on a regular basis, regardless if you're in NY or not. I know many NY'ers (and others) with a lot of money who do so. You can tip whatever you'd like but as I respect my funds a bit more than that, I'll stick closer to the standards used throughout the country.
I suggest the same for the OP - do what you're comfortable with, don't feel compelled. In truth - this is a tip, not a required charge and if in the end, you'd like to add $0, that is allowed, as well.