Here is something you should know about restaurants and their 20% gratuity that they so nicely add to the bill without even asking.

Most people, tourists especially do NOT question this 20% charge. Like fools they simply pay it.

Here is how to avoid being a schmuck (if I spelled it right)

My Story #1:
So we (2 couples) sitting in a nice NYC restaurant. After a few hours there with nice service, we get our bill .... it's $576. Now .... the food is actually $480 but they added 20% "service" and that's an extra $96.

Now .... I have no problem of tipping 15% and sometimes 20% on a smaller bill, BUT $100 tip??? for 4 people? Nope. Not going to happen.

So, I nicely called the waiter and asked for the 20% to be taken off the bill. He took it back and gave us a new bill of $480. We felt that $50 tip is more than enough.

P.S. I believe that tip should NOT depend on how much you spend. It just doesn't make sense.


Story #2.
In NYC .... 2 couples ... we couldn't catch a cab for 10 min so we grabbed 2 of those petty bikes or whatever they are called. You sit back and the guy peddles to get you to your destination.

Before we got in he said $2 per block. Now ... we actually had to go about 18 blocks (15 min ride). I am assuming $40 per ride and we'll give $10 tip.

As we arrive at our destination says $60 per person..... $120 !
We tell them that we're not tourists and $60 total is what they're getting.

My bike "driver" is kinda OK with it. Takes $60 from me and done.
My friend's driver is not but before he even starts to b*tch about it, my friend kinda get into his face and tells him that he should be happy, he just made $60 in 15-20 min. Be happy man and go on. And so he did.


Lesson .......... prices, tips, etc are not created by God. All of these things are created by "man". It's ok to question things and it's ok to refuse to be taken advantage of.