How to Tip a Cab Driver

Whatever "tip" stands for (to insure promptness, or to improve politeness), a cab driver's standard gratuity expectation is 15 percent of the fare.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money Belts
• Wallets
• Portable Calculators
• Cellular Phone Services
• Cellular Phones

1. Discuss fares when you get into the cab, especially if you're in a new city, or if you're unfamiliar with the distance to a new or far-off destination.

2. Have enough cash in your pocket to tip at least 10 percent over the fare.

3. Go beyond standard expectations if your driver performs an extra duty such as acting as a tour guide or providing beyond-the-call-of-duty baggage handling - or if the cabbie gets you there lickety-split on a heavy traffic day.

4. Remember that tipping is not mandatory, but drivers rely on tips for the majority of their salary.

5. Give the tip with the fare.

6. Inform the driver to "keep the change." Or wait if you're expecting money back, and then tip from your change.

Tips & Warnings

• Have small bills. It's easier to tip and pay your fare that way.
• If you set up a monthly cab account, you can ask for the same driver to be at your office at the same time. And you might want to consider tipping this dependable driver generously.
• Don't always expect drivers to know or use shortcuts or the best traffic routes. You can advise them to avoid racking up fares in traffic jams.
• Sometimes trips to the airport have flat fees. Check with your driver.
• Unregulated or "gypsy" cabs are usually illegal, and their fares may or may not be competitive, so be warned.

[Floridacyclist]

on 10/8/2008 If you only have enough money for your fare but you think the driver provided a good service, simply apologize and explain that you wish you could tip him but cannot afford to at that time. Cabbies are human (I know, I drove a cab all through college and have recently gone back to it while I finish my emergency management degree) and a little thanks and appreciation goes a long way even if it doesn't help pay the bills or put gas in the cab, which at current prices is my single biggest expense. If the service was truly excellent, ask for their card and call them when you need a ride..and tip well when you can afford it. Assuming that you're not in such a big city that personal service is next to impossible, the average cabbie knows a good customer when they see one and will treat you like gold.

[pleasetip]

on 7/1/2008 Lots of service positions (cab drivers, restaurant waiters, valet drivers, etc) receive very little from their employer for their work. The way the system is set up, tips are required for these service men/women to receive any take-home pay. As a waitress, my weekly paycheck from my restaurant would usually be only a few dollars and occasionally only change ($2.13 an hour with subtracted taxes). I relied on tips for my salary. A tip should always be given (except for extreme circumstances of maltreatment) and the variance should be in how much. 15% for average service, 20% or more for good or great service.

[floworldt]

on 12/9/2007 My question is for anyone who will answer. Why tip a cab driver in the first place, he or she is providing a service. Let's not make it general rule to tip, but tip because of excellent service, these services should include but are not limited to baggage handling, prompt door service, cleanliness both cab and driver. I am sure most of you get the idea. What I do not want to happen is that I only have fare for my destination and feel guilty because I was unable to tip.

[floworldt]

on 12/9/2007 My question is for anyone who will answer. Why tip a cab driver in the first place, he or she is providing a service. Let's not make it general rule to tip, but tip because of excellent service, these services should include but are not limited to baggage handling, prompt door service, cleanliness both cab and driver. I am sure most of you get the idea. What I do not want to happen is that I only have fare for my destination and feel guilty because I was unable to tip.

[john7459]

on 12/8/2007 Tipping a cab driver is counterproductive. There is no reason to tip to ensure good future service because you usually get a different driver everytime. Just pay to the nearest dollar and let them keep the change (coin) part.