subject: How Much Should I Be Tipping My Taxi Driver? [print this page] Most people know that in this country at least, they are expected to tip a driver after they take a ride in their cab. We have come to understand that this is part of how those who work for the taxi services make their living. However, the question of how much a person should actually tip a taxi driver is still something that leaves many of us baffled. If you're one of those people that have no idea how much you should tip a driver after your ride, then read on!
You need to stop stressing about how much you should be tipping your taxi driver, and just relax. Tipping a taxi driver is more about basic principles than it is about any hard science. There is no "right" or "wrong" amount to tip a driver. The truth is that as long as you give them something above the flat fare for the ride, they will usually be quite grateful.
A good place to start is the remainder from an even bill. This is often how many people tip their taxi driver. Instead of worrying about tipping a percentage, they simply pay with the bill that is the next higher than the amount that is charged on the meter, and allow the driver to keep the change. The only time you shouldn't do this though, is if the tipping amount is less than a dollar. If that is the case, then you should provide at least an additional dollar as a tip, as this is generally considered the bare minimum that you should tip.
The next way that you can tip is simply by leaving a percentage of the cab fare as a tip. Anywhere from 10-20% would not be out of the question. Remember, that while you should always tip, it's always nice to tip more if you feel that you received exceptional service. If your ride was merely serviceable, there is probably nothing wrong with a 10% tip. On the other hand if your driver was polite, the cab clean, and the service impeccable, then you should probably tip more.
If you're still really unsure about how much to tip, mobile technology can come to your aid. There are now several apps out for the major Smartphone platforms which help you calculate tips for people in all kinds of professions. These can also be helpful when tipping in different parts of the world, where customs may differ.
