Whenever I go to a restaurant, hire a taxi or accept any service, the one thing that keeps running through my mind is, how much should I tip? Calculating tips is honestly a pain in the neck. Am I stiffing them? Am I paying too much? Somebody just tell me how much I should pay!!

So, to get rid of this uncertainty, I turned to the internet. After a couple of hours of research, I’ve come up with few ground rules when it comes to tipping cab driver. If you’re interested, here they are:

Why should you tip your cab driver?

Okay, before we bring out our calculators, let’s first talk about why we need to tip cab drivers.

Most cab drivers are independent contractors that lease their cabs from the cab company. So, they have to give up a large portion of their earnings to the cab company. The cab company can either charge a flat rate per shift, or a percentage of their earnings. If the company charges in percentage, they usually charge a third of the total earning the driver makes. If it’s a flat rate, the daily charge is usually $75 to $150. On top of this, they have to pay for gas (they need to refill the tank at the end of their shift), insurance, vehicle maintenance, credit card transaction fees and a few extra charges depending upon the cab company. This seriously cuts into their income. As a result, they work for 10 to 14 hours a day to earn their living. Your tip makes up more than a quarter of the cabbies total income. So be a little generous and make their day.

Standard tipping practice:

The 10-15-20% rule

Just as in restaurants, you can follow the 10-15-20% rule while tipping your cab driver. Pay 15% tip for a normal cab ride. If the cabbie is very helpful and you like their service, a 20% tip should do the trick. You can tip more if you like, but that’s up to you. And if the cab ride was particularly bad, tip 10% or less.  After adding the tip, simply round off the amount to the closest dollar value (e.g.: $32.79=$33 and $32.17=$32)

Over-Tip on short rides

If your cab ride is very short and the bill is less than $10, try to tip a bit extra. The general rule of thumb is to tip $1 and then round up the figure. For instance, if your cab ride costs $6.72, tip a dollar (=$7.72) and then round up the figure (=$8). If the decimal value is very low (e.g. $6.11), you can simply round up the figure (=$7) and you’re good to go. 

Tips depend on the locality

How much you need to tip might differ depending on where you are. If you’re hiring a taxi in a major city, you might want to tip a bit extra (In New York, the standard tip for cab drivers is 20% – 25%). Whereas, if you’re somewhere less urban, most people usually tip a bit lower (10% – 20%). 

When to tip extra

$1 for each extra service

If the cab driver helps you with your bags or groceries, finds you hotels, or offers any extra help than he needs to, you can thank him by adding an extra dollar for each service. Though, if your luggage is particularly heavy, you might want to tip $2 per bag.

On Holidays and rush hours

If you’re riding a cab on a holiday or during rush hour, try tipping a bit more. Taxi drivers are also people with families to get home to. And if they’re driving you around instead of spending the holidays with their families, they deserve a bit of your gratitude.

When Paying with Credit Cards

If you’re paying with credit cards, you need to know that your cabbie will be charged 5%-10% of your fare as a transaction fee. So, try tipping them a bit more to make up for the money they’re about to lose.

Multiple stops

Yes you are within your rights to demand multiple stops when you’re in a cab, but it can be a bit of a hassle for your cab driver. So, tip them a bit more to thank them.

When you have the driver wait for you

If you’re in the habit of making your cab driver wait for you, you should know that while they’re waiting, they are losing money that they could be earning by ferrying around another passenger. So be a good person and tip them a bit extra for waiting.  

Things to consider

While deciding on how much to tip your cab driver, here are a few factors that you should consider:

Local knowledge

A good cab driver should know their way around town. You shouldn’t have to guide him through every street and turning. They should know which way to go. And if there are multiple routes, they should take the shortest one, or the one with least traffic. You can tell them which way you need to go once. After that they should be able to navigate on their own. If you have to hold their hand and guide them through the trip, feel free to reduce the tip.  

Speed of service

Yes your cabbie cannot prevent traffic jams. But they should be able to take you through the route with least amount of traffic. They must get you to your destination promptly, and with little hassle. Lower the tip if they fuss or take you along a circuitous route. On the other hand, if they avoid traffic jams, bad roads and get you to your destination fast, be generous with the tip.

Extra service

As I mentioned before, if the driver offers extra service, you need to add it to your tip. It is customary to tip $1-$2 per bag for helping with the luggage. And if they go above and beyond, pointing out interesting places and giving out tips for surviving the locality, let your tip reflect your gratitude.

Behavior

The main factor that should determine your driver’s tip is his behavior. Does he drive safely? Is he friendly, helpful and gets you to your destination promptly? Or is he abrasive, talks on the phone and ignores traffic safety rules? Reward him for the former and lower his tip for the latter. And if at any time the driver’s behavior makes you fear for your safety, get out of the cab and report about him.

Follow these simple guidelines while tipping your cab driver.

And if you have had any interesting cab rides lately, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below:

Traveling can be exciting and scary at the same time, especially when it’s your first time. You have no idea how can you prepare and how your trip will end up to. But as the idiom says, “One bad apple spoils the bunch.” Don’t let one mistake ruin the rest of your trip. Avoid these blunders and make the most of your travel.

1. Feeling obliged to stay in a hostel.
If you’re traveling solo, expect to get stay-in-a-hostel advice when you research for solo-traveling tips online. Hostels and other communal living establishments provide safety, comfort, and security but are more recommended to a solo traveler who will meet his/her fellow travelers. If you’re looking for the same comfort and safety, a reputable hotel can make a great alternative lodging option.

2. Having ambitious itinerary
Your choice of itinerary should depend on your budget – not your expectations of how your travel should go. According to The Independent Traveler, you’re at your most “vulnerable” when arriving in a place and at your most “stressed” when leaving. Take it easy. If you want to splurge on buying souvenirs or stay in a prominent hotel, ensure you won’t run out of money.

3. Ignoring the possible dangers.
Traveling has its dangers and can be more risky when journeying with other people. Here’s a quick tip: If your gut doesn’t feel right, never ignore it.

4. Overscheduling.
You are responsible of all your plans before the trip. To avoid the hassle “aftershock” of overscheduling, list down the things you need to accomplish such as buying necessary things for your personal kit, checking the flight schedule, searching for available ATM in your destination, and so on.

5. Over packing.
“I should pack some extra clothes — probably two sweatshirts and a pair of knee-high boots. Who knows? Maybe two days after I arrive, the weather will change.” Real travel scouts don’t over pack. To avoid loading up your luggage with things you don’t really need, do a quick research of the weather in your destination.

6. Overspending.
No traveler wants to go home empty-handed. But running out of cash during your trip is much worse than the other. According to Norbert of The Globo Treks, stick with your “realistic budget” so you can “give room for unexpected expenses.”

7. Being too shy to converse or ask.
Traveling in an unfamiliar place can be grueling if you’re a shy type of person or have no idea if the locals can speak or understand your language. But this should not take the best of your trip. In case you get lost, ask for directions of locals or look for the nearest police station to seek help.

8. Referring too much on travel guide books.
You should not let your favorite (or newly bought) guidebook define your trip. It will only make you restrict yourself from exploring new places, people, and things. Put it down and have some adventure!

9. Keeping all your money in a single place.
Everywhere you go, you’re a no stranger to pickpockets. Instead of carrying all your money, why not bring only the sufficient amount and leave the excess in a safer place? If you consider bringing extra, place it in your sock or other side of your pocket.

10. Not double-checking the documents or before departure.
Are you worrying you’re going to miss your flight? There’s nothing to be worried about – as long as you double check all your requirements and documents 2 to 3 days before your flight. Plus, make sure your name is spelled correctly on your flight and/or hotel reservation.

11. Not buying insurance.
If you’re traveling solo, travel insurance will be your best companion. It can cover your cancellations, delayed trips, lost baggage and even your medical emergencies. There are many options to choose from, so take time reviewing each to find the one that matches your travel needs.

12. Being culturally insensitive.
To interact with the locals effectively, be open-minded and sensitive to their culture. If their activities don’t seem to please you, don’t react. Instead, find the adventure by trying out new things. That way you can spice up your journey and make yourself comfortable in your chosen destination.

13. Not changing money at the airport.
When traveling internationally, the rule of the thumb is to change money at the airport. No matter how much money you have, if it’s not exchanged in the local currency, you’ll end up traveling around like a broke person carrying fake bills.

14. Forgetting to make reservations.
Are you planning to stay in a popular hotel or visit a well-known museum in your destination? You wouldn’t want to waste your time standing in a long line for hours. To save your time and yourself from hassling in long lines, make reservations online and don’t forget to print a copy of each.

15. Not tightening travel-sized shampoo caps.
Travel-sized shampoos, lotions, and conditioners are cute but will make your bag look like a goo of trash when their caps are left untightened. Before leaving, ensure these travel-sized bottles are tightly capped to avoid spilling to important documents like your passport, travel insurance copy, and others.

Additional reminders:

Check your phone plan before traveling abroad.
Don’t try too hard to haggle.
Buy high-quality flip-flops.
Don’t be scared to try out street foods.
Give way and be friendly to other tourists.
Notify your bank for future foreign transactions.
Consider different time zones before booking your trip.
Don’t tempt pickpockets by bringing all your gadgets (i.e. laptop, tablet, or DSLR camera).
Find out hidden foreign charges in your credit card.
Research on your target destination before booking a flight.

Wherever you go, don’t let any of these slip-ups turn your dream trip into a nightmare. Be wise and prepared at all times, because you’ll never know what might happen in your most unexpected time and destination.

Are you planning to travel to the Philippines? Number 14 says you should not forget to reserve or book the best and affordable rent-a-car service in Manila, Best Transport! Visit our website to browse through our services or contact us now for inquiries!

Sources:
Image courtesy of Ryan McGuire at Gratisography
How to Travel, The Independent Traveler, Inc., GloboTreks, CNN International

Dubai is a beautiful city which in turn features of numerous appealing locations to travel to. A very important factor there is a constant manage in short supply of on this stunning metropolis can be the volume of sites in order to discover. While a first time visitor for the metropolis, you will need to lease an automobile Dubai. It is suggested that you simply e-book an automobile effectively ahead of time to locate this gorgeous destinations along with locations involving Dubai. A few of the important destinations what one can discover throughout Dubai include things like Camel Race Track, Bastakiya Region, Wasteland Safari, along with Burj al-Arab Resort. These worth-visiting destinations may be investigated in a very hassle-free method which has a Car with you.

When you are going in a very metropolis which is mysterious for your requirements, it is strongly recommended that will you choose a effortless along with at ease ways of commutation. In addition to exactly what do end up being much better than hiring an automobile along with going all-around widely. Using your loved ones, it is usually the best option in order to decide on Luxury Car Rental Dubai along with help to make travel, fuss-free. Rent a Car Dubai of program could permit you to travel in order to numerous locations in an affordable method along with no strain. Therefore you should definitely have just one with you within your journey.

These days many Car rental businesses have fallen to the organization involving offering automobiles in lease. However, you should select an excellent Car rental business regarding going all-around. A great business will go to offer you the best chauffeur that’s professional along with appropriate. Likewise, this new driver will observe to all the foundations along with travel a person into the area you need comfortably.

One of the better selections to save time along with endeavours can be simply by hiring an automobile on the internet. Online Rent a Car Dubai of will help you e-book essentially the most reliable providers at the most affordable rates. You never really have to go to the travel adviser along with help to make bookings for the Car. Just hunt for some good travel businesses on the internet (trusted ones) along with reserve an automobile on your own after that along with there. It is possible to choose from a bunch involving automobiles as per ones ease and comfort along with taste. Just you should definitely e-book most abundant in honest business along with save from virtually any scams along with scams.

No matter whether you have arrived at Dubai for the small venture or a full-fledged holiday, it is best to lease an automobile Dubai along with travel all-around widely. Leave everything on the Car Rental Dubai providers along with help to make ones travel throughout the metropolis, worth it.