Quote:
Originally Posted by slimshaydee
Question 1:
Tipping is almost non-existent in Australia, so I want to make sure I don't stiff someone who relies on tips to earn a living. I should tip approx 15% (depending on service) to people like: Waiters, Taxi Drivers, Barbers and other similar service staff while giving $1 to Bartenders for pouring a drink and a few dollars for the bellboy who carries my bag?
|
For tipping, if you want to be nice, this is the deal: tip 20% for service, with a $5 minimum for anywhere you sit down and somebody brought you something more substantial than a muffin and a cup of coffee. Some people say the same goes for taxi drivers, but I usually tip a straight $5, unless it was an unusually long or short ride. I can't tell you about barbers, because I don't cut my hair more than once a year. Bartenders should get $2 minimum if you've ordered a single alcoholic drink: multiple drinks or a tab should call for tipping on a percentage, with a $5 minimum. Bellboys and skycaps get $2, with an extra dollar per bag if you have more than 2 bags, and more if you have a mountain of luggage or heavy boxes. Concierges should be tipped based on what you've asked them to do (e.g., get you tickets to a show, maybe $10, but arranging lunch at the Russian Tea Room with Gore Vidal, when you don't even know Gore Vidal-- tip more than $10). Counter service people at coffee houses and such, where there is a tip jar, are often tipped with the change from one's order (e.g., you order coffee and a doughnut, it comes to $6.25, you give them a $10, you keep the three ones and you put the seventy-five cents in the tip jar), but if they are nice, or you're compassionate, or you see they're getting stiffed a lot, leave a buck in the jar.
BTW, in regard to varying tip amount, it is not necessarily bad form to tip a hot service person more, especially if you plan to hit on them later, but don't overtip lavishly, otherwise it's like implying they're a hooker. <-- (Lesson learned the hard way).
Quote:
Question 2:
What neighbourhoods should I avoid in NYC and San Fran? I've been told to avoid Harlem and the Bronx, as well as downtown in San Fran. I don't want to accidentally end up on the wrong area and put myself in a dangerous position
|
In NYC, I'd stay out of the Bronx, for the most part, and avoid Harlem after dark. Same goes for the Tenderloin in SF: avoid it after dark, and if you go during the day, keep your wallet in your front pocket, not your hip pocket.
Quote:
|
Question 3: Just how safe is NYC these days? I'll be staying on Broadway at the lower end of Manhattan so I assume this is pretty safe?
|
It's very safe. I go there all the time to visit my best friend. Never had any trouble. Besides, even New Yorkers can't resist Aussies. Everybody loves an Aussie.
Quote:
Question 4:
I'm looking at checking out another city in Canada, or somewhere around New York as I have 2 weeks in New York and want to explore the surrounding areas. What are some good places a couple of 24 year old blokes would like that wouldnt take more than 12 hours on a bus/train?
|
Take a couple of days-- hell, I'd go for a whole week!-- and go to Washington DC. It's totally worth it. Lovely city, great for walking, beautiful architecture, cheap public transportation, excellent museums and monuments that are all free to visit, surprisingly good restaurants. It's tied with NYC for my second favorite city in the US (I love my home, Los Angeles, best). Plus, it'll be warmer than Montreal.
Quote:
Question 5:
I'll be spending 3 days in Las Vegas on my own, what are some places I can go to that are exciting, and to meet a few people?
|
Can't help you, there: I hate Vegas. Sorry.