Same as you would back home. If they went out of the way, tip them accordingly. If not, it's up to you.

RL

i guess i should have asked how much a typical tip is for taxi drivers in general. i live in an area where they are not typically used. thanks.

Any feedback? What do folks usually tip the taxi drivers, if they do at all?

--Islander

I tip at least $1 or 10% whichever is greater. 15% if they're helpful.

I never tip them at all. Their tips are actually built into the fares, so tipping them is redundant. And they will try to do anything at all (including fibbing) to increase the fare. Sure, they like to be tipped extra, but I wouldn't even consider it unless they REALLY deserved it. I mean, they get discounts on shipping their taxis here, avoid the road tax, get discounted gas, dicounted repair, discounted parts, can write off everything they ever buy as a business expense, only report about $100 income per day (when they actually take in more like $700-$900), they belong to the Taxi Association (which is akin to the Mob in NYC) and never get a ticket for ANYTHING...even if it's their fault (which it usually is). These guys and gals run the island. See that really big house up on the hill? Taxi driver. Someone parked in a handicapped zone? Taxi. Someone cause an accident and the tourist got a ticket? Taxi. It just goes onand on. I am not just some jaded psycho, either, as I lived with a taxidriver and his family for a year, and I got a good 'inside' look. Utilize their services, be nice and polite...but keep the extra coupla bucks in your own pocket. You need it more than they do.

WOW!!!! Never knew that! Talk about a special class. I will keep my $$$'s to myself.

Marty forgot to mention that they also get the money for bags from the airport to Red Hook ferry. If you multiply 6 passengers x the tariff to RH and the bags that are in the van, you can come up with a bunch of change.

Hey Marty how hard is it to get one of those taxi Medallions.

If we get picked up by RonUSVI it's a lot cheaper. Means I only have to feed him.....LOL.

See you in a couple of days Ronnie.

Take note to what they should charge for your your fare as compared to what they ask for... I generally wad up the amount that they should get for the 2 of us and hand it to the driver. It gets a funny look but never have been questioned on it.

You should tip what you feel. Just as you would anywhere. It's utter nonsense that tips are built into fares. The tariff as set forth by the Taxi Commission. Usually negotiable is what they charge for luggage. That too is written in the rules set forth by the Commmission. Yes, some taxi drivers cheat on their taxes, some may not pay at all. Lots of them lease their plates from a medallion owner and have to pay a good amount of their earnings to them. They do not get discounts on shipping their cars here.(I have sold cars and sold to many taxi drivers, I know, no speculation). They don't pay road tax and They should pay double what we pay. As to discounts, we all get them somehwere or the other
At the airport, the tariffs are listed to the right as you leave baggage claim. A quick glance will show you what you should pay. There is also printed in some guides what the rates are as well as here on this web site. In the cab, they should have the tariffs so you can read them. Ask how much beofre you get in. If you feel cheated, write down their number and report them. If they go out of the way. Tip them what you feel. It's not mandatory.
There are few bad apples and some very good ones. few bad apples and some very good ones. All shouldn't have to suffer because of one or two person's bad mouthing.
I am not much of a defender of taxis as they are one of my pet peeves. I pick up my guests at the airport because of how they go on. There are a few that work for me and are hard working. You have to pick the good from the bad and hope the bad will see the error of their ways.
I suggest when you find one you like, get his card and call him all the time!

Ronnie