As millions of soccer fans flock to New York City for the 2026 World Cup, a cultural phenomenon is emerging that's leaving some in the service industry scratching their heads. Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, visitors from around the globe, including those from the host nations of the tournament, are bucking the traditional tipping culture that's long been a staple of American hospitality. Staff in restaurants, bars, and cafes are reporting that tourists are either not leaving tips at all or are leaving significantly lower amounts than usual, leaving some to wonder if the usual rules of engagement are being rewritten. As the city prepares to welcome a tidal wave of international visitors, the question on everyone's mind is: what does the future hold for tipping in the Big Apple?
World Cup 2026 tourists in New York City are yet to adopt the usual tipping culture in the United States of America, according to staff who work in The Big Apple.
