As the 2026 World Cup brings a flood of international tourists to New York City, locals are noticing a surprising trend: visitors from around the globe are largely ignoring the traditional American tipping culture. Staff members in various industries, from restaurants to bars, are reporting that foreign travelers are often unaware of, or simply not following, the customary practice of leaving 15-20% of their bill as a gratuity. The phenomenon is not entirely unexpected, given the varying attitudes towards tipping in different countries, but it's still causing a stir among NYC service workers who rely on tips to supplement their income. As the city prepares to welcome millions of soccer fans, it will be interesting to see how this cultural exchange plays out.
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.
