For some reason, most people feel obligated to tip the taxi driver every time they use a taxi. As such, taxi drivers, all over the world, have come to expect a tip from every customer that rides with them. That’s why, and as you may have noticed, these drivers take their time to give you your change back, hoping that you’d leave them part or all that change. Some even claim they don’t have enough change -- as a ploy to compel you to leave all the change to them. In some countries, I have even seen taxi drivers who boldly demand tips.
Why do we always feel the need to automatically tip taxi drivers?
We don’t tip airline pilots, flight attendants, train engineers and conductors, city bus drivers…etc. All these people transport us from point A to point B, but they don’t expect and don’t get any tips.
I only tip the taxi driver if he does something extra like helping me with my bags or waiting for me if I stop to pick up something, or helping me to find something I’m looking for… etc. Otherwise, I usually pay him the exact fare, but I may leave him the small change if he is polite and has a nice attitude! I have to admit that I pay more tips in Dubai than anywhere else, because I have a soft spot for Dubai drivers who are overworked and underpaid.
Would love to hear your experiences on how you deal with taxi drivers when it comes to tipping!