Understanding NYC/NJ Sales Tax, Tipping & Travel Fees
Understanding US Tipping & Tax Customs
For international tourists traveling to the 2026 World Cup Final, US sales taxes and tipping customs can be confusing. Unlike many countries where taxes are included in the price tag and tips are optional, the US calculates tax at the cash register and expects gratuities for service staff.
By learning the local sales tax rates, hotel occupancy fees, and standard tipping guidelines, you can avoid checkout surprises.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of tax rates, tipping norms, and local service fees.
For rentals and vacation home sharing in budget areas, make sure to read our guide on the Top Rental & Airbnb Neighborhoods.
Sales Tax Rates: NYC vs New Jersey
Sales tax rates differ across the state border. New York City charges a combined state and local sales tax of 8.875% on most retail purchases, meals, and services.
New Jersey charges a lower state sales tax of 6.625%. Both states add sales tax at the checkout page or cash register.
Keep this difference in mind when shopping for electronics or high-value items.
Clothing Sales Tax Exemptions
Both states offer special sales tax exemptions for clothing. In New York City, individual clothing and footwear items priced under $110.00 are exempt from local sales tax.
In New Jersey, clothing and footwear are completely tax-exempt regardless of their sale price, making it a great shopping destination.
If you prefer craft beer taprooms or sports bars in the city, check out our guide on NYC Craft Beer & Breweries for Soccer Fans.
Tipping Etiquette in Sit-Down Restaurants
Tipping in US restaurants is culturally expected. The standard gratuity rate for table service is 18% for acceptable service, 20% for good service, and 22% - 25% for exceptional service.
Tips are calculated on the pre-tax bill amount. Check your receipt beforehand, as many sports bars add an automatic gratuity (usually 18%) for parties of 6 or more.
Make sure you confirm bag rules if you are carrying personal items. Read our guide on the MetLife Stadium Clear Bag & Safety Policy.
Tipping Etiquette at Bars and Coffee Shops
For quick-service counters and bars, tipping expectations are lower. At sports bars or draft beer gardens, it is standard to tip $1.00 to $2.00 per drink.
At coffee shops, tipping is optional; rounding up to the nearest dollar or leaving 10% is a polite gesture.
For ticket price information, check out our guide on Average Ticket Prices Analysis.
Taxi, Rideshare and Porter Tipping
Tipping extends to local transit operators. Yellow cab and rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) expect tips of 15% to 20% of the fare.
Tip hotel porters and airport skycaps $2.00 to $3.00 per bag carried, and leave hotel cleaning staff $3.00 to $5.00 daily.
For transit directions to the stadium, consult our detailed MetLife Stadium Transit Guide.
Hotel Occupancy Taxes & Resort Fees
Hotel taxes in NYC/NJ are high. NYC hotels add a 14.75% occupancy tax plus a flat $2.00 nightly fee.
Watch out for hidden "resort fees" or "destination amenity fees" of $20.00 to $40.00 per night, which are charged directly at checkout.
Check the fine print when booking budget packages online to ensure these fees are accounted for.
Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Toll Rates
If you drive, toll fees add up quickly. Bridges and tunnels crossing into Manhattan (Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, GWB) cost $15.00 to $17.00.
The New Jersey Turnpike utilizes distance-based tolls, and rental car companies regularly charge transponder convenience fees of $5.00 to $10.00 daily.
Taking public transit is recommended to bypass these toll roads.
Transaction Fees on Card Payments
Most retail and dining spots are cashless, accepting major credit cards and mobile tap-to-pay.
Confirm foreign transaction fees on your credit card before departing.
Using cards with zero foreign transaction fees is highly recommended for international tourists.
Refunding Sales Taxes for Tourists
Important note: unlike Europe where tourists can claim VAT refunds, the US federal and state governments (NY/NJ) do NOT offer sales tax refunds to foreign visitors.
All taxes paid at checkout pages or cash registers are final and non-refundable.
Factor in these sales taxes when budgeting for shopping tours.
Tax and Tipping Summary Cheat Sheet
Keep a quick reference card: NYC sales tax (8.875%), NJ sales tax (6.625%), standard table tipping (18% - 20%), and bar tips ($1.00 - $2.00 per draft).
This cheat sheet ensures your budget calculations stay accurate during matchday crawls.
If you are planning to dine near the stadium in NJ, check out our guide on Cheap Eats Near MetLife Stadium.
Finding Lodging Near MetLife Stadium
Staying close to the stadium is highly recommended if you hold matchday tickets. Hotels in East Rutherford like the Hilton Meadowlands offer excellent access.
These hotels book up months in advance of the Final, so securing your rooms early is essential. Note that short-term rental permits under Local Law 18 are strictly enforced in nearby New York City.
For lodging choices on the Jersey side of the river, explore our guide on NJ Lodging: Budget vs Luxury Options.
MetLife Stadium Transit Commuter Routes
Taking the rail connection is the most convenient way to travel to MetLife. Take the subway to Penn Station in Manhattan, then transfer to the NJ Transit rail to Secaucus Junction.
At Secaucus, take the Meadowlands Rail Line straight to the stadium gates.
For a step-by-step transit mapping, consult our detailed MetLife Stadium Transit Guide.
American Dream Mall Alternative Dining
If stadium concessions are too expensive, consider dining at the adjacent American Dream Mall before scanning into the security checkpoints.
The mall features a massive food court, sit-down family restaurants, and international snack options at much lower prices than inside the arena gates.
For a complete directory of shopping and dining inside the mall, check out our American Dream Mall Soccer Fan Guide.
Local Grocery and Pre-Match Picnic Supplies
To save money, consider buying your tailgating food and beverages at local supermarkets like Wegmans or Stop & Shop in East Rutherford.
Stock your coolers with affordable sodas, burgers, and snacks before heading to the parking lots. Note that tailgating is permitted in all MetLife parking lots, provided you follow open flame safety rules.
For parking pass purchases and lot mapping guidelines, read our detailed MetLife Stadium Parking Guide.
The Ultimate FAQ
Frequently asked questions about this guide.
- NYC charges a combined state and local sales tax of 8.875% on retail items.
- Sales tax is calculated at checkout and is not included on store price tags.
- Factor in sales taxes when budgeting for shopping tours in the city.
- New Jersey charges a state sales tax of 6.625% on retail purchases and dining.
- Like NYC, tax is added at the cash register during checkout.
- NJ's sales tax is lower than NYC's, making it a popular shopping destination.
- Yes, clothing and footwear are completely tax-exempt in the state of New Jersey.
- This exemption applies regardless of the price, unlike NYC's $110.00 limit.
- Shop at NJ malls (like American Dream Mall) to save on clothing purchases.
- Individual clothing and footwear items priced under $110.00 are exempt from NYC sales tax.
- Items priced at $110.00 or higher are subject to the full 8.875% sales tax rate.
- Exemptions apply on an item-by-item basis, not the total transaction value.
- The standard tip is 18% for acceptable service, and 20% for good service.
- Tip 22% to 25% for exceptional service or highly attentive waitstaff.
- Check your bill for automatic gratuities, which are added for groups of 6 or more.
- Tipping at coffee counters and fast-food eateries is optional but appreciated.
- Touch screen terminals present tip options (like 10%, 15%, or $1.00).
- Decline the tip option or leave loose change if you prefer not to tip for counter service.
- Tip bartenders $1.00 to $2.00 per draft beer or simple cocktail.
- For complex cocktails or large tabs, tip 15% to 20% of the total bill.
- Tipping bartenders ensures prompt service on busy matchday nights.
- Yes, taxi and rideshare drivers expect tips of 15% to 20% of the fare.
- Add tips through the rideshare app after the ride ends.
- Tip taxi drivers in cash or via the in-cab credit card terminal.
- NYC hotels charge a 14.75% occupancy tax plus a $2.00 flat nightly tourist fee.
- Many hotels add resort or destination fees of $20.00 to $40.00 daily at check-out.
- Review lodging terms to confirm if these fees are included in your booking.
- No, highway and bridge tolls are not subject to local sales taxes.
- Bridges and tunnels crossing into Manhattan cost $15.00 to $17.00.
- Tolls are cashless; rental car companies charge convenience fees for E-ZPass tags.
- No, the US federal and state governments do not offer sales tax refunds to foreign tourists.
- Unlike Europe's VAT refund systems, all sales taxes paid at register pages are final.
- Account for sales taxes when planning shopping budgets for the trip.
- Look for lines labeled 'Gratuity', 'Service Charge', or 'Tip' on your receipt.
- If a gratuity is already included, you do not need to add an extra tip.
- Ask your server if you are unsure whether a tip has been added.
- Tip hotel porters $2.00 to $3.00 per bag carried to your room.
- Leave housekeepers $3.00 to $5.00 daily on the desk or nightstand.
- Tipping hotel staff is a polite way to show appreciation for their service.
- Yes, tip guides $10.00 to $20.00 per person on free walking tours.
- Tip street performers $1.00 to $5.00 if you watch their show or take photos.
- Carry small cash bills to make tipping street performers and guides easy.
- Resale tickets are subject to sales taxes, which are calculated at checkout.
- Platforms add local sales taxes based on the buyer's billing location.
- Review the total checkout cost with taxes included before confirming the purchase.