At the time of writing New York prides itself with over 12,000 taxis. Here is what you should know before you step into one:
  • A light on the roof indicates that the taxi is free.
  • JFK Airport to Manhattan should cost you $30 (plus tolls of about $2 and tip). Take taxis at the station terminal and a clerk will assign you a vehicle and give you a form. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Manhattan.
  • Tips are usually between 15% and 20%.
  • There are no taxi stations in the city. Therefore the first arrived is not always the first served! If you see many people trying to catch a taxi, do not hesitate to change block.
  • Trying to catch a taxi outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art can be nerve racking.
  • Know the names of the angle block where your New York rental apartment is located (street and avenue numbers). Most taxi drivers are foreigners and may not speak English very well. 
Enjoy your New-York cab experience!