• The meter starts at $2.50, and then $0.40 for each 1/5 mile afterwards.
  
• Waiting Time is $0.40 per 60 seconds
  
• There is a night surcharge of $0.50 (8pm to 6am)
  
• There is a rush hour surcharge of $1.00 (4pm-8pm M-F).
• NYC taxis are available in most of Manhattan and also at dispatcher lines at the airports.
  
  
• For an average ride in and around Manhattan expect to be charged between $8 and $12
  
  
• JFK Flat Fare to/from Manhattan - $45.00
  
• Newark Airport Surcharge - $15.00
  
  Info on fares, flat fares, group rides and rules are available online at the NYC.gov website:
  http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/passenger_info.shtml
  
  
• A taxi cab driver is required to take you to any destination in NYC and to follow any route you suggest.
  
  
• You, the customer pay any and all tolls. Be aware of all individual toll amounts so that you will not be overcharged.
  
  
• You are entitled to a printed receipt from the driver.
  
  
• Taxi's accept credit cards.
  
  
• Trips outside the NYC area have a different rate and are at the discretion of the driver.
  
  
• Outside the city, other than flat fare destinations and Newark Airport, meter rates are doubled (when going to Westchester or Nassau County).
  
  
• It is against the law for a taxi cab driver to refuse a person based on race, disability, or any requested destination in New York City.
  
  
• The passenger limit is 4 people, although additional passengers can be accepted if under the age of seven and held on the lap of an adult passenger seated in the rear.
  
  
• It's always a good idea to use your seat belt!

Tipping:
Tips of 15-20% are expected in both yellow cabs and livery cabs. Its customary to tip more if the driver helps you with your bags or other items. Of course you don't need to tip at all if you are dissatisfied.

Filing a complaint:
You can file a complaint by calling 311 or by filling out an on-line complaint using the form found at the
Taxi & Limousine Commission's (TLC) website. You will need the cab's medallion number and a printed receipt.

For complete information about New York City taxi fares and rules and regulations, visit the
Taxi & Limousine Commission's (TLC) official site.

How to 'hail a cab':
In Manhattan, to hail a cab simply extend your arm in the air towards the on-coming traffic. If the cab is available as indicated by the light box on top of the roof showing the cab number lit, it will pull over to pick you up. If a driver is available but does not see you, it's ok to give a loud shout of "Taxi!".

A cab is occupied when the light box on top of the roof is not lit.

Beware!
Be wary of unlicensed cars (known as 'gypsy cabs') cruising for passengers, especially near the airports. While drivers may claim to offer you a cheaper rate than an actual taxi its not worth the risk. If you are in doubt, ask an airport staffer or hotel concierge for help finding a cab or cabstand. Major airports have taxi information cards for passengers.