Also.. there will be a $1 surcharge from 4PM to 8PM.... and a 50 cent surcharge after 11PM.
I think those numbers are still correct. As I recall the $1 was added to encourage drivers to stay on the streets during rush hour. But from my experience yesterday it doesn't work too well - Generally NYers tip 20% on top of the fare. (Tho I tend not to tip on that $1.)

Here's your chance to be an actor. Throw your hand up confidently at the curb, step lively entering the cab, say "[Lincoln Center], please" with authority and settle in as if you are a native. Gawking will probably signal that you are a tourist, and you may get a more scenic route. The cabbie will likely not be chatty, so you should not be (that's also a sign of a tourist). This may require you to gruffer than you might normally be, but it's a better idea.

You may have to pay a toll from the airport at the time the cabbie goes through the toll booth. Have some money ready for that.

Ho Ho... every time we drive down CPW or Fifth Avenue my husband gawks and sez... how did I EVER get here from that little podunk town I grew up in? And, 3 out of 4 times we have nice conversations with our driver. Of course, I've lived here 50 years now.... and drivers always seem friendly to we old geezers -

Very helpful.......... saving for October..... Gonna look like a native nyer for sure now!!!!

If you're having ANY problems with a taxi driver, dial 311 on your cell phone. I had a friend get into a NYC taxi at JFK and asked to go to a specific location in Queens. The driver played dumb claiming he didn't know where the stop was (despite my friend having the exact location written). I was able to call 311, the taxi driver knew I had reported him and he returned my friend to JFK where he got another taxi.

When the driver asks if you want a receipt, say YES. It has the cab # on it should you leave anything behind (or have an incident you want to report) you can track down the taxi. At airports, you will be handed a receipt from the dispatcher that also has the taxi #. Don't discard it.

Taxis now take credit cards. Some drivers try to convince you the machine doesn't work but they usually do. Try to tip in cash though.

Wow these are great tips! My couple of trips to NYC (years ago) I had no problems and found all the drivers actually very friendly and helpful. But I'll be sure to keep these tips - maybe headed back soon for a wedding.

mclaurie -

I'm not sure the driver was faking. Most drivers know little about the outer boroughs - and even with an exact address and specific directions they may get lost.

I've taken a cab from JFK to my parent's house in Nassau (but about 5 miles past the city line) and you wold have thought we were heading to Siberia. Every 3 minutes the driver kept asking are you sure you know where you're going. I kept reassuring him, eventually go there and gave him exact directions back to the parkway (a grand total of 2 turns).

Most drivers are clueless outside Manhattan unless it's an area they live in or near their garage.

Got from the airport to the hotel okay. Was worried because flight was very delayed so we needed a cab after midnight. No a problem.....countless cabs in the line.

when we paid by credit card there was a touch screen to add tip, etc. Now to get to SoHo!