Do Not Do: Take a Taxi into NYC from Newark Airport

The days of fretting over whether taxicabs take credit cards are practically over--as most taxis in major cities and at major airports have long ago installed credit card machines, freeing you up from having to take out cash at the ATM when you land. Except at Newark International Airport taking a taxi into Manhattan and paying by credit card is still a hassle.
For starters, there is an additional $5 charge to all points in the state of New York (except Staten Island.) Second, the taxi stand makes you pre-pay for your ride at one of these machines. You then give the slip to your driver, with your desired destination and he will process the full payment at the end. That does not include tolls (which are about $10 and up) and tips (whatever you feel is appropriate.)
Last month, our trip from EWR to Midtown West was about $80. Not to mention, there was terrible traffic going into the city at 5pm. We thought the reverse would be happening. Just another reason why we should have opted for public transportation instead. Next time, we'll take the AirTrain which goes from EWR directly to Newark's Penn Station, followed by NJ Transit to New York's Penn Station, costing just $12.50.