Before heading to Mexico, it’s useful to understand how tipping works there. This guide will help you know how much to tip at restaurants, taxis, tour guides, luggage handlers, bartenders, and more.
Planning a trip to Mexico is exciting! The country is rich with tacos, tequila, and mariachi bands. However, it’s important to grasp the tipping culture since many people in the hospitality industry rely on tips for a decent income.
Tipping in Mexico varies depending on the situation. Eating at a street food stand is different from dining at a fancy restaurant. Likewise, staying at a local guesthouse is not the same as staying in a luxury resort.
After traveling in Mexico for nearly three years, I’ve picked up on the local tipping customs. This guide provides tips for different situations to make sure you’re doing it right.
For those traveling from the USA or Canada, Mexico’s tipping culture isn’t too different. Like back home, you tip for services provided. The amount varies, which I’ll explain throughout this guide.
One key point to remember is the local wage. Mexico’s minimum wage is 123 pesos per day, which is just over $6. Many in the service industry earn this or slightly more, so your tips can make a big difference.
A dollar or two might not seem much to you, especially if you’re able to travel to Mexico, but it can mean a lot to those working in hospitality.
Here are some guidelines for tipping in Mexico:
– Restaurants: Tip 10-15% of your bill. For casual places, 10% is fine, but for finer dining, aim for 15-20% if the service is exceptional. It’s better to tip in pesos since dollar bills aren’t very useful for daily expenses like groceries.
– Taxi Drivers: Tipping isn’t usually expected since fares for tourists are often fixed. However, if a driver helps with your luggage or is especially accommodating, a small tip (10-20 pesos) is appreciated. Uber drivers should generally be tipped since fares are low.
– Luggage Handlers: At hotels with bellhops, tip 20-40 pesos per bag. Preferably use pesos, but US dollars are acceptable in a pinch.
– Spa Services: Tips are customary, and a good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest hundred pesos for excellent service.
– Bartenders: Tip coins or a 20-peso note if you’re ordering drinks individually. When running a tab, tip 10-15% of the total. Generous tipping can lead to better service.
– Housekeeping: In standard hotels, tipping isn’t common, but leaving a 50-peso note to show appreciation is a nice gesture.
– Tour Guides: For group tours, a tip of around 100 pesos is standard. For private tours or charters, aim for 15-20% of the total cost.
– All-Inclusive Resorts: Tips aren’t mandatory but greatly appreciated and can enhance your experience. Have a stash of 20 and 50 peso notes for easy tipping. Tip baggage handlers 20-40 pesos, housekeepers 50-80 pesos daily, and bartenders for stronger drinks and prompt service.
Overall, tipping in Mexico is an essential part of the travel experience and helps support the hardworking locals. Carry small change for tips, and whenever possible, tip in cash (local currency preferably).
This guide should help you navigate tipping in Mexico, allowing you to show appreciation while enjoying all the country has to offer. Happy travels!
