And ultimately, all things being equal, I suspect workers would prefer whichever type of tips gives them the most money in their pocket at the end of the day! Needless to say, tipping in Mexico is NOT mandatory. Mike Scheid on Unsplash Tipping in Mexico: A Gratuities Guide for Restaurants, Hotels, and All-Inclusive Resorts Tips on tipping wait staff, hotel workers, bartenders, and tour guides in Mexico Mexico is a popular tourist destination because of its hot summers and white sand beaches. Resorts are a great way to relax and get away from the bustle of city life, and Mexico has tons of resort towns. There are some intricacies to this which Ill explain more in each individual section. However, you must also be aware of unscrupulous waiters and bartenders who sometimes try to give themselves a 20% tip in a place where gratuities are optional. Huatulco is a set against the Sierra Madre on the Pacific Coast. I'm sharing when and when not to tip in this blog post! In the heart of the Zihuatanejo jungle, this 5-star resort is an idyllic beach escape. This means that you should bring about $20 in small bills with you to spend on tips throughout the day. Sometimes restaurants in Mexico will add a suggested amount for a tip, but usually, its up to you to do the math and decide. Playa del Carmen was once a tiny fishing village but is now a cosmopolitan beach resort town. Resort towns like Cancun and Los Cabos often take the spotlight as Mexicos most well-known resort towns. Its customary to reward a good tour with a good tip. But Mexican currency has a 20 peso note (which is basically equivalent to $1 USD), a 50 peso note (which is basically $2.50 USD) and a 100 peso note (which is basically $5 USD). Because of the way the bills of each country equate, theres a chance that people will be more generous if they tip in American money than local currency depending on the exchange rate at the time. One of the activities is to go hiking or mountain biking on the many trails. Youll notice that most baggers are teenagers or seniors. Many tourists flock here to ride the Puerto Escondido Mexican Pipeline waves. Theres a service charge in Mexico in some places, but this is quite rare. * Bellmen: $1-3 per bag / 20-50 pesos Only a few minutes away from downtown Cancun, this luxurious resort has everything you need. You might enjoy my post on 31 Fascinating Facts about Mexican Food You Might Not Know. Reasons To Tip in Local Currency Should I Tip in Pesos or US Dollars? When youre tired of swimming and lounging on the golden beaches, be sure to visit Old Town. 23 Brazil Landmarks Youll be Dying to Visit. Barry Fike, a pastor at . The festivities include surfing competitions, beauty pageants, concerts and food festivals. July 20, 2023 6 AM PT. Los Cabo Corridor is in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur on the peninsulas southern coast. This luxury resort has a private beach and eight restaurants. This beachfront resort is one of few pet-friendly accommodations. Nobodys counting how many cervezas youre getting at an all-inclusive! It is also culturally rich in art. If youre a tourist, theyll usually give you a flat rate anyways and never use a meter. * Pool Boys: $5 if they save you prime chairs by the pool The amount depends on the situation, which Ill explain in more detail throughout the guide. Learn how your comment data is processed. Its better to leave 15% at these kinds of establishments. Short answer: it depends. This resort is in an excellent location and close to Principal Beach, and only a short drive from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. Mexico is a popular tourist destination because of its hot summers and white sand beaches. Rooms are air-conditioned and have balconies. Each room at this resort gets an ocean view and a complimentary breakfast. The assemblage of sea life and colourful corals can be explored with this Atlantis Submarine Expedition. * Concierge: $5 if they get you into a fully booked specialty restaurant, Because of this, a recurring question that comes up if you spend any time on Trip Advisor forums, Facebook fan pages for resorts or anywhere else that people are discussing tropical holidays is whether you should tip in USD or the local currency (in this blog post, Ill talk about Mexican pesos although many of the same points apply if youre going to the Dominican Republic or Jamaica or even Cuba although Cuba is a bit unique with that country having two forms of currency one for locals and one for tourists. If youre staying at the kind of hotel that has bellhops, you can (and definitely should) tip them. If youre just grabbing drinks from the bar one by one, its fine to leave some coins or a 20 peso note in the tip jar. This Mediterranean-style resort is a fun place for the whole family. . The choice is all yours. He's also an online English teacher and a video producer. I spent a ton of money to be there already and didnt even consider bringing cash to the resort. Tipping at All-Inclusive Hotels in Mexico, Cancun airport and places like Playa del Carmen, Food in Mexico: A Culinary Guide to Meals, History and Tours, 15 Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, in 2023, Puerto Vallarta Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs in 2023, 15 Best Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico, in 2023. * Housekeeper: $1-5 a day, if you have special minibar requests tip extra Ill get to those in a little while here. There are some fantastic places to stay in Mazatlan. But dont be afraid to tip others who work just as hard if not harder or who have dangerous jobs I think of maintenance people, gardeners, lifeguards, security guards, etc. In addition to the fantastic facilities on site, it also has a tennis court and games room. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Mexico City depends on the place, occasion, and order size. Find out more here. It has a Privilege Beach Club, which serves fresh seafood and cocktails. This competition is a battle against the infamous El Norte winds. In many resorts, it is different people who stock fridges/snacks in rooms and who make up the beds/clean. The living museum comprises stone sculptures that are constantly changing due to the live reef systems. Tipping is definitely customary in Mexico, especially in areas where tourism is the main industry like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. Copyright 2023 Goats On The Road | GOTR Media LLC. Many people are of the belief that since the hotel is all-inclusive, they shouldnt have to worry about carrying around cash. In the tourist hotspots like Cabo, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, etc., you can pay for almost everything in US dollars and so it is perfectly fine to tip in US dollars. In fact, he studied video production at Michigan State University. To be clear, thats a daily minimum wage, not hourly. There is a special kids club to keep the young ones engaged and an outdoor pool. Cancun is a popular holiday destination for young people on their spring break. This guide is for all you party animals out there, as were going to dive into the awesome Puerto Vallarta nightlife! He and his wife Rachel share their adventures on their website, Grateful Gypsies. Transportation Whether you choose to take a cab or rent your own car in Mexico, there are some tipping customs you'll need to know for the road. The land of tacos and tequila is an incredible country to visit, so get excited! The Cozumel Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef next to the Great Barrier Reef. The island is a popular scuba diving and snorkelling spot in the Atlantic Ocean. At your average hotel in Mexico, theres never an envelope to leave a tip for housekeepers. Tourists love visiting them for their golden beaches and parties, but they arent the only resort towns that deserve the spotlight. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this. My wife and I recently enjoyed a 90-minute couples massage for under $50 total! You can also swim and snorkel in the various cenotes and see all of the beautiful sea creatures of the Caribbean Sea. Privacy Policy, Hi! Plus, I was living in China at the time where tipping just isnt a thing and I was used to that. If you have terrible service, dont feel bad about not leaving a tip. * Bartender: $1 per round of drinks Suites at this luxury resort include private balconies and terraces. While it has some resorts, it hasnt become oversaturated with them yet and has a lovely, laid-back ambience. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and well send you our 101 Ways To Earn Money For Travel eBook for Free, plus well send you a series of emails to show you how to travel in a financially sustainable way. Grocery Store Bagger: Though this may be unconventional where you live, it's common that baggers. For buffet meals, you can just leave 20-40 pesos on the table if a waiter brought you drinks. Also, dont forget to stop by the Frida Kahlo Museum while youre there. Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Resort, Villas & Golf. Read More, 2023 The Boutique Adventurer Travel Blog . Quick Answer Do you tip in Mexico? You might recognise its beach from the blockbuster film Shawshank Redemption. After living and traveling in Mexico for the better part of the last 3 years, Ive figured out what the tipping culture is like here. Theyre not exactly employed by the store and just work for the small tips. Playa del Carmen isnt all about turquoise waters and sand in your hair. 15. Air-conditioned rooms come with private bathrooms and balconies. Think of it this way if I give a worker 20 pesos, they can go to Oxxo on their way home and buy a 20 peso chocolate bar. Mexico just announced an increase in the minimum wage this year to 123 pesos (just over $6). Mexico is known for its food, its ancient temples, and its white sandy beaches. It is nestled between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Of course, if currency fluctuates and $1 USD is worth more than 20 pesos, then yes, $1 USD is a better tip than 20 pesos and preferable. But Im not going to go there Ill just say that I dont personally agree with it but understand if someone chooses not to tip at an all-inclusive at all or in a very limited way and Im also fine is a big spender throws around money freely, even if they end up getting better service or more perks or whatever. Mexico has fantastic beaches and resort towns. The spacious suites have dining areas and small kitchens. This standard also goes for Airport Shuttle Operators. Tipping at all-inclusives in Mexico is a controversial issue. Your tips are much appreciated and usually get rewarded with hefty pours and quick and friendly service! Cozumels downtown, San Miguel, is a must-see. This resort has stunning views of the Sea of Cortez from its spacious rooms and five swimming pools. An extra $1-2 here and there isnt a big deal for you, especially if you can afford to fly to Mexico and stay in a nice resort. They try to sneak a service charge in hoping you wont notice it and still add an extra tip. It all depends on the situation. (On that note, many Canadians, especially whove never been before, think its cute to leave loonie or toonie coins but my understanding is that most foreign banks wont even accept non-bills so you end up forcing workers to find ways to exchange this money in other ways. Im talking about the kinds of places that have menu del dia for lunch and the ones where you sit on plastic stools to eat tacos at night. Yes, a standard tip for most service work in Mexico is 10%. If you feel like being really nice, of course, you can definitely leave a 50 peso note as a sign of appreciation. It is one of the two towns on the Los Cabos Corridor and also the bigger city. For example, I would assume the employee receiving the tip has to spend time and/or money to go get any foreign currency they receive exchanged and wherever they do this (bank, currency exchange, local shop, grey market), whoever is doing the exchange is going to take a cut, reducing the amount they received in foreign currency tips even more compared to if they were given local currency which they could spend/save without issue. Those 10 peso coins and 20 peso notes are great to have around for leaving tips as you go. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip . I mean, right now 1 USD is basically equal to 20 pesos so thats pretty easy math one buck = 20 pesos, two bucks = 40 pesos, five bucks = 100 pesos and so on but if that easy math stymies you, by all means, stick with single greenbacks for double tequila shots! After a few years of living in Mexico, I now realize what a jerk move that was. This continental resort offers guests a private Caribbean beach. I always pay for my groceries with a credit card to get points but make sure I have 15-20 pesos to give to them. This award-winning resort boasts 13 pools and seven restaurants. Private balconies at this beachfront resort allow you to overlook Revolcadero Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Of course, if you get a terrible massage and deal with unfriendly staff, dont feel like you have to leave a tip. It is in a great location in town and has a big garden to keep the kids and fur babies busy. It is a . But ultimately, I feel strongly that for most visitors, no matter where youre from, tipping in the local currency is the best for everyone involved for a variety of reasons. Puerto Escondido is the largest beach town on Oaxacas Pacific coast. It was a popular vacation spot for many Hollywood stars between the 1930s and 1960s. Thats all you need to know about tipping in Mexico. Tipping In Mexico Guide We have tried to cover all cases that visitors may run into while traveling to Mexico and have services that might require a tip. Check out our top posts: Note: Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, a website for sourcing royalty-free images and video clips. Speaking of housekeepers, if you personally slip them a nice tip and ask them nicely, theyll make sure to stock your mini-fridge with drinks and replenish it often. Cancn is a well-known resort town and is the second most visited tourist destination in Mexico, after Mexico City. Cerro de Las Chivas trail is beginner-friendly. Some of the buildings in Old Town or Centro Historico date back more than 500 years. It provides water sport rentals alongside its five hot tubs and two pools. This enormous resort has its tennis and golf course and five restaurants. For the most part, service is quite good in Mexico, but there are always some bad apples. A 10 peso tip is typical if you are helped with your bags. This is a laid-back town with a chilled atmosphere, but the locals also know how to party. If thats too much trouble, $1 bills are fine. The difference is literally only a nickel right now but over the course of a day or a few days or a month, an employee might lose a few bucks (depending on how often they get tipped) just because of this small difference. Naturally, most resort towns are along 500 shores on the 9 930 km (6 000 miles) coastline. The best time to visit Cancun to avoid the party crowds is from April to November. This resort can be enjoyed by the whole family. For example, we had a driver pick us up at 5:00 AM on Christmas to take us to the Cancun airport. I cant stress it enough how important tips from international tourists are to locals. With five tennis courts, four pools and three bars, youll never be bored. Located on the Riviera Maya, Tulum is also a beautiful tropical paradise. Theyre usually young guys who are making very little and working long hours. Not only do many people rely on tips, but they also work very hard for them. Speaking of those baggers, you should be aware that they are working solely for tips. It has a splash park for kids and also secluded swim-out suites. Someone pointed out to me that theres also a hidden cost if you take pesos in converting them back to your local currency if you dont spend them all. Sasha is a regular contributor to Goats On The Road where he shares his advice as a full-time traveler and digital nomad. The beachfront resort has exceptional on-site water sports facilities as well as a game room and tennis court. Im Amanda, an Australian who has been living in London for over 16 years. Dining Buffet meals: $1-$2/table Its quite possibly the most picturesque place in all of Mexico. The 4-star hotel also has three swimming pools and a fitness facility. The resort has four restaurants as well as an extensive spa. We once tried to pay for a meal with a tour guide and he grabbed our tourist bills which are worth more and paid with local currency!). Heres the suggested tips I saw in one article about tipping in Mexico although these are obviously only guidelines: * Restaurants: $1-3 per meal per table One great thing about traveling in Mexico is that its very affordable to visit a spa. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, unless they assist you with your luggage, in which case 10 pesos per suitcase is a good rule of thumb. For example, right now Americans commonly use $1 or $5 bills to tip but have no middle option. Looking for more travel information on Mexico? Generally speaking, you can give small tips (some coins or 20 pesos) when you order street food or a single drink from a bar. If you had an incredible tour or an extra helpful driver, be sure to reward their excellent service. It is important to tip a respectful amount. Amanda OBrien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. How Much Do You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts? Resort amenities include BBQ facilities and a private beach area. Typically, you should expect to spend $10-$15, or 200-300 Mexican Pesos, in gratuities per day. In Mexico, tips are always appreciated and sometimes very much expected. This luxury resort has first-class facilities and is in an excellent location. Also, you may end up getting your change back in pesos anyhow. Some argue that US currency gives more buying power but I dont understand that argument at all, especially at the current exchange rate. Whether youre looking for extreme water sports or just want to lounge in the sun, Mexico has a resort town just for you. If you can't make the trip to one of the 30 theaters offering the film in Imax 70mm, Nolan has assured moviegoers that the more horizontal 70mm-film version, will also be a great option. Besides the beaches, there are many in-water activities too. This may mean less $5 USD tips but may also mean that people are more willing to give something worth $2.50 USD than $1 USD, even if they feel $5 is too rich of a tip.