In Mexico, it is customary to tip, but if you don’t leave a tip you don’t have to worry, because you won’t get any slack, though you might feel a little miserly, especially when you take into consideration that wages in Mexico are pretty low. You must remember that most Mexicans working in the service industry don’t receive a great salary and they do indeed rely on tips that they get. Read on to find out more about tipping in Mexico.
Show your appreciation by tipping in Mexico
When you are in Mexico you can tip with dollar bills or pesos. Avoid leaving dollar coins as the person will not be able to exchange them for pesos or spend them. Tipping in pesos is easier and more practical for the service provider, but he or she will be perfectly happy to receive dollar bills. When you are deciding how to tip, you should base your tip around the service that you have received. In tourist areas in Mexico tipping is around 15% but can be anywhere between 10% and 20% depending on the service.
Restaurants
In Mexico, when dining at any of the restaurants should leave a tip from 10% to 20% of the total bill. If you are with a large group, sometimes the tip is automatically added to the bill, so be sure to check.
Hotels
If the bellhop takes you to your room and helps you with your luggage, then you should tip the bellhop 2-3 dollars or 20-50 pesos. You should also tip the housekeeping staff 2-3 dollars or 20-50 pesos depending on the type of hotel and the service that you have received. It is advisable to tip your housekeeper each day and not on the last day because the housekeeper could change and they will be encouraged by your tip to offer a good service while you are there.
Tipping for Tours
If you go on a tour and you are really impressed with the tour guide, then you should tip the guide 10%-20%. If you have went on a group tour, then the tour guide leader should be tipped between 3 to 5 dollars, while a private tour guide should be tipped at least ten dollars. The bus driver that takes you around on a tour should be tipped two dollars each day. In Mexico, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers unless the taxi drivers has helped you with your bags, then you might consider giving the taxi driver ten pesos for each bag they assist you with.
Grocery Packers
Usually teenagers and seniors bag your groceries at the stores in Mexico and you can tip them one or two pesos for each grocery bag that they have bagged for you. The grocery packers don’t earn a wage and the only pay they receive comes from the tips you give them.
Gas Stations
All of the gas stations in Mexico are full service gas stations. You should always tip the gas station attendant at least 5-10 pesos; and if they check your oil, check your tires, and clean your windshield, then you should tip them more.
Please note that this article is for guidance only and you should feel free to tip as little or as much as you feel appropriate (or indeed leave no tip at all!)
Read more: 10 Reasons to make Mexico your Home