tipping in Barbados

Barbados is an island nation that attracts lots of tourists every year. Like many places around the world the touristy areas have developed their own expectation of what is good tipping etiquette. When you need to leave a gratuity depends on the service you have received and how good it was. Read the tipping guide for Barbados below to find out more.

tipping etiquette for hotels in Barbados

In a Hotel Tip $1 or $2 at a hotel

In Barbados, a service charge of 10% - 15% is typically added to your bill. Any additional tipping is up to you. If you decide to tip more, the decision should be based on the quality of the service you received.

For porters/bell boys, $1-$2 USD per bag is a sufficient tip. A tip of $2 USD per day per room for hotel maids is also the suggested amount

tipping in restaurants in Barbados

In Barbados Tip 10-15% to your waiter

Just like hotels in Barbados, restaurants usually include a service charge between 10%-15% of the total bill. So you don't need to tip if you don't want to, however if you received exceptional service its good etiquette to tip approximately 10%. Restaurants in Barbados allow customers to add this to either your credit card or leave cash.

Bartenders should be tipped 10-15% of the total bill, if a service charge is not added. Service charges are most commonly found in hotel bars; however, some private bars include them as well. Outside of resorts, bartenders should receive a small tip of about $1-$2 USD per drink and depending on what you are ordering. If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, ask the manager or front-desk staff about their policy on tipping.

Dining out in Barbados

Barbadian cuisine has numerous influences, including the food and traditions from England, Portugal, Spain and West Africa. Most traditional Barbadian food is cooked with local spices and herbs, including marjoram, garlic, parsley, thyme, basil, paprika, salt, black pepper and clove.

Vegetables such as asparagus and okra are commonly used as well as local fish, including yellow fin tuna, snapper, mahi mahi and barracuda. The Barbadian national dish is Cou Cou and Flying Fish, which is a combination of okra and corn meal combined with pepper, salt and Bajan hot sauce and the flying fish is either steamed or fried. Since sugar is grown in Barbados (sugar cane is one of their main crops), sweets are also popular. Some local traditional candies include tamarind balls, guava cheese, chocolate fudge and peanut brittle.

tip etiquette at spas in Barbados

At a non all-inclusive Spa Tip 10-15% in Barbados

In Barbados, tipping spa staff is not required at all-inclusive resorts, however small tips are greatly appreciated for exceptional service. Outside of resorts, tipping is expected and can be between 10-15%. You can base the amount you wish to tip on how satisfied you are with the service your received.

should you tip your tour guide?

In Barbados Tip 10% to your tour guide

In Barbados it's good tipping etiquette to leave a gratuity that is 10% of the total cost of the tour. If you thought the tour was exceptional and the tour guide was informative and enthusiastic, you may wish to tip extra, but it won't be expected.

should you tip your hairdresser

Tip your hair stylist 10-15% if its not all-inclusive

Just like in spas, tipping hairdressers is not required at all-inclusive resorts, however small tips are greatly appreciated for exceptional service. Outside of resorts, tipping is expected and can be between 10-15%. You can base the amount you wish to tip on how satisfied you are with the service you received.

should you tip your taxi driver?

In Barbados Tip 10% to your taxi driver

Taxis in Barbados are not metered, but the government regulates fixed rates. However, the best option is to agree on your fare with the taxi driver beforehand (taxis fares tend to be around $20 USD. Taxi drivers customarily receive a 10% tip; however, you may wish to give a little extra tip if the driver is helpful and has recommended things to see and do or good restaurants or bars.