tipping in Cuba
Tipping is the norm in Cuba so it is important to know what constitutes good tipping etiquette. This tipping guide will explain when to tip in Cuba and how much. Gratuities form part of Cuban workers income and they depend on their tips to support their families. When you do tip, do so discreetly and not for show.
Be generous with your tips, but also be generous with your smiles and kind words. They can go a long way if you are visiting Cuba and will make your trip most enjoyable!
Cuban workers are generally friendly and want to be treated with respect. Many travellers don’t bother to learn even the most basic Spanish before travelling to Cuba, but knowing a little bit goes a long way. At least be able to say “Hello”, “Please” and “Thank you” (Hola, Por Favour and Gracias). Learn more Spanish beforehand if you can and bring an electronic translator to help you.
tipping etiquette for hotels in Cuba
In Cuba Tip $1 per day at Hotels
In Cuba it's good tipping etiquette to tip the bellhop at hotels one CUC if he carries your bags to your room. Give the maid around one CUC a day. It is important to tip as the service is rendered. For example, sometimes travellers will only leave the maid a tip on the last day of their stay, but don’t do this in Cuba. Give a tip immediately after the service was given. Gift giving is also part of the Cuban culture and it is perfectly acceptable to give a small gift to the maid on the last day of your stay.
tipping in restaurants in Cuba
At a restaurant Tip 10%-15% in Cuba
A standard gratuity at a restaurant in Cuba is 10-15% of the total bill. Of course, feel free to leave a larger tip if you felt that the service was excellent. Always be friendly with your waiters and waitresses and talk with them as much as you can. This will go appreciated and will make your visit more enjoyable as well.
tip etiquette at spas in Cuba
In Cuba Tip 10%-15% at a Spa
It's good tipping etiquette to leave a 10-15% tip at a spa in Cuba. If you were very happy with your services then you may want to tip near the higher end. If you had some complaints or concerns, be sure to talk with the manager about it, but still leave a gratuity, just nearer the lower end.
should you tip your tour guide?
In Cuba Tip 2-5 CUC per day
If you go on a tour in Cuba, you should be ready to tip your tour guide. He or she will accompany you throughout the entire tour, give you local, historical, cultural, geographical knowledge and also serve as your translator if you need it. Your tour would not be as enjoyable without your tour guide, which means you need to show your appreciation. You could tip him or her around 2 to 5 CUC per day. You could also tip as a group rather than individually if you prefer. Remember, tip discreetly.
should you tip your taxi driver?
Tip your taxi driver 1-3 CUC in Cuba
Just like other service providers in Cuba, taxi drivers also live off tips from their customers. Aim to tip your taxi driver around 1-3 CUC per trip. If a taxi driver gives you directions to get somewhere, you should tip him more. Remember, be friendly with your taxi driver. Cubans are generally warm and friendly and appreciate tourists who are the same.
should you tip your hairdresser
Tip your hairdresser **10%* in Cuba
Hairdressers should be tipped around 10% of the bill total. If your hairdresser did a phenomenal job with your hair, feel free to tip more if you like. Your tip will be greatly appreciated. If you are not happy with your hair, you should still tip, just not as much.