tipping in Ecuador

It is a custom to tip at hotels in Ecuador. A hotels bellboy receives $1 per bag and housekeepers about $1 as well. Apart from chain hotels, or luxurious accommodation you could opt for a local bed and breakfast. Old town neighbourhood is a popular area offering wide-range of places to choose from. It’s located in the heart of Quito city.

In restaurants a 12% tax and a 10% service charge is already included to the bill for upper scale restaurants. For medium or cheaper end restaurant the service charge has not been included. It is not obligatory to give a tip. Therefore, check your bill first so that you can decide whether to tip or not. Majority people offer a small tip of 3-5% to upper end restaurants as for the low and medium a 5-10% is recommended. If you want to tip your server, do so directly don’t just leave the money on the table.

In Quito, some bars and pub has an entrance fee and it’s usually not more than $5, and the drinks are rather cheap. Tipping a few dollars as tip to the bartenders/waiters is much appreciated.

Spa staffs would generally receive a tip equalling 5-10% of the package price as a tip. Tip is usually handed to the individual staff after the service is performed. A tip is much appreciated by staffs working in service industry because their wages are quiet low.

Guides are usually paid low-wage so even small gratuities are really appreciated. For a group tour a gratuity of about $5 per person per day and about $2-$3 for the driver is appropriate. If you hire a private guide, tip about $10 per day.