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tipping in Mexico

Culture, beaches, desert, jungle, mountains, history, party towns and lively friendly locals, Mexico has it all. But should you tip in Mexico? Tipping is expected in Mexico and the etiquette is similar to the United States and Canada. Many people in the Mexican service industry rely on tips as a large part of their income. You can even tip in US Dollars, but only use bills as foreign coins are not exchangeable for pesos.

tipping etiquette for hotels in Mexico

In Mexico tip Good Service at hotels

You are expected to tip your porter anywhere between 10 and 20 pesos per bag. You should also tip your housekeeper, the norm is between 20 and 50 pesos per night. Leave the money on the bed or side table, preferably in an envelope. If your concierge offers you good service, tip between 50 and 150 pesos.

Famous Mexican hotels

Mexico has some famous hotels, including:

  • Maroma Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo.
  • Casa De Sierra Nevada in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
  • The Hacienda Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa.

tipping in restaurants in Mexico

In Mexico Tip 10% at restaurants

At restaurants tipping between 10% and 15% is expected for good service. It’s best to tip in cash, in the country’s currency (peso). If the service is good, tip around 15%, or around 20% if the service is exceptional. Tip less if the service isn't up to standard. Tips should be a reward for good service. Some restaurants add a service charge (propina), around 10%. You do not need to tip more if this is added to your bill.

At a bar in Mexico tip between 10 and 20 pesos per drink at the bar. If you run a tab, you can tip at the end, as a percentage of the total bill, in which case tip around 15%.

tip etiquette at spas in Mexico

At Mexican spas Tip 15% if service is exceptional

You can tip your massage therapist, aesthetician or other spa therapists around 15% to 20% of the cost of your treatments. Sometimes it will already be added to the bill. You can usually leave this tip in an envelope, at the front reception. Luxury spas in Mexico include:

  • El Santuario Resort & Spa
  • Misión Del Sol Resort & Spa
  • Hotel Ixtapan Spa & Golf Resort
  • Le Méridien Cancún Resort & Spa

should you tip your tour guide?

for tour guides TIP 5 Euros

Tips are expected. For large tours, you should tip between 50 - 70 pesos per day per person. Tip more if the guide is also the driver. If it is a small tour, you can tip 15% to 20% of the cost, depending on service.

Guided Tours in Mexico

There are many guided tours in Mexico, covering all the famous sites. These include tours of the Yucatan peninsula, tours of the remains of the Aztece, Mayan and Spanish empires, adventure/travel trips, Copper Canyon hiking tours, Oaxaca's Mountains hiking tours, and more.

should you tip your taxi driver?

for taxi drivers DON'T TIP but agree on a fare

In Mexico tipping your taxi driver is not necessary. However if the taxi driver provides extra service, such as helping you with luggage, tipping is appreciated. You can round up the bill.