Tipping is a way of life in Mexico, and you’ll see locals doing it everywhere. However, it can be tricky to know how much to tip in Mexico, especially if you’re used to tipping less or not at all where you live. Here are some tips on how much (or little) to tip in Mexico.
In general: Tipping is expected in Mexico.
In general, tipping in Mexico is a very important part of the culture. Tipping is not required but it’s something that is expected. To show your appreciation for good service and to show respect for the person providing you with that service, you should tip.
If you say “no” when asked if you would like to leave a tip, it can be seen as being rude or disrespectful and could potentially cause offense if someone feels slighted by your refusal to pay them what they consider appropriate compensation for their services.
How much should you tip in Mexico?
In the United States, tipping is pretty standard. This means that you should tip 10-20% of the total bill. If your service was exceptional, you can tip more than that—but don’t expect to be rewarded for a great meal if it was mediocre!
If your service was bad and you didn’t feel like leaving a tip, just leave what would be considered normal in America (10%). The same goes for good service but not exceptional.
Make sure to check the bill in restaurants to see if you’ve included tips
Tipping is a tricky subject in any country, but it’s especially so in Mexico. When you’re on vacation, you might not want to worry about how much to tip or whether your server will be offended if you don’t leave one at all—but that’s exactly what will happen if you don’t know the proper protocol!
When checking out your bill at restaurants (or anywhere else), take a second to look over the subtotal and tax amounts. If there are no service charges or taxes included, then it’s up to you how much extra money you’d like to leave on top of those numbers. In most cases where service is included, however, making sure that your tip has been added correctly will prevent any awkward run-ins with staff members later on down the road.
It’s also important that while tipping culture may differ from country-to-country, there are some basic guidelines that should be followed wherever possible: make sure not only that it is enough but also that it looks generous; try not being too stingy when calculating how much extra money should be added onto an already high price tag (even though this may seem obvious); do not try giving less than 10% unless absolutely necessary; do not give more than 20% unless the service was outstanding.
5 Services You Should Tip in Mexico
Tipping in Mexico is not as straightforward as in the US or Canada. It’s a bit of a gray area, to be honest. Here are 5 services you should tip when in Mexico:
1. Restaurants and Bars
Tip 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants and bars, or $1-$2 per person. Tip the bartender, server, kitchen staff (if a separate check is presented to you), busboy (if you believe he provided exceptional service), host or hostess and valet/coat check person.
2. Gas Attendants
The gas attendant will come to fill your vehicle with fuel. You can tip them 5-10 pesos is usually standard.
If you are using a credit card to pay for gas, by sure to give a few pesos in coins. First let them fill up your car with gas and tip when the receipt is received at the end. Be sure to ask them to clean your windows or do any extra services if you need.
3. Groceries Bagger
- Groceries Bagger
If you have ever shopped for groceries in Mexico, then you know it is not uncommon for someone to bring your bags of groceries to the car/taxi/bus. These people are known as baggers and they usually get paid by the store owner.
A good rule of thumb is that if someone brings your bags out to the taxi/car or bus station and puts them inside without damaging anything, it would be nice of you to give them $5 USD or 20 pesos (or whatever currency is accepted).
4. Musicians
Musicians are another group that should be tipped. In fact, they’re often seen as more deserving than waiters and bartenders because they’re usually playing for free.
The amount of money you tip will depend on how much money they are making by playing their instruments in public. For example, if a group of street performers is performing “Las Mañanitas” (the traditional Mexican birthday song) then you might give them a few pesos 20 to 50 pesos.
5. Anyone who provides an outstanding job
If you receive an outstanding job, tip them. This can include exceptional service, cleanliness, friendliness, professionalism or quality.
Some people are under the assumption that tipping is only for wait staff, but this is not true. If you receive a great haircut or manicure, tip accordingly. If you have a wonderful experience at a restaurant or spa, leave a tip as well. You never know when something may come back around and help your situation.
It’s important to tip when in Mexico.
In Mexico, tipping is a part of the culture. It’s a way to show appreciation, respect and gratitude to those who are providing you with their services. It’s also an act that says “I am not just a tourist – I am a good guest.” By being generous with your tips, you are showing that you are someone who understands that it’s important to give back to the people who make your time in Mexico memorable.
It may seem like an easy thing for tourists and travelers on vacation to overlook but as someone who has lived in Mexico for quite some time now, I can tell you from experience that many people here depend on their tips as an additional source of income beyond what they get paid by their employer or company — especially during certain times of the year when there isn’t much work.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in Mexico for business or pleasure, it’s important to remember that tipping is expected. Whether it’s a restaurant server who goes above and beyond or even just a friendly taxi driver who helps you get to where you need to be on time, tipping is a great way of showing your appreciation. But don’t worry too much! Even if you forget this one time, it doesn’t mean anyone will hold it against them forever (just don’t forget next time).
