The “Tipping Protocol” in Mexico.
How much to tip in Mexico? And who to tip? As a foreigner visiting Mexico you should know the “tipping protocol” so that you don’t overpay (foreigners often overpay) or underpay (nobody wants to get the stink eye from a waiter).
The General Rule: Generally, you don’t tip as generously in Mexico as in the USA or Canada. 10% is the standard for Mexicans and that may go up to 15% if service was special or if they’re feeling extra generous that day. As a foreigner you might be expected to pay more, especially if you’re staying in a resort in a touristy part of Mexico*. Just know that tipping is optional. Be generous, but know that you don’t have to be if you were unhappy with service.
*I’m of the opinion that over-tipping is a curse that foreigners bring to other cultures. You might be used to giving out 20% tips at home but when visiting another country you should follow local tipping protocol for the simple reason that over-tipping will: 1) create a secondary market where foreigners get better service than locals, 2) you’re setting an artificial standard…which is bad for everyone.
So Who and What to Tip in Mexico?
Food and Drink
Meal at a sit-down restaurant
You’re always expected to tip at a restaurant. In most of Mexico, the standard tip should be between 10 and 15%. But as mentioned above, if you’re at a beach destination in a touristy part of Mexico (or a trendy restaurant in Mexico City), you might be expected to tip in the 15 – 20% range.
Again though, tipping is optional and you should not leave a large tip just because you are expected to. If food/service is bad, tip on the lower end. If it is excellent, tip on the higher end. You shouldn’t reward bad service and if push comes to shove, be honest if the waiter asks you “was everything ok?”.
Note: it is always better to leave tips in cash (in pesos). Typically, tips paid on credit cards are distributed among staff whereas tips left in cash go directly to your waiter.
Note 2: Make sure that the tip isn’t already included in the bill. It is technically illegal but it happens anyway.
Bars
Just like restaurants, the protocol is to tip in the 10 – 15% range.
Street Food
Usually people won’t pay a tip for street food but there is often a coin jar and if you like the food/service then you can leave the change from your purchase. It’s always appreciated.
Hotels
Housekeeping. It depends on the quality of the hotel and what you are paying. But I will generally leave a tip of 50 pesos/day for the maid: they work hard and don’t get paid well. You should always try to leave a tip every day because staff often changes and you want to reward the person cleaning your room each day.
Bellhop. When a bellhop takes you to your room and carries your luggage, I’d recommend leaving them about 50 pesos. Of course, that varies with the amount of luggage you have; if you’re a family with 5 suitcases and he has a to make multiple trips then you might want to be more generous.
Room service. Usually you should follow the same rule as you would follow in a restaurant (typically 10 – 15%). Just make sure it hasn’t already been included in the bill.
Transportation
Taxis. Most people don’t tip taxi drivers unless they handle your luggage. But I usually leave them the change from whatever bill I give them.
Uber. People usually DO tip Uber drivers and will often do so on the app (I’ve been told the Uber credits the drivers with the full amount of the tip you give them). Uber makes it easy with 3 recommendations for tips and I’ll usually pay based on the service I feel I received by the driver. Again though, tipping is optional and I’ve often had situations where I’ve had surly drivers and ended up not leaving a tip at all.
Parking lot attendants. You’ll often see men who hang around a car park, helping people find a parking spot and keeping an eye on your car. Usual practice would be to give them 5 to 10 pesos.
Gas stations. I don’t have first-hand experience as I don’t drive in Mexico but, from a bit of research online, people recommend 10-20 pesos for pumping your gas and 20-30 pesos for engine liquid check /tire pressure check/ windshield cleaning.
Baggage Handlers at bus station. These are the guys that pack your bags away, give you a receipt…and on the other end take the bag out of the hold for you. You should give them 5 to 10 pesos, preferably on both ends of your bus trip.
Tour guides
You should always pay for a tour. It can be a bit confusing though, depending on variables such as whether it’s a group or private tour, the amount of time, and the cost of the tour.
Typically, the tipping protocol is that you tip 10 – 15 % of the cost of a group tour if it is a half-day or full-day tour.
If it is a multi-day group tour, tip 60 – 100 pesos/day.
If it is a private tour with no other participants, you should tip them about 200 pesos/day.
If there is a driver in addition to the guide, you should give them about 50 pesos/day.
Other scenarios where you should be ready to Tip
Grocery Stores
There will often be an old man in a grocery store helping bag your groceries. Most people tip them 3 or 4 pesos (I like to give them 10 because they don’t earn a salary). If they take the bags to your car or taxi them you might want to pay them 10 – 20 pesos depending on the number of bags.
Mariachi. How much to give? 20 pesos/song is a good amount (but not more). If you’re not interested (it can be annoying to have a mariachi group coming to your table when you’re having a conversation) then just tell them politely before they start singing.
Spas, massages, barbers, and hairdressers
Again, you should tip 10% (minimum) to 20 % (maximum). The maximum is typically for tourist destinations. If not sure, 15% is a safe amount to leave as a tip.
Home deliveries
When you have goods or services delivered to your home, you should tip the service providers. Examples include: gas deliveries, water bottle deliveries, supermarket deliveries, postal and courier services (e.g. Amazon, Mercado Libre). $10-$20 pesos is sufficient.
Final Thoughts on Tipping in Mexico
There’s nothing wrong with being generous when tipping. I usually overtip, especially when it comes to lower end workers like maids, Uber drivers, delivery people and that old man packing bags at the grocery store. What I don’t like is when tipping is expected for mediocre service. Again, tipping in Mexico is exactly what tipping should be about: a bonus for good service. If service is not-so-good, I’ll show it in the amount I leave. I’ve even had occasions where service was so bad that I walked out without leaving a tip (it’s happened twice).
Thankfully bad service is rare in Mexico. I find most service workers friendly, attentive and willing to please. And I’ll always be happy to tip for that.
Related: Impressions of Ajijic (Mexico)
Related: A Guide to Bus Travel in Mexico
Related: Eating: the best or worst part of travel?
I learned long ago that the locals do not routinely tip a taxi driver unless special services are provided. If it becomes routine for tourists/expat residents, the driver is more likely to bypass a local mom and the kids if a foreigner is also flagging for the taxi with an expectation of getting a tip.
Thanks George!