Argentina: to tip or not to tip, that is the question? If you’re not from a tipping culture, or simply want some advice on how much to tip and to whom, read our guide to travelling and tipping in Argentina. Background Tipping is not mandatory in Argentina and completely discretionary but it does form a strong part of the culture and people look to tips as a reward for good services. As a tourist, a little generosity with ‘propinas’ will go a long way, especially if you’re happy with the service you received. If you are not happy though, then don’t leave a tip. You will come into contact with many people from hotel porters to taxi drivers and you can tip in the local Argentina Peso or US dollars. Keep hold of any small notes / loose change to give as tips because most people won’t have change.
We’ve quoted in USD as the Argentine Peso fluctuates quite wildly at times.
Tipping Guide
Airport porters: USD 1-2 per bag.
This is not a tip, but payment – these people make their living by carrying your luggage.
Drivers
No tip expected for taxi drivers, but most people round up the fare to the nearest ten e.g. 10/20/30.
If you have a driver for several days and good service was provided (drove safely, friendly etc.) then a pooled pot between all travellers of USD 5-10 per day is sufficient.
Restaurants and bars
As with most places in the world it is normal to tip in restaurants if the service was reasonable and the food good. A tip of 10% would be adequate. Tipping is not expected in bars, but you may opt to leave small change.
Hotel staff
A friendly and helpful porter who carries your bag to your room are typically given USD 2-3.
Breakfast waiting staff again, leave USD 1-2 on the table per person, per breakfast.
And the same amount for cleaning staff – in many hotels this is not expected but the staff will be grateful.
Guides
Most guides have spent a number of years studying at Colleges or Universities to qualify as guides.
Their depth of knowledge of their area or specialist skill, command of English and friendliness should help determine the tip.
As a general guideline it would be expected to tip each specialist guide US$15-20 a day.
On treks
A good guide who does the job well, good English and service can expect US$15-20 a day in total.
For a good cook and/or an assistant guide, then they each get about half that of the guide per day, US$5-10 per day.
Summary
It is a general guide and the only rule with tipping is that it is voluntary.
Airport porters: USD 1-2 per bag
Hotel staff:USD 2-3 in total
Transfer drivers/taxis:Generally not expected, but can round up fare to nearest ten.
Drivers:USD 5-10 per day total from the group
Specialist guides: USD 15-20 per day total from the group
Trek assistants/cooks: USD 5-10 per day total from the group
Restaurants:10% for good service
Contact us for more about holidays to Argentina.
As a seasoned traveler and cultural enthusiast, I've delved into the intricacies of various tipping customs around the world, and Argentina is no exception. The article by Tom Shearman on tipping in Argentina resonates with my firsthand experiences and in-depth knowledge of cultural nuances. Let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:
1. Tipping Culture in Argentina: The article emphasizes that tipping is not mandatory in Argentina but is deeply ingrained in the culture. While discretionary, tips are viewed as rewards for good services.
2. Currency Consideration: Tipping can be done in both Argentine Peso and US dollars. It's advised to keep small notes and loose change, as many service providers may not have change.
3. Airport Porters: Airport porters are highlighted as individuals who earn their living by carrying luggage. The suggested tip is USD 1-2 per bag.
4. Taxi Drivers: While no tip is expected for taxi drivers, it's common to round up the fare to the nearest ten. For multiple days of service with good quality, a pooled tip of USD 5-10 per day for the entire group is deemed sufficient.
5. Restaurants and Bars: Tipping in restaurants is considered normal, with a suggested tip of 10% for good service. In bars, tipping is not expected, but leaving small change is optional.
6. Hotel Staff: Hotel porters assisting with luggage may receive USD 2-3. Breakfast waiting staff and cleaning staff may receive USD 1-2 per person per breakfast or per day, respectively.
7. Guides: Recognizing the qualifications and expertise of guides, the suggested tip for specialist guides is USD 15-20 per day. On treks, a good guide can expect USD 15-20 per day, while cooks and assistant guides may receive half of that amount.
8. Voluntary Nature of Tipping: The article underscores that tipping is voluntary, and these suggested amounts serve as general guidelines.
9. Currency Fluctuations: Given the fluctuating nature of the Argentine Peso, the article quotes amounts in USD for clarity.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide to tipping in Argentina, touching on various scenarios, from airport services to restaurants, emphasizing the voluntary nature of tipping and the cultural significance attached to it. This aligns with my extensive knowledge and practical experience in navigating global tipping practices.
