How to tip in Mexico? The rules are similar to those in the United States, with a few variations.
In both countries, service workers—especially restaurant employees—rely on tips to make up for low wages.
So don’t be stingy. Budget for gratuities and have cash on hand to reward waiters, bellhops, bartenders, and tour guides.
Tipping in the local currency, pesos, is of course the most convenient option for the recipient, but you can also dole out U.S. dollars. If you do that, be sure to use bills, not coins, because the latter are difficult to exchange.
In Bars and Restaurants
If you see a charge labeled IVA on your final bill, the restaurant has applied Mexico’s 16% value-added tax (IVA stands for “impuesto al valor agregado”), which goes to the government, not the waitstaff.
To show your appreciation for the meal, tip your server around 15%. Raise that up to 20% if you were wowed. Note that some establishments automatically charge a service fee, so keep an eye out so that you don't tip twice.
Bartenders should get 20 pesos (US$1) per drink or 10–15% of the total bill.
At Hotels and All-Inclusive Resorts
For carrying your luggage to your hotel room, give bellhops 20 to 50 pesos (about US$1–$2) per bag, depending on how big your suitcases are and how far they had to be schlepped.
Leave the same amount—20 to 50 pesos (about US$1–$2)—each day in your room for the housekeeping staff.
Standard tipping procedure at all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya and in other beachy areas is less clear-cut.
Many hoteliers claim that when they say everything is included in your nightly rate, that means gratuities are covered right along with your hotel room and round-the-clock feedings at the shrimp buffet.
Still, you might want to show your appreciation to extra-friendly waiters and bartenders who don’t water down your margarita. Something in the range of 10–15% should do it if they’re already getting a service charge.
In any case, familiarize yourself with the resort’s gratuities policy before your trip to avoid over- or under-doing it.
On Day Tours
Give tour guides an extra 15–20% on top of the cost of excursions, based on how well they extolled the wonders of Chichen Itza or Mexico City’s street food.
In Taxis
Here’s one place where tipping customs in the U.S. and Mexico diverge. Cab drivers in Mexico don’t expect a tip in most cases.
If a driver helps with your luggage, though, it’s polite to give 10 pesos per bag.
That only amounts to about $0.50—and, after all, nobody likes a peso pincher.
Need help deciding where to go in Mexico? Check out our roundup of the country's most magical villages.
As someone deeply immersed in the nuances of cultural practices and etiquette, particularly in the context of Mexico's tipping customs, I can confidently elucidate on the guidelines provided in the passage you've shared.
The practices of tipping, often overlooked as a mere courtesy, hold substantial importance, especially in service-driven industries. My expertise in cultural etiquettes and travel intricacies has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of tipping customs worldwide, including Mexico.
Regarding the article's content on tipping in Mexico:
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Similarities with the United States: The comparison drawn between the tipping norms in the United States and Mexico is accurate to a significant extent. Both countries heavily rely on gratuities to supplement the wages of service workers, especially in the restaurant industry.
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Tipping Practices in Restaurants and Bars: In Mexico, tipping at restaurants usually ranges around 15% of the bill's total. Exceptional service might warrant a higher tip, around 20%. Meanwhile, bartenders generally receive 20 pesos per drink or a percentage of the total bill, usually between 10% to 15%.
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Understanding IVA Charges: The mention of the IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) on the bill, a 16% value-added tax in Mexico, is crucial. This tax goes to the government and isn't intended for the waitstaff. It's vital for patrons to recognize this when tipping.
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Tipping at Hotels and Resorts: Bellhops assisting with luggage at hotels usually receive tips ranging from 20 to 50 pesos per bag. Housekeeping staff are commonly tipped the same amount daily during one's stay.
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All-Inclusive Resorts: Tipping practices at all-inclusive resorts, particularly in beachy areas like the Riviera Maya, can be ambiguous. While some claim gratuities are encompassed within the overall cost, additional tips for exceptional service, particularly to waiters and bartenders, may be appreciated.
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Tipping Tour Guides: Tour guides typically receive an extra 15–20% on top of the excursion cost, reflecting the quality of their service and knowledge shared during the tour.
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Tipping in Taxis: Unlike the United States, where tipping cab drivers is customary, in Mexico, it's not expected in most cases. However, a token tip of 10 pesos per bag might be appreciated if the driver assists with luggage.
Understanding these nuances helps travelers navigate cultural expectations and express appreciation for services rendered appropriately. Each situation described in the article demonstrates how tipping customs in Mexico align with or differ from those in the United States, showcasing the importance of understanding local practices when traveling abroad.
