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Tipping 101
by Rhea Heggaton |
| Tips, propina, gratuity, pourboire, gratifikation. For as many different words as there are for gratuity there are as many different customs throughout the world. In France the tip is included in your bill in a restaurant, but not it a bar. In many European countries there is no tipping. In the US a tip is customary for many services. Many people ask "What is the custom in Mexico regarding propinas?" Many people in the tourism industry work for tips. It may seem It may seem that everyone has their hand out at some point but that doesn't require you to introduce a tip into it. that everyone has their hand out at some point but that doesn't require you to introduce a tip into it. A tip is for service rendered. A big tip is for services performed either exceptionally well or above and beyond the call of duty. No tip at all sends an obvious message that you have been dissatisfied with the service. Here are most of the individuals you will encounter that work for tips and what the customary tip is. Remember, these are suggestions, not obligations.The weighty issue of luggage The first person you will encounter in the airport is the baggage porter. There will be someone with a dolly offering to help you with your luggage as soon as you get it off the carousel. If you  do not need their assistance a polite "No Gracias" will do. If you do use their services the porter will take your luggage through customs as you pass the checkpoint. Outside the airport the porter will hand off your bags to the porter that is responsible for your transportation to your hotel or to a taxi driver. The taxi driver or porter will put your luggage in the vehicle and unload it at your hotel. Ultimately your bags will be passed to a bellboy at your hotel who will bring your bags to your room. Each of these individuals is usually tipped the equivalent of $1.00 US per bag. The same applies on the return trip to the airport, but in reverse.The only time a tip is warranted for a taxi drive is if he assists you with your luggage or offers you some sort of valuable assistance. Bars and restaurants Tipping in bars and restaurants is similar to the US. For service in restaurants a tip of 10-15% of your bill is the average amount, for good service. If your experience was not satisfactory a lesser tip, or no tip at all, may be warranted. While you are out experiencing the variety of nightlife Puerto Vallarta has to offer a tip of 10% of your total bill or $1.00 US equivalent per round is the norm for waiters and  bartenders.In the hotel Most accommodations will have daily maid service. A tip of $1.00-$3.00 US equivalent per day is average depending on the number of stars a hotel has. It is recommended that you tip each day and not wait until the end of your stay. The rational behind this idea is that during your stay your maid will have one day off or maids may change daily. If that happens to be the day you check out the maid who cleaned your room will not receive the tip. The tip for the maid should be left on your pillow, that way she knows it is for her. She will most likely not take your intended offering if it appears to be money you left laying around. Some hotels include a service charge for housekeeping. Read your reservation information or ask at the front desk if you are unsure. Regarding room service, the tip or "service charge" in usually included. Read the bill carefully to determine if that is the case. All inclusive: To tip or not too tip Regarding All-Inclusive accommodations, the tip is usually included. Read your reservation information or ask at the front desk if gratuities for bars and restaurants are included with your room rate. If you receive exceptional service from a bar tender or waiter a show of appreciation would not be out of the question. Tipping on Tours  During your stay you may find yourself on a tour. At the end the crew will ask if you liked the service and come around to collect tips. A tip of $2.00-$5.00 US equivalent is customary depending on your experience on that particular tour. If you had a particularly enjoyable experience feel free leave a more generous tip. The reverse applies if you had a disastrous time, though you cannot take money of their tip jars.Spas and gratuities The average gratuity for spa services is between 10 and 15% of your treatment cost. You can leave a tip when you pay for your services or you can leave a tip for each person who performs a service for you individually. Tipping and automobiles All gas stations in Mexico are full service. If you rent a car and find yourself in a gas station for a fill up it is customary to tip 3-5%. If you have the attendant check the oil, change a filter or provide some other type of service a tip of 5-10% is customary. If you encounter a problem and end up on the side road you  may become familiar with the Angeles Verdes, the Green Angels. The Green Angels are the FREE roadside service provided by the Mexican government. Their service is free, but there is a charge for gas, parts and towing. Depending on the services rendered and how helpful you feel they were you should tip them accordingly. Which I am sure anyone would gladly do without even thinking after being broken down on the side of the road in a foreign country.Parking attendants can be found in public parking lots and on the street. These individuals will direct you to available spaces and keep an eye on things while you are away. A few pesos are an appropriate tip for these individuals. A tip in the grocery store? All of the supermarkets have individuals to pack up your groceries, usually children or senior citizens. Some will even take your purchases out to you car or to a taxi. A few pesos for this service are appreciated. foreign change is worthless in Mexico. Banks, money exchanges and stores will not accept change from foreign countries. Spare change It is a good idea to keep small bills and change handy It makes no difference whether or not you leave US dollars or pesos. because you will never know when you will encounter a tipping situation. It makes no difference whether or not you leave US dollars or pesos. However, keep in mind that foreign change is worthless in Mexico. Banks, money exchanges and stores will not accept change from foreign countries. Remember, a tip is for a service rendered. You should not feel obligated to leave a tip. If you were pleased with the service reward the provider, but if service was lacking do not leave a tip. |
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