Keep in mind tipping is an important part of Mexican social and trading culture. You can tip in US Dollars; however, it is best to tip in Mexican Pesos. These are the easiest for the service providers to use and exchange. At least half of Mexican households still don’t have a bank account and rely entirely on the country’s cash-based economy for their trades.
Mexican bank notes are printed in denominations of 20-, 50-, 100-, 200-, 500- and 1,000-peso bills. The most commonly seen and used are the 50-, 100- and 200-peso bills.
Download a currency converter app to your cell phone to easily calculate the exchange rate.
While tips are included and therefore not required at most ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS, you may want to tip extra if you receive exceptional service.
How much should I budget for tips?
- $10-$15 per day for general tips
- $25-$30 per day if you plan to leave the resort
Airport Baggage Handlers:
- $2 or 50 pesos per bag (more if the airport is super busy!)
Shuttle Bus drivers:
- 50-100 pesos= $2.50 -$5 per person
Tipping at local restaurants, bars, & beach clubs:
- Always check the bill and see if a service charge for gratuity was included, many restaurants and bars will include this on the bill.
- 10% to 20% – Example: 1,000 pesos bill = $6-8 or 150 pesos
- $1 or 10 pesos for 2 beers
Tipping Taxi Drivers:
90 pesos fare = 10 pesos tip
Tipping Tour Guides:
- Guide: $5-10 per person for a full day tour
- Driver: $1-3 per person
Tipping at Hotels & Resorts (when not included):
- Restaurants: $1-3 per meal per table
- Bartender: $1 per round of drinks
- Bellmen: $1-3 per bag / 20-50 pesos
- Housekeeper: $1-5 a day, if you have special minibar requests tip extra
- Pool Boys: $5 if they save you prime chairs by the pool
- Concierge: $5 if they get you into a fully booked specialty restaurant