The Essentials of Tipping When Traveling in Mexico

Similar to the USA, tipping in Mexico is not just appreciated, it's expected. However, there are some nuances regarding the timing, location, and amount of your tip.

Generally, tipping in beach areas tends to be pricier compared to major cities or more remote locations in Mexico. Locals often indicate that tourist-heavy spots usually have higher tipping percentages, while less frequented areas might see lower ones.

Regardless of your location in Mexico, you'll find yourself tipping for various services, so it's wise to familiarize yourself with local customs to avoid appearing like a total tourist.

A Quick Guide to Tipping in Mexico

Tipping in USD while in Mexico

It's advisable to tip in pesos while in Mexico. Using U.S. dollars can complicate matters for the recipient, as they'll need to exchange the dollars for pesos and incur a fee. When tipping in pesos, it's acceptable to leave a mix of coins and bills (the smallest note, 20 pesos, is approximately US$1).

If you must tip in U.S. dollars due to a lack of pesos and no access to an ATM, ensure the bills are in good condition and consider raising your tip slightly to cover any exchange fees the recipient might incur. Avoid leaving coins, as they cannot be exchanged.

Tip a percentage in restaurants and cafés, with the percentage varying based on several factors

Tipping at restaurants in Mexico is always anticipated. The amount you tip depends on the quality of service and the region. In beach areas that attract more foreign tourists from the U.S. and Canada, tipping between 15 and 20 percent is customary. In less touristy areas, locals suggest a standard of 10 to 15 percent.

Much like in the USA, waitstaff in Mexico often earn low wages and depend on tips to make ends meet. If you're satisfied with the service, tipping generously is appreciated, but locals might advise against tipping more than 20 percent to maintain a fair service dynamic for all customers. A tip of 20 percent is regarded as excellent.

You can either add a tip to your bill or provide cash directly to the server.

Many restaurants that accept credit cards will have a space for adding a tip, or your server may ask what percentage you'd like to leave. Tips added to card payments are usually shared among all staff. If you want to reward a specific employee for exceptional service, it's best to tip them in cash (en efectivo).

Some bills may include a service charge

Certain restaurants may add a service charge to your bill, particularly at upscale establishments or, more commonly, in hotels and resorts—especially for room service. You might notice a note on your room service menu or receipt indicating that a service charge has been included. This charge is typically around 10 percent. You can choose to tip extra, but it's not mandatory to add much.

Yes, don’t forget to tip at bars in Mexico as well

Just like in the United States, it's customary to tip bartenders. If you're paying for each drink, leaving pesos on the bar as you would at home is fine; around twenty pesos per drink is adequate. If you have a tab, the same 10 to 20 percent tipping guideline from restaurants applies, depending on the type of bar and its location.

It's always a good idea to tip at hotels

While tipping at hotels in Mexico might not be as obligatory as in restaurants or bars, it is greatly appreciated, especially by hotel staff who may earn below a living wage.

Housekeeping: 25 to 50 pesos per day

Tipping hotel housekeepers is essential; they are among the most underpaid yet hardworking employees in the hotel industry. A common guideline is to leave between 25 and 50 pesos daily. Since housekeeping staff may vary each day, it’s best to tip daily to ensure everyone who cleans your room receives a gratuity.

Concierge: 100 to 150 pesos

A skilled concierge can feel like having a master key to your destination. They can assist in securing exclusive beach club reservations or guide you to the best street tacos. These insider tips can elevate a good trip to an unforgettable one, so consider leaving a gratuity for the expert behind the scenes.

Room service waitstaff: valued, unless a service charge is included

If a service charge isn't already included in your bill (which often happens, so be sure to check!), tipping between 10 and 20 percent, similar to what you would do in restaurants and bars, is customary.

Porters: 40 to 50 pesos

If a porter assists you with your luggage to your room, consider tipping between 40 and 50 pesos.

You generally do not need to tip taxi drivers—except for Uber

Surprisingly, tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Mexico. If the driver helps with your bags or makes a stop for you to grab water or food—something that happens often—you can offer them 10 or 20 pesos. Otherwise, the fare is the fare. The exception is Uber, where tipping your driver in Mexico is similar to the U.S.; since a significant portion of the fare goes to Uber, a little extra for the driver is appreciated.

Tour guides definitely deserve a tip

Whether you're on a large group tour or a personalized private tour, your guide is putting in significant effort and should be tipped. For larger groups, around 100 pesos per person is generally sufficient.

The tipping guidelines vary for private tours, which are often more detailed and tailored, requiring greater attention to detail. For a half-day private tour, tipping between 200 and 400 pesos is customary, depending on the services provided and the level of attention. For full-day tours, a tip of 300 to 600 pesos per person is much appreciated, again depending on what’s included and how engaged the guide is.

For spas, massages, barbers, and hairdressers: 10 to 20 percent

Like in restaurants, cafés, bars, and most other services in Mexico, it's typical to tip between 10 and 20 percent for pampering services as well. The higher end is usually for touristy spots, while the lower end is common in non-beach areas. Offering around 15 to 18 percent is a safe bet, no matter where you are in Mexico.

This article was initially published in 2023 and most recently updated on July 26, 2024, ensuring the information is current.