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Restaurants · Argentina

Do you tip at restaurants in Argentina?

Short answer

10%

10% in cash, if service isn't already on the bill.

CommonCash preferred

Rough Guides gives 10% as the standard when service is not included, and that is the figure Argentines use. Lonely Planet puts South America at 15 to 20%, which is generous by local standards rather than expected. Leave it in cash on the table, because the card machine usually will not take it. The cubierto is a separate cover charge and is not the tip.

In practice

  • A parrilla dinner for two → leave 10% in notes on the table

Tip calculator

10%
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Cash or card?

Cards are widely accepted in cities, but a tip usually cannot be added to the card payment. Keep cash for the propina even when you pay the bill by card.

Common questions

Do you tip at restaurants in Argentina?
10% in cash, if service isn't already on the bill. Rough Guides gives 10% as the standard when service is not included, and that is the figure Argentines use. Lonely Planet puts South America at 15 to 20%, which is generous by local standards rather than expected. Leave it in cash on the table, because the card machine usually will not take it. The cubierto is a separate cover charge and is not the tip.
How much should you tip at restaurants in Argentina?
10%. 10% in cash, if service isn't already on the bill.
Can you tip by card in Argentina?
Cards are widely accepted in cities, but a tip usually cannot be added to the card payment. Keep cash for the propina even when you pay the bill by card.

← Full tipping guide for Argentina

Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 5 September 2026.

Figures checked against the sources below on 5 September 2026.

Sources