Tipping in Mexico

At a glance

• Restaurants●●●Expected10–15%
• Cafés●○○Optional10%, or round up
• Bars●●○Common10–15%, or $20 MXN per round
• Taxis●○○OptionalRound up
• Hotel porters●●●Expected$20–50 MXN per bag
• Housekeeping●●○Common$20–100 MXN per night
• Tour guides●●○Common10–15%, or $100–200 MXN per person
• Private drivers●●○Common$200–500 MXN per day
• Boat & yacht charters●●○Common10–15% of the charter fee
• All-inclusive resorts●●○Common$20–50 MXN per drink, or $100–200 MXN per day

Card tipping. Card terminals ask '¿propina?' and let you add a percentage, but cash, ideally pesos rather than dollars, reaches staff more directly.

• •Tip in pesos where possible. US dollars are accepted in resort areas but often at a poor informal rate.
• •Check the bill for 'propina incluida'; some tourist-area restaurants add it automatically.
• •Keep 20, 50 and 100 peso notes for porters, housekeeping and bar staff.
• •Petrol station attendants, supermarket baggers and anyone who helps with luggage are all tipped small change. Rough Guides singles these out as the ones visitors forget.

Common questions

Do you tip in Mexico?

Tipping, la propina, is expected and matters. Service wages in Mexico are low and tips are a real part of hospitality income. Ten to fifteen percent in restaurants is standard, and cash tips to resort staff, porters and guides are genuinely expected. Small notes go a long way.

How much do you tip at a restaurant in Mexico?

10–15% of the bill. 15% for good service.

Can you tip by card in Mexico?

Card terminals ask '¿propina?' and let you add a percentage, but cash, ideally pesos rather than dollars, reaches staff more directly.

Other destinations

• United States
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria