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Restaurants · Peru

Do you tip at restaurants in Peru?

Short answer

Round up, or 5–10%

Round up, or 5–10% if service isn't included.

CommonCash preferred

Rough Guides puts the range at 5 to 10% when service is not already on the bill, and rounding up is fine for a casual meal. Lonely Planet is far higher, grouping Peru with the rest of South America at 15 to 20%, which is well above what Peruvians actually leave. Treat that as generous rather than expected. Check the bill for a servicio line before adding anything.

In practice

  • A S/ 120 dinner for two → leave S/ 130

Tip calculator

5%
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10%
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Cash or card?

Cards work in hotels, mid-range restaurants and tour agencies, but not in colectivos, street stalls or rural shops. Carry soles for tips.

Common questions

Do you tip at restaurants in Peru?
Round up, or 5–10% if service isn't included. Rough Guides puts the range at 5 to 10% when service is not already on the bill, and rounding up is fine for a casual meal. Lonely Planet is far higher, grouping Peru with the rest of South America at 15 to 20%, which is well above what Peruvians actually leave. Treat that as generous rather than expected. Check the bill for a servicio line before adding anything.
How much should you tip at restaurants in Peru?
Round up, or 5–10%. Round up, or 5–10% if service isn't included.
Can you tip by card in Peru?
Cards work in hotels, mid-range restaurants and tour agencies, but not in colectivos, street stalls or rural shops. Carry soles for tips.

← Full tipping guide for Peru

Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 5 September 2026.

Figures checked against the sources below on 5 September 2026.

Sources