Even people who go to Cancun City a lot may find tipping hard and stressful. Most of us want to thank the right people for good service and don’t want to cheat low-wage workers who might depend on tips.
But the question remains: who should you tip, when and where to tip? and how much is a good tip?
In this article, I’m going to answer all the questions related to tipping in Cancun from the right people to tip, the right tip amount for each situation to how to avoid getting ripped off, and much more.
Let’s get started (:
Should You Tip In Cancun?
Yes, tipping is expected and appreciated in Cancun. It’s a big part of the service industry in Mexico. So, whether you’re eating at a restaurant, having a drink at a bar, getting help from hotel staff, or taking an Uber from the airport to your hotel, leaving a tip is an excellent way to show your appreciation for the service.
Mind you, kindly note that this isn’t something you have to do, but the local staff often depends on tips to compensate for their low wages, so your kindness can make a difference in their lives.
Why Should You Tip In Cancun?
Tipping has been done in every industry for a long time. Although there are many people who say that tipping is old-fashioned and should be stopped, I think it’s still important to give back to the community.
Therefore, Here are a few hints about why you should tip people who helped you in the city of Cancun:
- It inspires better service
- It encourages service that is both friendly and personal
- It could attract extra income/wages
- It enhances goodwill
1. It inspires better service
One of the most essential benefits of tipping in Cancun is that it makes the people who helped you give you a better service. For instance, waiters and waitresses in Cancun, a Mexican city, know that their tips depend on how well they serve their customers.
As a result, they have a reason to give excellent service to their customers, which can also lead to higher tips.
2. It encourages service that is both friendly and personal
Staff members who get tips are more likely to go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable stay, whether in a restaurant, hotel, or on tour.
For example, a taxi or Uber driver who knows that his tip depends on how well he serves you is more likely to talk to you in a friendly, personal way and try his best to help you.
3. It could attract extra income/wages
When you leave a tip for someone who has provided you with service, such as a waitperson at a restaurant, a barista at a coffee shop, or a tour guide, you are providing them with a valuable increase in their income.
The additional dollars or pesos can accumulate and assist individuals in paying their bills, providing for their families, or even pursuing their aspirations.
4. It enhances goodwill
Paying a tip helps to cultivate a sense of goodwill between you and the local community. Your generosity can enhance positive interactions and relationships, ultimately making your stay more enjoyable and enriching.
The Tipping Etiquette in Cancun (In-Depth Guide)
In the city of Cancun, there are established standards for tipping. The amount you choose to tip may vary based on the type and quality of service you have received. To simplify matters, I have prepared a helpful guide outlining appropriate tipping amounts for local staff in various situations.
Let’s dive in!
1. Tipping in restaurants
On average, the staff working in restaurants in Cancun City earn approximately $2 to $3 per hour, in addition to tips. Given the small amount, it is crucial to remember the importance of tipping the staff.
How much to tip in restaurants?
When tipping in restaurants in Cancun, a tip between 10 to 20% of your total bill is recommended, considering the quality of service you received.
If you are unsure about the appropriate amount to tip, you can refer to this helpful breakdown:
- Good service: 15% to 20%
- Average service: 10% to 15%
- Below average service: 5% to 10%
2. Tipping in bars & Clubs
When ordering drinks at bars or clubs in Cancun, it is customary to tip the bartender around 10-15% of the bill for good service. Make sure to verify whether the service charge has already been included in the statement.
If it has, there is no need to provide an additional tip. Also, it is advisable to always carry some cash with you, as not all establishments accept a tip through card payments.
3. Tipping bellhops, housekeepers, and concierges
Hotel staff members vary in service level, and it is advisable to adjust your tipping accordingly. It is customary to tip a bellhop who helps with your luggage and escorts you to your room and a concierge who takes care of your needs.
The recommended tip for these services is between 25 and 50 pesos, approximately $2 to $3.
The appropriate tip for housekeeping staff varies depending on the hotel class and level of service provided. Generally, it is recommended to tip between 40 to 70 pesos per night, which is approximately $3 to $5.
If your room is incredibly messy, consider giving a larger tip. Tipping daily rather than waiting until the last day of your stay is advisable. This is because the housekeeper who cleans your room may vary daily.
4. Tipping for Taxis In Cancun
Whether you take a taxi or rent a car in Cancun. The tip isn’t really something most people consider. However, you might leave a tip in case the driver makes extra efforts such as helping you with your luggage.
How much to tip a Taxi Driver in Cancun?
Although Taxi drivers aren’t usually considered for a tip, if they help you with your bags, 10 to 20 pesos per bag is a good rule of thumb.
Also, people usually tip gas station attendants only if they do something extra, like clean your windshield, in which case 5 to 10 pesos is enough. You should also consider giving a bigger tip if they also check your oil or tire pressure.
5. Tipping in hotels & Resorts
Many hotels and resorts advertise that saying “everything is included” but oftentimes, travelers like to personally express their gratitude to amiable staff members who go above and beyond to assist them.
How much do you tip at Cancun all-inclusive Resorts?
Even though most all-inclusive resorts in Cancun include the tip in your hotel or resort room, offering a gratuity of around $5 to $10 is generally acceptable.
Before tipping any staff member, it is important to double-check and ensure that your tips will be accepted. Some resorts do not allow their staff to collect tips from guests, mainly tourists. In such situations, offering a tip may make them feel uneasy.
6. Tipping for Tours in Cancun
As a tourist tipping a tour guide at the end of the trip is a great way to show appreciation for their efforts in educating and letting you know more about the Mexican culture.
How much do you tip a tour guide in Cancun?
If you hire a tour guide in Cancun for only a day or a few hours, you should tip your guide 10% to 20% of the total time cost. Also, tip the tour leader at least 60 to 100 pesos daily for multi-day group tours. For private tours, tip 200 pesos per day.
Finally, if you have both a tour guide and a driver, you should tip each of them 40 pesos per day.
7. Tipping for Spa Center Staff
Taking care of yourself is essential, especially when you’re on vacation. A trip to a spa or wellness center can give you a new lease on life.
When the staff does something nice for you, you should tell them how much you appreciate it.
How much to tip Spa Center staff in Cancun?
Generally, 15% to 20% of the service’s total cost is a good tip for Spa center staff in Cancun.
8. Tipping for Grocery Packers
When you go to Cancun with your family, grocery shopping is a normal thing to do. Most grocery stores have packers and baggers who help you pack your groceries. Many of them are local people who work to support their families.
Even though it’s not required, a small tip is a great way to show appreciation. If you like their service, you could give them the equivalent of $1 in pesos as a tip or give them any small change you have.
Please remember that it might be tempting to tip once at the end of your trip for all the days you’ve stayed, but listing early and throughout your stay will help get the staff’s attention and ensure you get the respect you want.
How To Tip In Cancun? Cash vs. Credit Card
Let me remind you that whether you pay with cash or a credit card, giving a tip is up to you. But both cash and credit card tips have their pros and cons. In the end, all businesses gladly accept tips to make extra money.
Tipping with Cash
In many situations paying in Cash will be better especially if card use will result in a much higher price because of foreign transaction fees.
Here are the major pros and cons when tipping with cash:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tips in cash are given directly to the server | Cash tips are easily lost or forgotten |
| It can be less public and more private | |
| There are no processing fees |
Tipping with a Credit card
Even though most service workers prefer cash tips, there are times when a credit card tip is better. Suppose you need more cash on you to leave a good tip, in that case, use your card instead.
Here are a few pros and cons when tipping with a credit card:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A very convenient and simple method | It might take a long time to be processed |
| The transactions are recorded digitally | Possible extra fees for processing |
| It protects against theft better than cash |
Even with all the explanations, please note that it is better to leave a tip than not, and you can do so with cash or a credit card. Most people in the service industry often prefer cash tips, especially in Cancun City, because it lets them get their tips immediately.
To learn more about how tipping with a credit card works, visit this article from Chase Bank.
In What Currency Should You Tip In Cancun?
Tipping in pesos, the local currency is the easiest way to do things in Cancun, but US dollars can also be used. But if you’re paying in dollars, ensure you only tip with bills, not coins, since coins can’t be changed.
If you’re wondering if it’s OK to give a tip in a different or foreign currency, the answer is that it’s mostly OK. However, the rules for exchanging foreign currency have gotten stricter, so it might take a long time.
It would be nice to pay with local currency or a credit card so the person getting the tip doesn’t have to worry about exchanging the money.
How To Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Tipping In Cancun?
While giving a tip can be enjoyable, it’s essential to be aware that certain establishments may exploit this practice to deceive tourists or travelers.
To ensure you don’t get ripped off when tipping in Cancun, follow the procedures below:
- Always tip in cash
- Only tip what you feel is fair
- Get a receipt If you’re tipping a restaurant
- Count your change
- Be aware of scams
1. Always tip in cash
I have seen many travelers who share their awful experiences in which their credit card information was stolen or unauthorized charges were made while they were on vacation in Cancun City, Mexico.
To avoid this scam, my straightforward advice is to pay tips in cash rather than using a credit card.
2. Only tip what you feel is fair
As a first-time traveler, you should familiarize yourself with appropriate tipping practices for various services such as restaurants, taxis, hotel staff, and taxi drivers.
It is essential to exercise caution when dealing with scammers who demand tips or make rude requests for them. Suppose you need help with what to do, it is advisable to follow the locals’ lead, seek advice from fellow tourists, or contribute what you believe is a fair amount.
3. Get a receipt If you’re tipping a restaurant
To avoid misunderstandings or scams, obtaining a receipt when paying your bill and leaving a tip is essential. Having proof of the transaction is particularly crucial when using a credit card.
Please ensure the receipt indicates the amount paid for the meal and any additional service charges or taxes. I assure you that following this approach will prevent you from being overcharged and ensure that both parties are honest and accountable.
4. Count your change
When expressing gratitude through a tip after a meal or service, it is essential to count your change carefully. It is a simple yet effective method to ensure you receive the correct amount in return.
Misunderstandings can occur, but you can prevent them and ensure you are given what you deserve by carefully counting your change. By taking this simple step, you can ensure your money’s safety while demonstrating your concern for the local culture and economy.
5. Be aware of scams
It is crucial to provide tips correctly. For example, when dining at a restaurant or hotel, you can give a lead directly to the staff member who provided you with the service or place it in the designated tip jar.
Additionally, exercise caution when approached by individuals who come to you with excessive speed and aggression. Tourists frequently fall victim to exploitation in this manner.
It is essential to adhere to the guidelines regarding tipping amounts and avoid being overly generous, as this may attract unwanted attention.
Final Thoughts
In all, tipping is common and expected in many places in Cancun as a whole. If you don’t leave a tip, you probably won’t have any problems, but your server may call you “condo”, slang for cheap and means “elbow”.
Tipping shows your appreciation for good service and can also help you get special treatment at a hotel, resort, or restaurant where you plan to return.
You may already know this, but most people working in Cancun city get low wages and depend on tips. So, if you get good service, don’t forget to thank the person for it and remember to smile while you do it.