First, if you’re coming down from the states you are just going to have to check all of your expectations of service at the border. Things work differently down here. At home, we’ll tip in excess of 20 or 25% for good or great service. Servers know this and cater to our needs accordingly. In Mexico and Central America, what we would consider par is at the upper end of the spectrum and only available on the higher end of the restaurant scale.
It bears mention that the tourist zones greatly differ from the rest of the country. For instance, In Guatemala, I had a server chase me down to give me the money she thought I left on the table by mistake. I explained to her it was a tip and she thought that was jus the greatest thing. See if that happens in Flores.
Here’s a guide by country.
Mexico
Overall, much like tipping in the US. The currency conversion averages somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 Pesos to $1 US. Mexico can be one of the cheapest or most expensive countries to travel. It depends on your standards.
Servers – Percentages tend to be a bit lower than in the US. 10% would signify satisfactory service and an upper end of around 20% for excellent service. The trend we noticed in Mexico is that once your food and drinks are on the table that is the last you’ll see of your server until you’re ready for the bill. If you need a drink refill or some more ketchup, you’ll probably have to get up and go find your server.
Many fast food restaurants have table service. Hey, people need jobs. 10%-15% in fast food joints is satisfactory.
Housekeeping – A recent CNN poll found that 30% of people in the US tip housekeeping staff. For most of you this is going to come as a surprise. You ARE expected to tip the housekeeping staff in Mexico.
10%-12% of the cost of your room per night is acceptable if you’re getting daily turn down service and didn’t wreck the room. Tip more if you’ve made a big mess.
We generally denied any service from the maids if staying for multiple days. Admittedly, this is the hardest tip to remember to give. Sometimes, they’ll leave you a friendly reminder envelope in the room.
I imagine they are used to people from the US not tipping housekeeping staff in the same way people in the US are used to people from India not tipping their guides.
Gas Station Attendants – All gas stations (PEMEX) in Mexico are state run and full service. Pumping gas is a standard service, but checking oil, washing windshields or servicing tires are above and beyond. Tip accordingly, 10 pesos for a windshield wash is plenty.
Drivers and Guides – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
Belize
First world prices with third world standards, that’s our motto. In my opinion, Belize is characterized by overpriced food and lackluster service, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to tip.
Servers – 15% is the standard. A little more or a little less depending on the service. That would be the service compared to similar restaurants in a similar area, not restaurants back home.
Housekeeping – Much like the US, a couple bucks a day. They’re aren’t going to be surprised not to get anything, but if you can make someone’s day for a few dollars…
Gas Station Attendant – Same as Mexico. It is only necessary to tip for services beyond pumping gas.
Tour Guides and Drivers – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the best bangs for you buck in Central America. The people super friendly. The food is cheap and good. The jungles and mountains are amazing and you’re going to have a few extra bucks in the budget due to low tipping standards.
Servers – In tourist areas 10% across the board is just fine. In my experience, tips outside of tourist destinations are not necessary. However, if you really want to make someone’s day, it’s the biggest smile you’re going to get for a dollar anywhere in Central America.
Housekeeping – A dollar a day goes a long way.
Gas Station Attendant – Same as Mexico. It is only necessary to tip for services beyond pumping gas.
Tour Guides and Drivers – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
Honduras
Honduras is probably the most dangerous country in Central America and the cost of living reflects this. You can score deals in the resort areas no one visits to the tune of $20 or $30 a night. Watch out for them to tack 10% service fees discreetly on you tab.
Servers – In tourist areas 10% -15%. Tips outside of tourist areas are generally not expected, but appreciated. You’re not going to find nice restaurants outside of tourist destinations.
Housekeeping – A dollar a day goes a long way.
Gas Station Attendant – Same as Mexico. It is only necessary to tip for services beyond pumping gas.
Tour Guides and Drivers – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
El Salvador
El Salvador would take the cake for most dangerous country in Central America if it weren’t for Honduras. They use the US dollar and you can get deals on their beautiful beaches in abundance. Gratuity is often added to the check at the rate of 10%.
Servers – We start to see 10% added to the check as a standard. I would have probably given you 15% if you left me to my own devise, but if you’re going to force me to pay 10%… 10% it is. Unless, I’m wowed, but that’s not likely to happen with service in Central America.
Housekeeping – A dollar a day goes a long way.
Gas Station Attendant – Same as Mexico. It is only necessary to tip for services beyond pumping gas.
Tour Guides and Drivers – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is beautiful. Live it up while you can as the cost of living will triple across the border in Costa Rica. Do beware of the 15% tax that it added to just about everything, hotels and food included.
Servers – 10% is added to your bill as a standard. If you add that to the 15% percent tax it ups the price of meals considerably. If you talk nicely to the server and pay cash you might add a little tip and skip the tax.
Housekeeping – A dollar a day goes a long way.
Gas Station Attendant – Same as Mexico. It is only necessary to tip for services beyond pumping gas.
Tour Guides and Drivers – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
Costa Rica
Easily the most expensive country in Central America. On top of the food keep an eye out for those taxes in tourist destinations. Oh wait, they’re all tourist destinations.
Servers – 10% is added to your bill as a standard. If you add that to the 13% percent tax it ups the price of meals considerably. Again, if you’re going to pick my tip…
Housekeeping – A few dollars a day.
Gas Station Attendant – Same as Mexico. It is only necessary to tip for services beyond pumping gas.
Tour Guides and Drivers – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
Panama
Panama is one of my favorites in Central America. Having developed its own economy thanks to the canal and not having been ravaged by years of war its people are vibrant and uplifting. You can spend anywhere from $10 to $200 on dinner and the food is excellent. The beaches are better.
Servers – 10% is the standard. Keep an eye to the bill as some restaurants will add it automatically to the bill. As always, a little more says job well done.
Housekeeping – In panama city you can find hotels that range from $15 a night to $1500 a night. You’ll probably stay somewhere in the middle where a few dollars a day would be okay.
Gas Station Attendant – Same as Mexico. It is only necessary to tip for services beyond pumping gas.
Tour Guides and Drivers – 10% – 20% of the cost of the trip would be customary if you are satisfied with your guide. Don’t feel bashful to give more if you had a great time. Your guide lives primarily on tips. In many cases, guides at attractions work solely on tips. A couple bucks for the driver will leave a smile on his face. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. I’m sure they’re already over charging you anyway gringo.
The End
There you have it, your country by country guide to tipping in Mexico and Central America. Remember, that’s the basics that are expected of you. Keep in mind that if you’re coming from the US or Europe, your yearly salary is likely many, many times that of the person you are tipping. A dollar for you might mean the difference between dinner and no dinner for the family of the person you’re tipping. Be generous, but don’t set unrealistic expectations for the tourists who follow you.
Testing various aspects of the commenting system.