When visiting Mexico, it’s important to understand the local tipping culture, so you know who is expecting a tip and how much to give. Many travellers have questions about tipping because the customs can vary, and what feels right in one place may not be in another. Based on my experience, I’ve encountered different situations where people were inclined to tip but shouldn’t and others where tipping was absolutely expected. The best approach is to consider the guidelines shared by local friends, as they understand what is standard. I always try to go over the basics before heading out, making sure I follow the norms so that my tips feel good and appropriate.
There’s no fixed line for tipping, but I’ve found that staying within the local philosophy helps. In restaurants, hotel services, and even taxi rides, I’ve learned to figure out what’s customary by asking those who live there. Some people feel comfortable tipping a little extra, while others stick to the expected rates. The key is to follow a guide that aligns with the local norms. I wrote this based on my real-world experiences, talking with people who tell me what works. While everyone has their way of handling it, making an effort to tip appropriately ensures you respect the service industry in Mexico and feel confident about your choices.
Tipping Food Service Providers
Tipping in Restaurants
In Mexico, it is customary to tip between 10-20% when dining in restaurants. Many servers rely on tips because their wage is often low, with the expectation that customers’ generosity will supplement their income. Whenever I get excellent service, I prefer to leave a higher percentage, ensuring that my gratitude is clear. The process of paying can be slightly different from home, especially if using a card. The server might ask whether you want your bill closed (or “cuenta cerrada”), which determines how you will leave a tip. If you plan to pay with a card but want to leave the tip in cash, simply say, “Si, cuenta cerrado”, and place the money on the table.
If you prefer adding the tip directly to your bill, you need to tell the server the percentage you’d like to leave—for instance, saying “quince por ciento de propina” if you wish to tip 15%. The server will then confirm the amount in pesos, along with the total for the final charge. While most restaurants handle this honestly, there are cases where a gratuity is automatically added without notice. It’s always good to check the bill before you pay to ensure there are no surprises.
In touristy areas, some servers may seize the opportunity to skim a little extra from your bill by inflating the tip. While this attitude sucks, it’s worth remembering that their wages are low, and many have families to support. If you notice a gratuity added, do not leave an additional tip, as it has already been included in the total. Being aware of these small details ensures you are tipping fairly without overpaying.
Street Food Stands
When enjoying street food in Mexico, it’s not standard to tip the vendors, as their prices usually don’t include service costs like in restaurants. However, some stalls might have a jar for tips. If I see one, I often toss in a few pesos as a small gesture of appreciation, especially if the service is friendly or the food is exceptional. If there’s no jar, I generally don’t tip, as it’s not expected. Most vendors set their prices with the understanding that customers won’t add extra. Still, if you love their food and want to show gratitude, leaving a little extra can be a nice way to support their business.
Bartenders
If you plan to enjoy drinks at a bar in Mexico, it’s a good idea to tip the bartenders right away. Giving a few pesos initially ensures you get good service, and adding more periodically throughout the night keeps it consistent. A common amount is 10 to 20 pesos per drink, depending on the service and the venue. At a sit-down style bar, tipping works differently. Instead of tipping after each round, you can add the tip to your bill at the end of the night, just like in a restaurant. This makes it easier, especially if you’re ordering multiple drinks or staying for a long time.
Tipping Transportation Providers
Taxi Drivers
In Mexico, it’s not standard to tip taxi drivers, but there are situations where a tip is appreciated. If a driver helps with luggage or goes the extra mile beyond just driving from point A to point B, I usually offer a small tip as a thank-you. Before starting a ride, I always make sure to agree on the price by asking how much they will charge. If you don’t, some drivers may try to bump up the fare once you’ve already gotten in.
I learned this the hard way during rush hour when I took a taxi without negotiating in advance. Out of gratitude, I thanked the driver for stopping since I had been waiting for a while. Big mistake! When I asked about the fare to my destination, he gouged me, charging ⅓ more than the usual rate. Since I didn’t want to take my chances waiting for another taxi, I had no choice but to pay. From that day on, I always confirm the price before getting inside.
That said, there are tons of super helpful drivers, too. One night, after a boozy outing with friends, a taxi took us back to our town. As he was dropping us off, he noticed a group of men approaching. Without hesitation, he rolled down the window and told us to get in again. He drove us around the block until they were gone, ensuring we could safely unlock our door and go inside without worry. Some drivers truly go above and beyond!
Uber Drivers
In Mexico, tipping Uber drivers is not as customary as it is in traditional taxi services. Since these drivers are already paid through the app, many people don’t tip unless the driver goes out of their way to provide help, such as assisting with luggage or offering exceptional service. However, the functionality to tip is built into the app, making it easily accessible for those who want to show appreciation. If a driver goes above and beyond, leaving a small tip through the app is a quick and hassle-free way to say thank you.
Shuttle Drivers
In Mexico, it is standard to tip shuttle drivers, but the amount can depend on the level of service they provide. A reasonable tip is between 10 and 50 pesos, with 50 being generous if the service is excellent. If your driver helps with your bags, you should definitely tip toward the higher end of the scale as a sign of appreciation. These drivers often go out of their way to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, making their service worth recognizing.
Taxi Stand Attendants
When you catch taxis from taxi stands on the street or near shopping malls, you may notice an attendant assisting passengers. Their job is to help you find a ride and sometimes load your bags into the car. It’s customary to tip them a few pesos for their effort, usually around 5 to 10 pesos, depending on the level of service. If an attendant points you toward a taxi, I don’t always feel the need to tip. However, when they run around to track down a ride or assist with a ton of luggage or multiple shopping bags, tipping is definitely a good way to show appreciation. In this situation, a small gesture goes a long way in acknowledging their extra effort.
Tipping Hospitality Workers in Mexico
Hotel porters
When staying at a hotel, it’s always a good plan to tip the porters who help with your bags. The amount you give can vary, but I usually suggest around 10 to 50 pesos total, depending on how far they have to walk and the number of bags they handle. If they go the extra mile to assist you, tipping toward the higher end is a great way to show appreciation. If you don’t have change at the time, don’t worry—it happens. Just make a point to leave a tip later by slipping it to the person who helped you once you’ve tracked down some small bills. A small gesture like this ensures they feel valued for their service.
Concierge
It’s normal to tip the concierge staff if they are helping you make the most of your trip. The amount you give is totally up to you, as it’s not mandatory or even expected, but always appreciated. A good rule is to tip based on the level of service you are receiving, ensuring they feel valued for their assistance.
Housekeeping staff
Tipping the housekeeping staff is a nice gesture to show appreciation for their work. I usually leave the equivalent of 50 pesos per day, especially at the end of my trip. If you are a low-maintenance guest, you may wish to leave less, but any amount is always appreciated.
Tour Guides
In Mexico, tipping tour guides is customary if you are happy with the service provided. The amount can vary based on the tour’s price, but a good rule of thumb is to tip 10% of the cost. I always tip more when the guide is particularly helpful and engaging to show appreciation for their effort. It’s also important not to forget to pack some coins and small bills since you may need to tip servers, bartenders, or drivers along the way. While some meals or drinks might be covered, it’s always nice to have cash on hand to help the people who make the experience smoother.
Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
Tipping is crucial at all-inclusive resorts, as many hotel employees work hard to help guests enjoy their stay. It’s a good idea to keep small bills handy, especially for bar staff, who provide excellent service throughout the day. A common rule of thumb is to tip 100 to 200 pesos at the beginning of each day so they look after you by bringing drinks quickly, finding the best loungers, and keeping track of your drink status. Since they’re always serving guests and offering generous pours, a little appreciation goes a long way.
It’s also smart to plan to tip servers at restaurants inside these resorts. I recommend tipping 20 to 50 pesos per meal, but if you’re in a big group, consider giving more. Since they make multiple trips to run the food and drinks, showing gratitude with a tip ensures great service. While some places may be labelled as a no-tipping resort, it’s always nice to acknowledge good hospitality.
Other People To Tip in Mexico
Grocery Store Baggers
In Mexico, baggers at grocery stores are not official employees and do not receive a wage. They work solely for tips, so it’s important not to overlook them. I usually tip around 5 to 10 pesos, or more, if I have a large number of groceries and they assist me efficiently. If you don’t have coins, the cashier can help by breaking down a larger bill so you can leave a tip. Keeping small change on hand is always a good idea when shopping, as it allows you to show appreciation for their service.
Gas Station Attendants
In Mexico, gas stations are full-service, meaning the attendants will handle everything for you, and they expect a tip for their work. A good plan is to tip 5 to 10 pesos or more if they provide extra assistance. Many attendants go above and beyond by offering to wash your windshield, check your oil levels, or inspect your tyre pressure. If you ask them to do multiple tasks, it’s a good idea to tip even more as a thank-you. Based on my experience, 10 pesos is a standard amount, but if the service is exceptional, showing extra appreciation is always welcome.
Parking Lot Attendants
In some places, you might encounter parking lot attendants who help you find a free space or navigate into a parking space. These people are not officially employed but perform this service in hopes of earning tips from drivers. Not everyone leaves a tip, but if you find them helpful, it’s a kind gesture. A standard amount is around 5 pesos, especially if they assist you in tight spots or save you time in a busy area.
Windshield Washers
At stoplights in Mexico, you may notice people who run out to wash car windshields while waiting at red lights. They often expect tips, but if you are not interested or don’t have a chance, a simple hand wave lets them know. Sometimes, they may insist on cleaning the windshield anyway, hoping for a tip. If your windshield is dirty, this service can be quite handy. If you opt for it, the standard amount to tip is 5 to 10 pesos, depending on the effort and how much you appreciate the help.
Street Performers
It’s common to encounter street performers at intersections, putting on creative acts to entertain passersby. From clowns and mimes to people juggling knives, blowing fire, and walking on stilts, they work hard in the hopes of earning tips. The standard amount to give is around 5 or 10 pesos, depending on how much you enjoyed the act. If you don’t have a chance, don’t feel bad—tipping is appreciated but not required. These performers are working for their audience, and any small gesture helps support their craft.
Bathroom Attendants
In Mexico, many public restrooms charge a fee, usually between 3 and 5 pesos. Sometimes, this fee is suggested, while other times, it is required. Even if there is no fee, you may still encounter women in the restroom handing out toilet paper and paper towels or performing light cleaning. It is customary to tip these attendants, and I often give around 5-10 pesos to show appreciation. If you need to use the bathroom but don’t have change handy, I’ve found that some attendants can be forgiving, even waiving the fee if you ask nicely. In some instances, other women in the bathroom line may also be happy to spot you a few pesos, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Hair stylists
Just like back home, tipping hair stylists in Mexico is standard. I usually leave 10-20% of the service cost, but the final amount is up to your discretion, depending on the experience and quality of service provided.
Tipping in spas
Tipping in spas is standard, just like in other personal care services. Whether you’re getting a manicure, a massage, or another treatment, leaving a 10-20% tip is a good way to show appreciation for quality service.
Tipping bar bands and performers
Bar performers usually earn a small nightly stipend, but they rely on tips to augment their wages. If you’re at a bar or restaurant and enjoy the tunes, it’s a good idea to show appreciation by handing a tip to the musicians. Sometimes, they will come around with a cup and ask for tips, but if they don’t, don’t hesitate to approach them yourself. I typically tip at least 50 pesos for a set, but you can always give more if you feel they deserve it. Another type of performer you may encounter is street performers who wander into restaurants and play songs on request in exchange for tips. Their performances can be hit or miss in terms of quality, but they are hard workers. I typically give a minimum of 10 pesos, but feel free to offer more if you enjoy the music.
Notes on handling money in Mexico
Currency in Mexico
The national currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso, represented by a dollar sign ($), which can sometimes cause panic when travellers withdraw cash and see a large amount on the screen. Rest assured, these numbers are in pesos, not dollars. There are many opinions on the internet about whether it’s better to carry US dollars or pesos. Still, since the official currency is pesos, it makes sense to use them for daily transactions. Using ATMs is easy, and they are available throughout the country. Still, it’s best to use machines associated with a bank or inside a supermarket to ensure they are monitored and not tampered with.
If you need an ATM, the word in Spanish is cajero, and you can ask for one by saying, “Dónde está un cajero?” When tipping in Mexico, many people expect small bills and changes at all times. It can be annoying to carry a bag of coins in your purse, but trust me; you’ll be glad to have it when the time comes—especially when tipping drivers, attendants, and other service workers.
Best way to carry money in Mexico
When carrying money in Mexico, I always recommend using an anti-theft purse to avoid issues like pickpocketing, which can happen in large cities and touristy areas. Even though the risk isn’t high, taking precautions gives you peace of mind. Good anti-theft bags offer protection with features like RFID scanner blocking, slash-proof fabric, and locking zippers, keeping your money and valuables safe and sound. If you’re intrigued, check out my list of anti-theft purses that are perfect for travel. If you prefer something simple, a crossbody bag with a zipper worn close to your body makes it harder for thieves to access your belongings without you noticing. Since you’ll often need change on hand, I suggest carrying a separate change purse for quick and easy access. I use one I found on Amazon, and it makes handling small bills effortless.
Final Thoughts
Understanding tipping in Mexico makes your trip smoother and helps local workers. Many people expect tips, but knowing who and how much to tip avoids confusion. Whether it’s restaurants, bars, hotels, or street vendors, tipping is a sign of respect. A good rule is to tip 10-20% for food services and a few pesos for helpers. Keep small bills and change ready, especially in touristy areas where tipping is common. Some workers, like taxi drivers, may not expect a tip, but it’s appreciated for extra effort. Carrying an anti-theft purse protects your money while using ATMs in safe places helps avoid fraud. By following local customs, you show appreciation and build positive experiences. A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day!
FAQs
1. How much should you tip in Mexico?
In Mexico, tipping is usually 10-20% of the bill at restaurants. A small tip of 20-50 pesos is appreciated for other services.
2. Is USD 10 a good tip in Mexico?
Yes, USD 10 is a generous tip in Mexico, equivalent to around 200 pesos. It would be appreciated, especially in higher-end restaurants or tourist areas.
3. How much to tip a private tour guide in Mexico?
A standard tip for a private tour guide in Mexico is $10-$20 USD per person. If the guide provides exceptional service, you can tip more.
4. How much cash should I bring to Mexico for tips?
It’s a good idea to bring around 1,000-2,000 pesos in cash for tips during your trip. This should cover tipping for restaurants, drivers, and other services.