Mexico - Anybody been to Mexico? (Puerto vallarta)?

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question, but I was just wondering what the tipping situation is like down there, at the hotels and restaurants and all?

Hello. You are correct. I am going to move this thread to Mexico forum where some of the experts there can help you more.

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question, but I was just wondering what the tipping situation is like down there, at the hotels and restaurants and all?


Depends on where you are. Since Puerto Vallarta is a very popular US tourist destination some resorts might expect the same tipping as in the US. As a rule 10% in mexico tends to be the norm, however the currency is so cheap I usually go for 20%. As for Taxis I usually only tip 10% or round it up to the nearest whole coin ( ex. 40 Pesos, round up to 50). At bars I usually do 10 pesos per drink if it is not Beer.

hope it helps.


Lalo

I was in PV in March and was surprised how much more "Americanized" it had become than it was when I was last there two years ago. I still love the city, but I think more English is spoken there now than in New York.

My point being: in the upscale restaurants and hotels, expect to "tip like an American." In places that are not so touristy I usually tipped 10-15% erring on the generous side. I tried to be as generous as I could with hotel maids tipping more than I generally do in the States since I probably spent more on beer in a few hours than they made all day.

My point being: in the upscale restaurants and hotels, expect to "tip like an American." In places that are not so touristy I usually tipped 10-15% erring on the generous side.

You are part of the problem. 10% is the standard base in Mexico. Ie it is equal to 15% in the States. Thus, gage your tips based on 10%. If it was very good service then tip higher, if not then tip the standard.

One thing about Mexico, is that the service is always excellent compared to the states, and I find my self tipping 15% and rounding to the next highest 100 pesos.

In my humble opinion, Mexico has some of the best waiters in the world. They can anticpate your needs. Just as you would like another drink, they are there.

Since I don't want to "be part of the problem," could you please explain what in the world you are trying to say. Is your point that I am undertipping. If so, please make that clear. I don't want to undertip anywhere I find service to be good. I find waiters in most restaurants all over the world to be very attentive. I'm curious where you have found waiters fo be sub-standard.

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question, but I was just wondering what the tipping situation is like down there, at the hotels and restaurants and all?

Go to cabo. forget pv. and yes, this is the wrong place. but i don't care...

Even in Tijuana, 15% tipping is the norm. IME, all resort destinations (as well as trendy D.F. restaurants), its 15-20% like the US.

I'd take PV over Cabo if I had a car, and could go to the tropical forest reserves within 2 hours of PV. If it was either PV or Cabo proper, I'd probably stay home.

Since I don't want to "be part of the problem," could you please explain what in the world you are trying to say. Is your point that I am undertipping. If so, please make that clear. I don't want to undertip anywhere I find service to be good. I find waiters in most restaurants all over the world to be very attentive. I'm curious where you have found waiters fo be sub-standard.

By tipping at american levels you are creating an expectation that all americans will tip at american levels. Even in tourist places.

Mexican waiters are on salary with benefits. A tip, is a tip or bonus.

Mexican nationals generally tip about 10%.

SO when in Rome, do as the Romans.

Sub standard waiters are right her in the US, especially at middle tier franchise restaurants.

They interrupt your conversation, they push you out of the restaurant, etc...

It has been my experience that the best waiters are from Mexico. They are very attentive and professional.

A waiter in Mexico, makes more than a Doctor with social services. My family had restaurants in Mexico, and a waiter could sell his position (subject to owner approval) for a nice sum upon retirement.

The general attitude of a Mexican national is that they should not have to pay the living wages of the restaurant's staff. It is upto the owner of the restaurant to set the menu prices to adequately compensate all of his employees. That is why a tip in Mexico is considered a tip, where in the US, it is considered more of a wage.

The thing about Mexico, is that the service is always excellent compared to the states, and I find my self tipping 15% and rounding to the next highest 100 pesos.

It seems that I, at times, am more Roman than you when in Mexico. I have experienced service in Mexico that would compare poorly to that of the counter staff at my local McDonald's. On the other hand, I've had service that would be considered world class. I tip accordingly. In restaurants that would not be considered "touristy," I tip 10 to 15%; in fine diding establishments I would leave, at least, 20%.

It seems that you must not be familiar with some of the five star restaurants like Cafe des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta. On a typical night, you might have five people serving your table: the waiter, the waiter's assistant, two people busing the table, and the bartender mixing your drinks who will be splitting the tip. At a restaurant like this, I would not think of tipping less than 20% if the service is good. If it is flawed, I might only tip 15%, but not less, so that those working the table would not be penalized by a surly waiter or a problem in the kitchen. If things were really bad, I would ask to speak to the manager. I have never found myself in the latter position.

If you and I were sitting at adjacent tables at Cafe des Artistes, who do you think would be considered "part of the problem?"

They would think I was a Mexican National and had opportunity to frequent the restaurant more than you. If the service was that good I would tip accordingly.

They are professionals, and would serve everyone equally.

But, I bet I get a table before you.

BTW the tip is at the end of the meal, how would they know.

You can tip what ever you want, my point is that you are tipping (way) above the norm.

If you went to that restaurant every night during your stay, by the end, I admit they would kiss your butt. But, they would still seat me first.

Personally, I do not like PVR, too touristy and too big. Plus, the beaches are not very good.

Go south, to Careyes or Tamarindo, it is much nicer, or north to the 4 seasons.

How is your spanish, if you are fluent, you will also be treated much better. Plus, they can also determine what you actually desire.

I am just giving advice, you do not have to be testy about it. Personally, you can tip as much as you want. You will still get the same service.

I normally tip 10% to 15%, depending on the service, and round to the nearest paper pesos I have on me. I hate change.

Plus, I would pay in cash, and the management would really like me.

In Mexico, it is common for them to or try to pass on the CC service charge to you, the consumer, at a restaurant. Hotels are different.

They would think I was a Mexican National and had opportunity to frequent the restaurant more than you. If the service was that good I would tip accordingly.

They are professionals, and would serve everyone equally.

But, I bet I get a table before you.

BTW the tip is at the end of the meal, how would they know.

You can tip what ever you want, my point is that you are tipping (way) above the norm.

If you went to that restaurant every night during your stay, by the end, I admit they would kiss your butt. But, they would still seat me first.

Personally, I do not like PVR, too touristy and too big. Plus, the beaches are not very good.

Go south, to Careyes or Tamarindo, it is much nicer, or north to the 4 seasons.

How is your spanish, if you are fluent, you will also be treated much better. Plus, they can also determine what you actually desire.

I am just giving advice, you do not have to be testy about it. Personally, you can tip as much as you want. You will still get the same service.

I normally tip 10% to 15%, depending on the service, and round to the nearest paper pesos I have on me. I hate change.

Plus, I would pay in cash, and the management would really like me.

In Mexico, it is common for them to or try to pass on the CC service charge to you, the consumer, at a restaurant. Hotels are different.


Testy? Probably not. Regardless, I am just trying to help the OP with a question which deals with travel in a country that I dearly love. Regardless, I have nothing further to add, so I am taking myself out of this thread. I hope that your dislike of Puerto Vallarta doesn't color the view of anyone who has not been there. It is a wonderful destination where I have found all visitors are welcome and everyone is wonderfully hospitable.

Testy? Probably not. Regardless, I am just trying to help the OP with a question which deals with travel in a country that I dearly love. Regardless, I have nothing further to add, so I am taking myself out of this thread. I hope that your dislike of Puerto Vallarta doesn't color the view of anyone who has not been there. It is a wonderful destination where I have found all visitors are welcome and everyone is wonderfully hospitable.

I appologize to you, I did not mean to escalate this discussion, and I am happy that you enjoy travelling to Mexico and PVR. I like PVR, but as I have aged, I like to go to quieter places.

I am happy that you like to travel to Mexico and PVR, and I love Mexico very much. Hopefully, I can live there again one day.

The other inferences is that in Mexico there is a pecking order at restaurants and bars. First to Nationals then to everyone else.

It does not matter what you or anyone else tips. It is off topic. Simply, the base rate in Mexico is 10% as compared to the US at 15% (now changing to 18%).