Tipping in Mexico
 

What is an appropriate tip to leave for maid service, waitstaff, etc in Cancun. Is it ok to give US Dollars?

Thanks

Tipping is very graciously accepted in Mexico. Most people earn very little and the tips help their families buy a special meal for a special occassion or pay some bills.

You can tip anywhere between $2- $3 a day, or more. They would be very gracious of any amounts left in dollars, but you can also leave an equivalent in pesos (from the ones you are not going to use).

Though do base it on the level of service. For rooms, you may want to leave a daily tip and you'll get really good turndown service and this way each maid is given a tip, instead of the one working on your checkout day.

waiters.. they relly on tips, so anything is great, but do base it on your service.

Thanks I appreciate the response. I wasn't sure if a few dollars to the maid or waitstaff wasn't enough and I would be seen as "cheap".

My experience is tip is more or less expected in the tourist areas, especially in restaurants, especially if you are an english-speaking foreigner. Most waiters will certainly earn it, but sadly, the level of expected tip is occasionally not correlated to the level of service provided.
I always end up leaving something: pesos outside of tourist areas, US$ at hotels that are not locally owned. In real terms, it isn't much for me, and it tends to cultivate wide smiles.

Who to Tip and When?
 

For USAians, much of Mexico, especially anywhere but the popular resorts, can be a different world....

1. Dollars are always fine, anywhere, anytime. US coins are not....

2. There are dozens of "employees" in Mexico whose duties are quite different than are normally ecountered in the US. Often they recieve so salaries, and live on tips.

The old man who "watches" cars in a restaurant's parking lot or even cars parked on the street deserves a tip. Both the hotel's chambermaid and the visible "night porter" (who may have let you in at 2AM the night before) should be tipped. The little urchin who races down the street to bring expresso while I'm laid up in the barber chair for my morning shave - still a treat in smaller Mexican cities and towns - deserves a good tip, as does the barber.

Local traffic wardens - not really police - should be tipped when obviously standing there, mute.

Do not tip the Policia in Nuevo Laredo. Their earnings from "Drogas" are adequate, and a small tip may only insult them and cause them to beat you severely with all manner of blunt instruments and bury you in an old old drum filkled with wet cement, awkward and inconvenient for your relatives.

Often, it's not the amount of the tip which is significant, it's remebering to do so which counts....(and small tips are quite acceptable, sort of a recognition of the presence and attentiveness of the individual being tipped).

TMO

Don't forget the bag-boys and bag-girls working in supermarkets; they work for tips and appreciate your small change (coins).

I appreciate all the responses - I am hoping the trip is still on after Wilma. I guess time will tell. If anyone has any info on Cancun and the resorts - please pass it on.

We called the resort at Akumal and they said they'd reopen November 1. They said they weren't hit as hard as Playa del Carmen or Cancun which are 30 and 60 miles north, respectively.

Typical tip (= to our 15%) for wait staff in Mexico is 10%, more depending on service.

Do not bribe unless you know how. You will get in a lot of trouble. Mexico is trying to change away from the old morida, and if you get the ritous cop, it will not be fun.

The easiest way to bribe if you are pulled over, is to tell them that your are in a big hurry, what is the fine, and could they do you a big favor and pay the fine for you. Then give them extra for their trouble or a little cafecito. About $20 is enough.

Personally, if you have the time, pay the fine. I have been pulled over for speeding, fine was 6$, for rolling a stop sign in was 2$.

US dollars are accepted everywhere but you may get ripped off on an exchange rate. Obviously does not apply to tipping but if your are in the interior of Mexico and pay dollars, you will notice that the exchange rate is about 20% off of the bank rate.

Also, remeber to tip the parking lot attendant a $1 to 50 cents to watch your car. Best money you will spend if in a larger city subject to petty crime.