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Are tourists expected to leave a tip in Latin America?

Tipping is generally expected for tourists in Latin America, and it's best to tip in the local currency rather than US dollars, so work out the equivalent amounts for the figures recommended below (NB. in Ecuador the national currency is USD).



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Much like in the U.S., in Mexico, it is customary to tip service workers in restaurants, hotels, and Ubers. The standard tip is 10% of the bill, but you can give more or less depending on the quality of service. Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated.

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It's up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.

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TOUR AND ACTIVITY GUIDES If you're on a tour with a lot of people (20-100 people), each person should leave a tip of at least $5 U.S. (90 pesos). If you're on a tour with very few people (e.g., four people in your family), the group should leave a tip that is equivalent to 15-20% of the cost of the tour.

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1) Japan: Tipping in Japan is not a common practice and can even be perceived as rude, impolite, and may even be confusing. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on quality service and hospitality.

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Note, tipping in countries where it is not customary, or where service fees and gratuity are included, is often still appreciated.
  • China. Typically, nobody tips in China. ...
  • French Polynesia. Tipping in French Polynesia is not mandatory or expected. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Korea. ...
  • Hong Kong. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Belgium.


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At table-service restaurants, the tipping etiquette and procedure vary slightly from country to country. But in general, European servers are well paid, and tips are considered a small bonus — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number.

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In America, tipping is optional in name only. Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 15 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why.

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After holding steady for years, tipping at full-service restaurants fell to 19.4% in the second quarter of 2023, according to online restaurant platform Toast's most recent restaurant trends report, notching the lowest average since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Unlike some other countries, tipping in Portugal is not expected. If you receive sub-par service, there is no need to tip. Ask the locals and follow their lead when it comes to tipping situations. By blending into the Portuguese culture you'll be appreciated by service providers and locals alike.

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There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.

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Tipping isn't the norm in Italy like it may be in North America and some other countries in Europe, but it is still appreciated. Feel free to leave a small amount if the service has been particularly good. In taxis, tipping is not expected, but if rounding up the charge makes life easier, go for it.

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Tipping is a way of life in Cancun. Many of the staff earn a low basic salary and rely on tips to earn a livable wage. I consider tips as a way of showing thanks for a good service received and not as a means to ensure it.

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At food stalls and low-cost eateries (fondas and cocinas economicas) most patrons do not leave a tip, but if you do give one, it is greatly appreciated. When drinking at a bar, whether it be in town or at your all-inclusive resorts, it is appropriate to tip 20 pesos per drink, or the equivalent to $1 USD.

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While tipping may not be required at some all-inclusive resorts, many guests prefer to do so. In the event that you would like to tip staff during your all-inclusive vacation, it is important to find out in advance whether staff would even be allowed to accept those tips.

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