How much money should I bring to Mexico for tipping?

In Bars and Restaurants If you see a charge labeled IVA on your final bill, the restaurant has applied Mexico's 16% value-added tax (IVA stands for “impuesto al valor agregado”), which goes to the government, not the waitstaff. To show your appreciation for the meal, tip your server around 15%.



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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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Dollars or pesos? In most tourist areas in Mexico, it is acceptable to tip in either pesos or dollars, though pesos are more practical for the person being tipped. If you do tip in dollars, be sure to only tip using notes and not coins as coins cannot be exchanged.

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Firstly, if a bellhop assists you to or from your room with luggage you should tip them 2 or 3 dollars (around 40 to 60 pesos) for their help or more. Likewise the housekeeping staff should be tipped 2 to 3 dollars (40 to 60 pesos) daily.

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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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Dollars or pesos? In most tourist areas in Mexico, it is acceptable to tip in either pesos or dollars, though pesos are more practical for the person being tipped. If you do tip in dollars, be sure to only tip using notes and not coins as coins cannot be exchanged.

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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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While tipping is a discretionary and optional gesture, at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, it is certainly encouraged.

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Credit cards are widely accepted at most places of business throughout Mexico, especially in tourist areas. Besides small towns and certain food trucks or shops, you can use a credit card to pay for most things.

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Tipping in Mexico: Taxi
Most taxi drivers in Mexico do not expect a tip. However, if your driver helps you with your luggage, it is courteous to tip around 10 pesos. This standard also goes for Airport Shuttle Operators. A 10 peso tip is typical if you are helped with your bags.

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Since most major tourist attractions accept both U.S. dollars and pesos, you should bring a little of both. However, don't bring too much. Even though Mexico is generally safe, carrying large wads of cash in your wallet or pockets is not a good idea.

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While it is possible to use US dollars to pay for tours, tips, and even accommodation, you will need Mexican currency for cash transactions in Mexico. In places that do accept physical U.S. dollars, such as hotels, using them may result in very unfavorable exchange rates or additional fees.

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Budget for tips and cash to reward waiters, hoteliers, bartenders and tour guides. *Our tip: Tipping in the local currency, pesos, is obviously the most convenient option for the recipient, but US dollars can also be withdrawn. If you do, be sure to use bills rather than coins as the latter are difficult to change.

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