Many hotels and restaurants automatically add a 15% gratuity to your bill; if not, a 15% to 20% tip at a restaurant is appropriate (more for a high-end establishment).
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How much is customary? Many restaurants in the Bahamas will automatically add a 15% gratuity to your bill. If there is a service charge on your bill there is no need to leave an additional tip, however, if you receive exceptional service and wish to add more, this is at your discretion.
It's a whole separate category, and until the underlying way that we pay those servers changes, that expectation that you tip 15 to 20% should be part of your budgeting, part of your thinking before you go in. He suggests planning for tips as part of the budget for any trip.
About.com has a Tipping Guide for travelers that further suggests that the tour guide should receive a tip of 10% to 20% of the tour cost. As a last thought, the guide still needs to earn his or her tip. Just with any other profession, the tip should match the level of service.
For starters, here's a simple rule for restaurant tipping: Leave 15 to 20 percent of the pretax total of your bill. Don't dip below 15 percent unless the service has been abysmal—and never skip a tip.
Add a few extra dollars for luggage. PORTER If you are storing bags with the hotel porters before or after your stay, tip a few dollars per bag when you leave them and when you retrieve them, to thank everyone who helped you.
If you don't want to leave a tip, simply tell them you don't require assistance when you check in or out of your hotel. Tip $1 per bag when you retrieve your luggage. You do not need to tip when you drop off your bags for storage. Tip from $5 to $10 depending on how involved the request, or a lump sum upon departure.
Unless you plan on spending outrageously on meals and souvenirs, $150 a day would be fine. Make sure that you change out or spend any of your Bahamian currency, before departing to go home (airport shops will take it) as it is more difficult to convert in the USA.
Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Meals are often served buffet style or family-style. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
In terms of how much money you'll need to have on hand for tipping during your Caribbean vacation, bring a small amount of cash inclusive of smaller bills like 5s and 10s. Some experts recommend that you bring a total of $150 to $200 USD for tips for a 1-week stay.
In resort restaurants, tipping approximately $2 to $3 per person is acceptable. In higher-end restaurants, plan on a $5 tip at a minimum. Tip the bartender and pool staff $2 to $3 per interaction and the concierge $5 for services. Tipping shuttle drivers is also customary.
When airport porters help you check your bags curbside, you should tip $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag; over-sized bags should be tipped at a rate of $2 per bag.
For drivers spending the majority of the day with you, as is the case with a limo or moving between airports, hotels, and events, 10 to 15 percent of the total bill is custom. You may find drivers go above and beyond and provide extra service to ensure safety or comfort.