Tipping etiquette varies across different cultures and regions, and Latin America is no exception. Knowing how much to tip can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local customs. In this blog post, we’ll explore tipping etiquette in Latin America and provide some guidelines on how much to tip in different situations.

Tipping in Restaurants

Tipping in restaurants is customary in Latin America, with the standard amount being around 10% to 15% of the total bill. However, some restaurants may add a service charge to the bill, so be sure to check before tipping.

For example, in Costa Rica, a 10% service charge is already included in restaurant bills. If the service was exceptional, you can consider tipping a bit more, usually up to 20%. There won’t always be a place to tip extra on card, so if you do want to tip extra, be sure to bring some cash.

Tipping Taxis

Tipping taxi drivers in Latin America is not always expected, but it’s a nice gesture if the driver was friendly and helpful. A tip of around 10% of the fare is sufficient, but it’s not uncommon for you to leave without tipping.

Tipping in Hotels

Tipping hotel staff is common in Latin America. For hotel maids, a tip of around $1 to $2 per day is appropriate. For bellhops or porters, a tip of $1 to $2 per bag is standard, and for the concierge, a tip of $5 to $10 for exceptional service is appropriate.

Tipping your Tour Guide

Tipping tour guides in Latin America is also customary, with the amount varying depending on the length and quality of the tour. A tip of around $5 to $10 per person for a half-day tour, and $10 to $20 per person for a full-day tour is typical. However, if the tour was exceptional or the guide went above and beyond, we definitely recommend tipping more. Those extra $$ really make a difference.

Spas and Salons

Tipping at spas and salons in Latin America is similar to tipping in restaurants, with around 10% to 15% of the total bill being standard. Some spas and salons may add a service charge to the bill, so be sure to check before tipping.

Other Services

For other services, such as delivery drivers or porters, a tip of around $1 to $2 is appropriate. However, as I have mentioned a lot, if the service was exceptional, you can consider tipping more. 🙂

Ultimately, tipping in Latin America varies depending on the situation, but a good rule of thumb is around 10% to 15% of the total bill for restaurants and spas/salons, $1 to $2 for other services, and $5 to $20 for tour guides. However, remember that tipping is not mandatory, and you should only tip if you feel that the service was beyond!