In Japan tipping is considered a grave insult. In Mexico it is quite the opposite. La propina (the tip) in Mexico is very common and in fact it is tightly woven into the culture. Wages tend to be very low, and many rely on tips just to get by.
If you have ever driven a car in Mexico you have probably encountered this situation: You are stopped at a stop light and out of nowhere you see a flash of a shiny belt buckle as a man jumps on top of your car. He gives you one deep mournful look through your windshield and proceeds to spray liquid all over said windshield. Vigorous scrubbing and squeegying ensue. Then in a flash it is all over, and you are left with a cleaner, shinier, bug guts free windshield.
Now what? He is looking at you expectantly… How much do you give him for this previously unasked for service? What is fair? Every visitors dilemma.
Here is your guide to tipping in Mexico.
To Tip or not to Tip
Do Tip:
• Window Washers- 2-5 Pesos (depending on how good of a job they did, and if their shiny belt buckle scratched your hood or not)
• Gas Station Attendant- 5 Pesos
• Grocery Baggers- 2-5 Pesos
• Hairstylist/Pedicurist- 10-15%
• Mechanics- 5%
• Home Repairmen- 5%
• Taxi Cabs- especially if they help with Luggage- 5-10%
• Waiters- 10-15%
• Maids- 20-50 pesos (be nice, they cleaned up after you for how long?)
• Service based businesses, such as Car Washes, Laundry Service, Salons, Masseuses, and Tour Guides – tip based on your evaluation of service, but remember to be kind, especially if you will be returning.
Average wages are around 100 pesos a day. Could you live on $10 a day? Probably not. Be kind and share la propina. Tips are not mandatory in any area, but usually they are greatly appreciated. So keep your small change handy, you never know when you might need it.
Not Necessary to Tip:
• Merchants whom you purchase souvenirs from
• Proprietors. The same principle applies here in Mexico. So if you are going to tip after a tour, tip the guide directly rather then just adding more cash in payment to the Proprietor.
• Customs Officials. Not that you would…
• Car Rentals, Tourism Offices, or Bus Drivers, They already made their money on you.
• Cows
How much do you tip? Can you think of anything I left out?
