To tip or not to tip? You should tip. Just like in the U.S., most employees in the services sector in Mexico, especially the hospitality industry, depend heavily on tips. Their minimum wages are quite low, with some not even earning a wage at all, making tips especially important. Here are a few guidelines, listed in U.S. dollars, as the Mexican peso fluctuates quite a bit. Naturally, larger tips are always appreciated, especially if you feel that the service you have received was truly outstanding.
At Restaurants
Before you tip in restaurants, bars, and even snack bars in large hotels, check your tab and see if a service charge has already been added to the total. Service charges are quite common. While you may want to tip an additional amount, it's best to know if the tip was already included in the bill.
Wait staff at restaurants: You should tip between 15 and 20 percent of the check, just as you would do in the U.S. Speaking of the check, Mexican restaurants don't rush your meal, and will only bring you your check after you have requested it, allowing you to linger at your table.
Bartenders: A good guideline to follow is $1 a drink or around 10 percent of the total bill if you are not paying per drink.
Bathroom attendant: At many upscale hotels and restaurants, there's a bathroom attendant to hand you a towel, smooth over your bad hair with some hairspray and give you an emergency Band-aid or some gum. You should tip the equivalent of 50 cents to $1.
For Transportion
Taxi drivers: Tips are not expected, but certainly appreciated. If the driver assists you with your luggage, tip 10 percent of the fare.
Drivers: If you hire a driver (could be a taxi driver or a driver associated with the hotel) to go on excursions, you should tip around $5 a day.
Gas station attendants: Tip the attendant who pumps your gas and cleans your windshield 50 cents to $1. Tip more if the attendant also checks your vehicle's tire pressure, oil levels, etc.
Car watching and parking assistance: Many parking lots outside of shopping centers and strip malls have attendants equipped with whistles who help you navigate out of your spot or locate a parking space. These attendants will also watch your car for you. When you return from your trip, tip them the equivalent of 50 cents to $1.
Valet parking: Tip $1 to $2 on top of the valet parking service charge when you pick up your vehicle.
At the hotel
Hotel guest room attendants (maids): You should tip the peso equivalent of between $3 and $5 a day. While many travelers like to leave the tip when they check out, it's best to leave a tip every day, as the rooms are not serviced by the same person every day. Be sure to leave the tip on the pillow or on the bed -- making it obvious that it's intended as a tip.
Bell hops at hotels: $1 per bag.
Concierge: If you are asking the concierge for directions or dinner recommendations, a small tip in the $2 range is appreciated. If the concierge makes substantial arrangements for you (getting you tickets to a sold-out show, arranging a hard-to-book tour), you might want to tip $5 to $10.
Other
Street vendors: If you buy something from a street vendor (gum, fruit cup, paper, etc.), leave a few peso coins or tell them to keep the change ("quédese con el cambio").
Luggage assistance at airport: $1 per bag.
Tour guides: At least 10 percent of the cost of the tour.
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