10 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Tipping in Mexico
Tipping etiquette can be confusing, especially when traveling in another country, and Mexico is no exception.
While tipping is generally expected in Mexico, the customs can differ from what you’re used to back home, leading to awkward moments or unnecessary overspending.
Whether you’re at a restaurant, riding in a taxi, or relaxing at an all-inclusive resort, knowing when and how much to tip can make your experience smoother.
To help you avoid common missteps, here are 10 mistakes tourists make when tipping in Mexico—and how to get it right.
1. Overtipping at Restaurants
It’s common for tourists to tip 20% or more at restaurants because it feels standard in places like the U.S.
However, in Mexico, tipping 10-15% of the total bill is perfectly acceptable and expected.
While exceptional service might warrant a bit extra, overtipping can inflate expectations and isn’t necessary in most cases.
Always check your bill first, as some restaurants try to illegally add an automatic tip for larger groups or in touristy areas.
✅ Tip Correctly: Leave 10-15% at restaurants for good service, either in cash or added to your card.
2. Tipping Taxi Drivers
Unlike some countries, it isn’t customary to tip taxi drivers in Mexico and it’s not expected.
Tourists often feel obligated to round up or add a tip, especially in touristy areas like Cancun where taxis cater to travelers.
If you feel like the driver provided exceptional service, such as helping with luggage or offering useful advice, you can leave a bit extra as a nice gesture.
But for standard rides, you don’t need to worry about tipping.
✅ Tip Correctly: Don’t feel pressured to tip taxi drivers. It’s not expected and you can feel comfortable just paying the exact fare.
3. Not Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts
To be clear, tipping at all-inclusive resorts is not a requirement.
However, it is common practice for guests to leave a tip for bartenders, servers, and other resort staff.
A small tip can go a long way toward getting better service, whether it’s prompt drinks at the pool bar or extra attention at dinner.
Plus, bartenders, servers, housekeeping staff, and bellboys often rely on tips to supplement their wages.
✅ Tip Correctly: Bring small bills (USD or pesos) and tip at your discretion for good service throughout your stay.
4. Forgetting Tips for Tour Guides
Many tourists overlook tipping tour guides, especially when the tour is pre-paid or booked online.
However, guides work hard to provide memorable experiences, share local insights, and keep everything running smoothly.
Whether you’re exploring Mayan ruins, snorkeling in cenotes, or taking a walking tour through a city, a tip is a great way to show your gratitude.
Make sure to have cash on hand to tip at the end of your tour.
✅ Tip Correctly: Tip 10-15% of the total tour cost, and give it directly to your guide in cash.
5. Not Carrying Cash for Tips
Mexico is still a cash-based society, especially when it comes to tipping.
While you might be used to leaving tips on a credit card back home, this isn’t always possible in Mexico.
Tourists who don’t carry cash often find themselves scrambling to tip service workers.
It’s a good idea to have small bills on hand (in pesos or USD) to avoid awkward situations.
✅ Tip Correctly: Carry small bills with you to easily leave tips throughout your trip.
6. Skipping Tips for Housekeeping Staff
Housekeeping staff often work long hours behind the scenes to keep your hotel room spotless, yet they’re one of the most overlooked groups when it comes to tipping.
Many tourists simply forget to leave a daily tip, especially since they rarely interact with the staff directly.
Leaving a small tip for each day of your stay is customary and greatly appreciated.
✅ Tip Correctly: Leave $1-$5 USD per day on the last day of your stay, either on the nightstand or in an envelope marked “housekeeping.”
7. Not Tipping the Bell Staff
If you’re staying at a nice hotel, chances are you’ll be greeted by bell staff upon arrival.
They may offer to assist with your luggage or give you a tour of the property.
While their services might seem like part of the hotel experience, it’s expected to tip them for their extra help and attention.
✅ Tip Correctly: Tip $1-2 USD per bag, or more if they go above and beyond to make your stay more comfortable.
8. Tipping in the Wrong Currency
While tips are happily accepted in both Mexican pesos and US dollars, it’s always best to tip in the local currency if possible.
This ensures that your tip is worth its full value, and also saves them the hassle of exchanging currency.
If you only have US dollars on hand, it’s still better to leave a tip than nothing at all.
✅ Tip Correctly: Order pesos from your bank before your trip or use an ATM to withdraw Mexican pesos upon arrival.
9. Not Tipping Your Airport Transportation Driver
When booking airport transportation, it’s easy to overlook tipping your driver in the midst of arriving or departing for your trip.
But if you booked a private airport transfer, it’s customary to tip 10-15% of the total cost.
Drivers often go above and beyond to make your trip comfortable, so it’s a nice gesture to show your appreciation.
✅ Tip Correctly: Tip 10-15% of the total cost for private transfers, paid in cash at the completion of the service.
10. Not Having Change for Grocery Store Baggers
In Mexico, it’s common for grocery stores to have baggers who pack your purchased items.
While they are paid by the store, customers are still expected to tip a small amount for their services.
It’s customary to leave whichever coins or small bills you have on hand as a small tip for the bagger, depending on the size of your purchase.
✅ Tip Correctly: Keep some small change on hand when grocery shopping to easily tip baggers, and simply leave it on the counter for them to collect.
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
