Tipping customs in Latin America can vary from country to country, with some nations expecting gratuities and others treating it as an optional gesture. Knowing the local tipping etiquette can help travelers show appreciation appropriately without over- or under-tipping. Here’s a country-by-country guide to tipping across Latin America.

General Tipping Guidelines in Latin America

Before diving into specifics, here are general tipping norms across the region:

• Restaurants: In many countries, a 10% service charge is included, but additional tips may be appreciated.
• Hotels: Bellboys, housekeeping, and concierge staff may expect small tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Tipping is generally not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Drivers: Tipping is common in the tourism industry, especially for private tours.
• Spas & Salons: A small tip of 5–10% may be expected in certain countries.

Country-Specific Tipping Trends

Here’s a breakdown of tipping etiquette in some of Latin America’s most visited destinations.

Mexico

• Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is standard, especially if service charge is not included.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up the bill or tipping 10% is appreciated.
• Hotels: Bellboys ($1–$2 per bag), housekeeping ($1–$5 per night), and concierge ($5–$10) appreciate tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: No tipping required, but rounding up is common.
• Tour Guides: $5–$10 per person for group tours, $20+ for private guides.

Brazil

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is usually included in the bill. Additional tipping is optional but appreciated.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
• Hotels: Housekeeping ($1–$5 per night), bellboys ($1–$2 per bag), and concierge ($5–$10) accept tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: No tipping required, but rounding up is common.
• Tour Guides: $10–$20 per person for a full-day tour.

Argentina

• Restaurants: 10% is standard, but check if a service charge is included.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up the bill is common.
• Hotels: Housekeeping ($1–$3 per night), bellboys ($1–$2 per bag), and concierge ($5–$10) appreciate tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: No tipping required, but rounding up is polite.
• Tour Guides: $10–$20 per person for a full-day tour.

Colombia

• Restaurants: 10% service charge is often included, but an extra tip is welcomed for great service.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up is common.
• Hotels: Bellboys ($1–$2 per bag), housekeeping ($1–$3 per night), concierge ($5–$10) appreciate tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: No tipping required, but rounding up is courteous.
• Tour Guides: $10–$15 per person for a full-day tour.

Peru

• Restaurants: 10% is standard, though some high-end places may expect 15%.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Hotels: Housekeeping ($1–$3 per night), bellboys ($1–$2 per bag), and concierge ($5–$10) accept tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: No tipping required, but rounding up is common.
• Tour Guides: $10–$20 per person for a full-day tour.

Final Thoughts

Tipping customs across Latin America can differ based on local practices, cost of living, and tourism influence. Understanding the expected gratuity in each country ensures respectful and appropriate tipping while traveling. When in doubt, tipping around 10% for services is a good rule of thumb!