Tipping In Mexico: A Guide to Mexican Tipping Customs (2024)

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Mexico to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get MXN in cash in Mexico, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

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Is Tipping Expected in Mexico?

Tipping in Mexico is customary, especially since tips can have an impact on the income of service industry workers. You can tip in either pesos or US dollars. If you tip in USD, just make sure to give only bills since US coins are not commonly used (for reference, $1 roughly equals 17 pesos although this will fluctuate).

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Mexico, tipping 15% of the bill is a good benchmark to follow. If you're dining with a large group, check if the restaurant automatically adds the gratuity to the bill.

When visiting bars and cafes, you can roughly follow the same rule of 10% to 20% gratuity. It is also a kind gesture to tip at food stalls and food carts, although interestingly, it is not as expected.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Mexico?

For hotel staff in Mexico, tipping is not mandatory but much appreciated. Since many American tourists frequent Mexican hotels, hotel staff are used to the practice. You may tip 20 to 50 pesos to a porter, valet, or housekeeping staff member.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Mexico

For taxi drivers in Mexico, tipping is not customary. However, if you received helpful service, such as help with luggage, you can tip 10 pesos per suitcase.

Tour guides in Mexico will expect a small tip for walking tours, especially if the tour was informative and enjoyable. A 10% to 20% tip is a good rule of thumb. For private tours and tours with drivers, consider tipping 20%.

Practical Tips for Tipping in Mexico

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Mexico, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Mexico.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Mexico, you'll be prompted to pay in MXN or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (MXN) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Mexico:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With theWise Account, convert currency at themid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

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N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, anN26account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 8.1

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Starling Bank

TheStarling Bankcard is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

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