Tipping in Mexico
Tip 10–15% at Mexican restaurants — tipping (propina) is customary and an important part of service workers' income, as base wages are low. In tourist areas like Cancún, Tulum, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, staff often expect 15–20%. Tipping in pesos is best; US dollars are widely accepted in resort areas, but coins can't be exchanged.
Usual: 10–15%
Short answer
In Mexico, tip 10–15% at restaurants (15–20% in upscale or resort-area restaurants), MXN 20–50 per bag for porters and per night for housekeeping, and round up taxi fares. Tip in pesos where possible.
Open the tip calculator for this countryRestaurants
Leave 10–15% at sit-down restaurants, and 15–20% at upscale places or in resort areas. Check the bill: if it says "propina incluida" or "servicio incluido", a tip has already been added. When paying by card, the server usually asks how much tip to add ("¿Cuánto de propina?") before running the card; you can also leave cash. 16% IVA (VAT) is normally included in menu prices. At taquerías and street stalls, tips aren't expected, but leaving a few pesos or rounding up is appreciated.
Hotels
Hotel tipping is common in Mexico. Tip bellhops MXN 20–50 per bag and leave MXN 20–50 per night for housekeeping (more at luxury resorts), ideally daily. At all-inclusive resorts, tips aren't required, but MXN 20–50 for bartenders or waiters you see daily, or MXN 50–100 for great service at an à la carte restaurant, is appreciated. A concierge who arranges tours or bookings might get MXN 100–200.
Taxis & Transport
Taxi drivers in Mexico usually aren't tipped; just round up the fare. Add MXN 10–20 per bag if the driver helps with luggage. Agree the fare before you get in (most taxis aren't metered) or use official sitio taxis and airport taxis with fixed fares. Uber, DiDi and Cabify operate in many cities; in-app tips of around 10% are appreciated but optional. Private drivers for day trips get 10–15%.
Tours, spas, cafés & more
Tour guides: 10–20% of the tour price, or MXN 100–200 per person for a day tour; drivers MXN 50–100. Spa and massage: 10–20%. Gas station attendants (who pump your fuel): MXN 10–20, more if they clean the windscreen. Supermarket baggers, often volunteers or seniors working for tips: MXN 5–10. Mariachis: agree a price per song in advance. Boat crews and snorkelling guides: MXN 100–200 per person. Bartenders: MXN 10–20 per drink.
Common practice
10–15% at restaurants is standard; tips are expected in hotels, tours and for many small services. Carry small notes and coins in pesos for easy tipping.
Typical examples
A MXN 400 dinner: tip MXN 40–60. A MXN 1,500 dinner for two in Cancún: MXN 225–300 (about $12–16 or £9–12 — exchange rates fluctuate). A porter with two bags: MXN 50–100. A MXN 150 taxi ride: round to MXN 160.
Helpful note
Check for "propina incluida" or "servicio incluido" on the bill — some tourist restaurants add the tip automatically. "Propina" is the Spanish word for tip.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I tip in Mexico?
10–15% at restaurants, 15–20% in upscale or resort-area restaurants, MXN 20–50 for porters and housekeeping, and round up taxi fares.
Should I tip in pesos or dollars in Mexico?
Pesos are best. US dollar bills are accepted in resort areas, but coins can't be exchanged, so never tip in dollar coins.
Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico?
It's not required, but small tips for bartenders, waiters and housekeeping (MXN 20–50) are common and appreciated.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Mexico?
Generally not; just round up. Add a little if they help with luggage, or tip 10% on rideshare apps.