Tipping in Mexico follows its own customs, and a few habits with cash and cards save you real money. Here's what to expect in Puerto Vallarta.
How much to tip
| Where | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% is standard among locals; 15% is common in tourist areas |
| Bars | About 20 pesos a drink |
| Hotel housekeeping | 50 pesos or more a day (30–50 at all-inclusives), left daily |
| Tour guides | From 50 pesos for a short visit to 300–500 pesos per group for a full day |
| Taxis | Not expected; 10–15 pesos for exceptional help |
| Gas station attendants | 5–10 pesos |
| Supermarket baggers | About 5 pesos a bag |
Amounts from Spanish and Go's Mexico tipping guide. Tipping more for great service is always welcome.
Tip in pesos where you can, and carry small bills and coins for it.
Is the tip already on the bill?
Look for "propina incluida" or "servicio" on the check before you add anything.
By law the tip is voluntary. PROFECO, Mexico's consumer protection agency, says it can't be added to your bill without your consent or made a condition of service. If it was added and you didn't agree, you can ask for it to be removed.
Pesos or dollars?
Many businesses in the tourist areas accept US dollars, but they set their own exchange rate, which is often worse than the rate your bank or card gives. Prices must be shown in pesos (another PROFECO rule), so pay in pesos when you can.
Today's peso exchange rate→ATMs and card terminals: decline the conversion
When an ATM or card terminal asks whether you want to be charged in your home currency, that's dynamic currency conversion. Decline it and choose pesos. Your bank or card network then does the conversion, usually at a much better rate.
The markups add up: one consumer study found an average of 7.6% over the card network's rate, and up to 12.4%.
Prefer ATMs attached to a bank, and check your own bank's foreign ATM fees before you travel.
