How to tip toiletries in Cuba?

Question

I'm going to Varadero in 2 days, staying an all inclusive resort. People who have gone there keep telling me to tip with toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo etc. So I bought a few little bottles of it, but I'm wondering how do I give it to them? It feels kind of weird to leave toothpaste at the bar when I'm getting a drink, or to give shampoo out to people in Havana when we go on our day trip. Also someone told me that you can leave your USED toiletries there when you leave. To me, this seems almost RUDE! But please tell me what you think, because I will do it if it's okay.

Answer 1

I usely give 1 cuc ( peso convertible ) to the room maid.

Sometimes as a sign of gratitude they make a swan or a

heart with towels . I leave a small piece of soap or a shampoo bottle on the towels , but generally money is more accepted. Don't distrubute gifts on the streets .

To leave your  half empty shampoo , bathfoam , toothpaste etc is a good and wide spread practice. You can also leave used clothing , a Tshirt or a pair of jeans, Cubans can use everything.  

havanalover

http://www.havana-guide.com

Answer 2

For normal toilet ladies sitting in front of the toilets in bars and restaurants a quarter CUC is more than enough.

Calculate and multiply a quarter for each time someone goes to the toilet...thats why in Cuba a toilet lady is better paid than a dentist who makes 30 $ a month!

Answer 3

We leave bits and bats of toiletries out on the coffee table in our room for our maid, we give waiters/waitresses, bar staff and the guys who give out the loungers down the beach 1 peso each every other day, believe me your maid will be very grateful for any toiletries you give her, Tampax, nail varnish, nail varnish remover, toothpaste and toothbrushes are like gold to them, kiddies books, writing pads and pens go down a treat too and honestly its not rude leaving all the toiletries you don't want at the box in reception or for your maid, they really appreciate it honestly, have a lovely holiday, I go to Varadero a week today.

Answer 4

Yes many of us have said to bring toiletries as little gifts...sorry if it sounded a bit odd and confusing. I personally never said to leave them as tips at the bars and restaurants...I mentioned leaving it for the maids/room attendants if you chose to do so with a little note.

Some have left shampoos and lotions that they didn't finish in the room and the maids do not get offended. They understand that many cannot transport them back and they actually do appreciate trying the products.

But whatever you do, just make sure you dignify the person you're leaving it for, even if they are toiletries.

I personally left money for the maid and only on the last day did I leave lotion, a beach outfit, and a book for her as I got to know her, along with an appreciative note for her hard work. She left me a beautiful thank you note in return.

As for the bars and restaurants, I'd leave money as a tip. But if you befriend someone and you had some gifts that you'd like to leave with them, then discreetly give it to them in a bag maybe near the end of your trip.

If you have things like eyeliners, etc for the ladies, feel free to give it to whomever you think would love it, whenever you want...and not as a tip, but literally as a gift. You'll end up making friends with the staff (entertainment staff, resort workers, etc.)

One word of advice, don't feel pressured to load down your suitcase full of gifts, especially the first time going to Cuba. Go visit and get a feel for things...the next time you'll know more of what you want to do. So just tip with money if that's easier for you. You will still be treated respectfully with our without gifts...that's not what they're expecting from you. Cubans just like people and friendships with those who are genuine. If there is anything you wish to give to anyone that is yours that you feel you can part with and not have to bring back with you, then it's your choice.

Don't feel pressured...all this advice can be overwhelming about what to bring and what not bring. Keep it simple.

Sorry if everyone's advice confused you before. I totally understand where you're coming from.

Hope that helped...and please ask again if this needs to be clarified.

Answer 5

It's a nice gesture however they don't take the place of  cash for the staff particularly at the bars or restaurant.  One thing too,  don't just give them to your housekeeper.  They often end up with countless bottles of  shampo, tooth paste and the like.  give some to the ladies you see around your resort cleaning toilets or performing other duties which help make you feel so welcome.  Enjoy your vacation.

Answer 6

Tipping with toiletries is just as obscure as Castro's whole regime. Liberate Cuba and then you can tip with Dollars as in other civilised countries.