What should you give Meixcan workers?

Question

My family and I are going to mexico in a few days...and were not exactly sure what to give them for tips?? We've been to Cuba, and gave them gifts like toothpaste/brushes, candies, soap, drawing books, etc. But should we give the workers money instead? Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks:)

Answer 1

Dont tip them in Dollars its harder to use and exchange. What you said about Cuba and giving them objects and essentials is totally understandable since they dont have the luxury of having some basic essentials like a toothbrush and etc. II dont know what kind of impression you have  but in Mexico,  we do have that benefit to buy and and have whatever we can afford. So the best way is to tip in pesos and remember that the currency is pesos so keep in mind when tiping that its at a different rate.

Answer 2

Toothpaste?? lol Well, Im mexican and I always give people money, I dont really like to carry toothbrushes and toothpaste in my pockets.

Answer 3

Say hola and give them flowers and a kiss

Answer 4

Hola.  Um, unlike Cuba, Mexicans can get all the things you mentioned.  I know in Cuba it is hard for them to get normal goods we take for granted, so your gift suggestions make sense.  Mexicans, not so much.  They prefer tips.

Answer 5

The only hard & fast rule about tipping is that there is no hard & fast rule. You shouldn't feel obligated to tip in every circumstance or to always tip a certain amount.

Remember that the term "tip" means to ensure prompt service. My approach to tipping, in Mexico, as elsewhere, is circumstance-driven.

TAXIS. I usually don't tip taxi drivers unless they've provided a special service, such as helping me with luggage, waiting a few extra seconds or minutes, taking a route that I specify, or providing some useful nugget of information.

RESTAURANTS. My usual rate is 10%, but this is very much dependent upon the type of restaurant, whether the service was exemplary, whether special requests were made or honored, a doggy bag for leftovers requested, or how long my party may have dallied at the table…in which case the tip might reach as much as 25%.

I've been known to leave nothing, and I've been known to leave as much as 40%. If you're one of those mathematically certain people, remember not to tip on tax.

GAS STATION ATTENDANTS. If all they do is fill my car with gas, then I don't tip. If they wash the windows, check the oil, fill the tires or do anything that would've constituted full service back in the days when gas stations gave away free gifts, then the tip might range anywhere from a peso to seven.

SKYCAPS and BELLMEN. The tip here also depends upon the level of service and the attitude with which it's rendered. Generally, $1 USD per bag.

GROCERY CARRYOUT. The amount varies with the quantity of merchandise, how carefully the sacker packed those items, whether or not the same sacker helped me place groceries on the conveyer belt before checkout, and the care with which he placed the purchases in my car. Anywhere from a peso to seven.

MAID SERVICE: Maids should be tipped daily for making up/cleaning your room. A 10-15% rule doesn't apply here if you are paying $100 a night.  50 pesos would be more like it.  Leave the tip on the bed so that she knows it is a tip or give it to them personally.

Answer 6

I agree with "cabochic" and "elvismom". I am Mexican and... well I have never worked at hotel or so. I can tell you that most mexicans expect money as a tip,  more or less 10% if talking about a restaurant.

We don´t tip for taxi (example). to the bellboy, if he helps you with the luggage, you can give him $20.00 MXP.

If you want more help, I will gladly help you out, just click on my image, and you can e-mail me from there.

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 7

What part of Mexico are you peeps going to?

Seriously don't give them u.s coins at all, I'm Mexican and Last year I gave this lil nugget 3 quarters for "washing our windows" and then he threw them on the ground, I was so close to getting out of that car and ahhh nvm. Give them Pesos or Dollar bills you can also offer them a drink if you have no money.

Answer 8

I have been to Mexico several times, and I have always tipped in American dollars.  It has been my experience that most Mexicans prefer American dollars over pesos.

I have never been to Cuba, but I have heard that workers there appreciate gifts.

Have fun and enjoy your trip!

Answer 9

Umm, cash, who wants a toothbrush for a tip?

Answer 10

Cash is always most welcome in Mexico. The most welcome item here in Baja Norte as a gift is the large bottle of high dosage aspirin available at the US 99 cent store. Aspirin is expensive here.

Answer 11

flash your b***s to them.

Answer 12

I would give them what i would like money always helps! Also if you worked for someone would you want soap???? no offense

Answer 13

If you want to give them something other than money , I suggest clothes .

  My wife sends near new clothes to Mexico that she buys at garage sales for $1-2 in the states and there value is 5 times higher in Mexico .

Answer 14

Just because they are Cuban doesn't mean  they don't like money.  Definitely just give them cash.  You don't want them to think that you are disrespecting them.  Just tip them as you would a waiter or waitress wherever you live.

Answer 15

in cuba there is comunism, therefore a lot of common personal items like toothbrushes are ok to give them since they have a lack of quality in the items the goverment gives to them.

Mexico has an open Market so things are not good to tip with,

Money is the option.

Answer 16

as a restaurant tip is Ok 10% of your total.

in México don't give gifts, just cash!; more specific: mexican cash, don't give foreigner coins, are useless here.

This country is not as bad as Cuba, you will see on your own.

Answer 17

a toothbrush, you must be the person who gives out the toothbrushes on halloween yeah give them pesos

Answer 18

WTF?!?!? who wants a f*cking tooth brush as a tip... give them money wherever u go and spread the word that illegal immigrants are gonna b deported