Mexico, the land of service, no matter how odd the job is, chances are, there will be someone that will be willing to do the job for you. From the shoe cleaners (boleros) to the guy helping you park (viene-vienes) oh! and don’t forget the seniors packing your groceries at the supermarket. While this takes our comfort to a whole new level, it raises the question, who, when and how much shall you be tipping all these people that make your life easier?
Salaries in Mexico are quite low, especially for service jobs. Furthermore, there is a huge population in Mexico that does not receive a salary but only lives from tips, while the government is trying to regulate it, some of the people that you interact with on a weekly basis are tip dependant. We give you a list of what’s fair and should both be helpful to them and not bashing the local economy. First and foremost, remember always to carry small bills and lots of coins in an extra bag so you don’t put your money at risk, you will need them. Don’t forget to be as polite as possible, kindness knows no language barrier!
Uber/Didi
Both systems have already a tip service in their app, our suggestion? Always tip at least 10MXN for shorter distances and 20MXN for a longer trip.
Food Delivery Guys
Hey, come rain nor shine these dudes bring you your food, be generous! $50pesos at least if it’s simple take out and if possible 70 or even 100 if it’s later at night…
Taxi Drivers
Before uber there was no expectation on tipping but nowadays the world has changed and I would recommend you give 10MXN as well.
Viene/viene (parking helpers)
This has two different layers, when you park on an open place the Viene/Viene also works as the security system that will make sure your car is all there when you come out, make sure they know you will tip them and if you can, give them 15 to 20MXN.
If you tend to go to larger grocery stores (Chedraui Select, MEGA, Walmart) chances are there will be someone not only helping you set your groceries in the car but also bringing your trolley to the correct place, if they do help you, 20MXN should be good.
Shoe Cleaners
20MXN or 50MXN if you're feeling generous
Apartment guards
This is a controversial one, first do not forget to consider them for Christmas! They are expecting an extra 100 pesos per flat. I would say around the year is nice to offer some nice treats, perhaps some Pan de Dulce (have you read our article on Pan de Dulce?) or some fruits/juices will be well received.
If they help you bringing up your groceries or receiving a cumbersome package, do give a 50 pesos tip as well.
House cleaners
Again big Christmas gift for these ladies that help around the house! Throughout the year, perhaps offering to pay for a taxi/uber once in a while is a nice gesture that goes a long way since they tend to live farther away. If you have items to donate, don’t hesitate to ask them first!
Gas station workers
These guys normally check your tires, add some oil and occasionally clean your windshields, 10 to 20MXN should be fair.
Spa Workers
It all depends on the place, some of them actually ask you not to tip them but it’s always nice when you’re super relaxed… 50 pesos should be your go to bill.
Hairdressers
I’d say 10% of whatever service you’re getting, one thing is a wash and cut but a very different one is if you’re doing some balayage or a nice hairdo.
Nail specialists
I like to give mine 50MXN she lives farther away and sometimes she takes a cab back home, which is a nice treat.
Supermarket packers
The elderly that will be coming back in a couple of weeks do not receive a salary, so whatever your tip is, it will help them for their everyday lives, why not give them at least 10MXN?
Waiters
Here we go back to %, at least 10% of if you’re in a fancier place the expectation is 15 or even 20%.... If you are doing take away or eating at a taco place leave at least 10MXN.
Bar tenders
These depends on the hour and the level of drunkenness (hic!) but I’d say a 10% is nice, also, it might help getting your drinks more swiftly.
Afterschool Teachers or Sports Trainers
You know all those personal trainers, summer camp teachers, music & dance teachers? Well, they normally would appreciate something nice every once in a while…. Remember first 15th of May is the Day of the Teacher. As well, some nice gift vouchers on Christmas and other times would be very welcome.
Car washers
If you drive and sometimes bring your car to the carwash remember to spare 15MXN for a simple wash or 30MXN for a wax treatment.
Rubbish collectors
Well turns out that if your building doesn’t collect the rubbish your rubbish needs to be handed to the rubbish truck on a weekly basis, so hand it with a nice 10MXN a week or 50pesos a month. Offering some water or fruits every once in a while will also be very appreciated.
Remember Mexicans have a jolly personality and all of them will appreciate over any amount of money some kindness and some opportunity to know more about yourself.
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