Picture: The most popular all-inclusive resort.
There are many things to look forward to on a Caribbean vacation, but relaxation is at the top of the list. Since you probably don't want to spend your all-inclusive vacation worrying about who to tip, when to tip, and how much to tip, it makes sense to find out as much as you can before you go.
When it comes to tipping, keep in mind that general expectations can vary depending on the resort and destination. These and other factors can have an influence on how much you're expected to tip and how much cash you'll need to bring with you on your vacation. If you're still stumped, you've come to the right place. This guide will show you everything there is to know about tipping at an all-inclusive resort.
Expert tip: If you’re getting ready for an all-inclusive family vacation, you might be wondering how to pack a suitcase. This may be the case particularly if this is your first trip together as a family. Take a look at our Jamaica packing list, , and family beach vacation packing list for some advice!
Tipping policy at Sandals and Beaches Resorts
Tips and gratuities are included in the cost of your vacation package at Sandals and Beaches Resorts. This means you can leave your wallet at home and still take advantage of the resort's many perks and services. This includes restaurants, bars, and all other resort facilities. So, if you really want to show your appreciation for the service, consider it already done!
Even so, there are a few exceptions that should be mentioned. While most employees at these resorts are not permitted to accept tips, you are welcome to tip butlers, tour guides, and massage therapists to show your appreciation. Tipping is entirely up to you in these situations!
Tipping policy at most other all-inclusive resorts
Is tipping required at an all-inclusive resort?
Tipping norms differ depending on the resort. While tipping may not be required at some all-inclusive resorts, many guests prefer to do so. In the event that you would like to tip staff during your all-inclusive vacation, it is important to find out in advance whether staff would even be allowed to accept those tips. To be sure, check the resort’s website information to see if tipping is permitted.
Keep in mind that some resorts share gratuity and charge upfront when it comes to tipping while on vacation. You can verify ahead of your trip whether you will need to bring cash to cover this. While tipping is allowed at some resorts, it is optional, so you won't have to worry about staff pressuring you to do so. You don't have to feel bad about not being able to or wanting to tip everyone.
Expert tip: If you’ve got an all-inclusive vacation in mind check out our post on 'what does all-inclusive mean' so you know what to expect. You might also want to take a look at 'cruise vs all-inclusive' which can help you decide which option will be best for you.
(Video) Tipping at All-Inclusives
Who do you tip at an all-inclusive resort?
While some resorts encourage tipping, at others, employees are not allowed to accept tips at all. If you're staying at a resort that accepts tips, you might be wondering who you should tip in the first place. If your resort allows tipping, you can tip the staff members you interact with on a daily basis. Tipping butlers, tour guides, and massage therapists is optional at an all-inclusive resort like Beaches Resorts, where tipping and gratuities are included in the cost of your vacation package and not required for most staff.
If you’re staying in a traditional hotel, you might want to tip staff like bellhops, valets, concierges, and massage therapists. For tipping at restaurants and bars, you’ll need to consider how often you'll be visiting these places. It will be up to you to decide whether you want to tip every time you go for drinks or have a meal, or at the end of your trip. Remember that if you’re leaning toward tipping at the end, you may not come across the same staff member(s) who might have given you excellent service during your stay.
When it comes to staff in the pool area who likely serve drinks and snacks throughout the day, when tipping you might want to consider that you’re doing so for the whole day or potentially a few days if you will be visiting multiple times. If you’ll be visiting the beach a lot during your vacation, especially if you have family members who might be on the messy side (tracking sand into the room perhaps), you might want to tip housekeeping staff a bit more for their efforts. Generally, some people aim for tipping housekeeping staff $5 USD per night or double that depending on how messy the room may be.
How do you tip at an all-inclusive resort?
At some hotels and resorts, you’ll find a guide on the best way to tip on their website. For others, you may need to ask ahead of making a booking. The information you receive in either case should serve as a guide on the best way to tip during your vacation. A good rule of thumb is to check whether you’ll be paying a gratuity fee at the start or end of your vacation. If you are, then you know that you’re covered.
When it comes to bars located within resorts, you might find a tip jar that is split between staff. In some cases, you will be able to specifically tip the person that you feel deserves it for outstanding and attentive service. In the latter case, your tip would go directly to that staff member. If you're not sure, you can always ask once you arrive.
Expert tip: If tipping information isn't available on the resort's website, you can inquire during the check-in process. If you prefer not to do this, simply observe what other guests are doing for direction. Some guests bring envelopes with thank you cards for tipping during their vacation.
What currency to tip in?
If you're traveling to the Caribbean from the United States, you won't have to worry about exchanging currency for tips. As the majority of all-inclusive resorts in this territory cater to tourists, tipping in U.S. dollars is acceptable. Tipping in coins is not advised because they can be difficult to exchange into local currency. If you intend to leave the resort during your vacation, you should bring small amounts of local currency with you for tipping. This will be useful for tipping restaurant employees, street vendors, and tour guides for some tours and excursions.
In terms of how much money you’ll need to have on hand for tipping during your Caribbean vacation, bring a small amount of cash inclusive of smaller bills like 5s and 10s. Some experts recommend that you bring a total of $150 to $200 USD for tips for a 1-week stay. This equates to around $20 to $25 USD per day for all staff members who might help you throughout the day. When heading off property (outside of your all-inclusive resort), you can bring small bills along as well, preferably in local currency.
Tipping policy outside of the resort
Who do you generally tip outside of the resort?
It is just as important to be aware of the tipping norms at your resort as it is to be aware of the tipping norms outside of your resort. Street vendors, restaurant workers, and other local staff hosting activities outside of your resort are among those you may encounter. Most of the time, these are people you'll want to tip, so bring some local currency with you when you leave your resort just in case. The list of people you might want to tip outside of your resort includes tour guides and taxi drivers. Keep in mind that tipping customs may differ depending on your destination. You can seek advice from the staff at your resort in this regard.
Expert tip: Sandals vs Beaches — which will be best for your all-inclusive vacation? Well, if you’re traveling with kids, the best choice would be Beaches Resorts which includes Caribbean waterparks, kids camps, and loads of kid-friendly amenities. The couples-centric Sandals Resorts are perfect for couples who want a world of romance.
Tipping etiquette made easy for your all-inclusive vacation
While tipping etiquette varies by location and resort, the main takeaway here is that it is good practice to be prepared to tip staff, especially if you are impressed with their service. This applies whether you are on property (at your resort) or decide to explore other areas around town. Having said that, the best all-inclusive vacations include tips, making it much easier to remember to express gratitude for excellent service.
Now that you know what to expect, you're all set for your amazing all-inclusive vacation that will hopefully include lots of sunshine and the best quality inclusions around!
Insider tip: Want a luxury vacation as part of your family getaway? Negril resorts, Ocho Rios resorts, and are ideal for a vacation that combines luxury, adventure, and good times!
FAQs
What is the proper etiquette for tipping at an all-inclusive resort? ›
Some experts recommend that you bring a total of $150 to $200 USD for tips for a 1-week stay. This equates to around $20 to $25 USD per day for all staff members who might help you throughout the day.
Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts? ›Do I Need to Tip at an All-Inclusive Resort? While tipping is a discretionary and optional gesture, at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, it is certainly encouraged.
What is a good tip in Dominican Republic all-inclusive? ›In the Dominican Republic, it is customary to leave a 10% if you enjoyed your services. Some restaurants will add 10% gratuity to your bill, so make sure you look at your check before leaving extra.
Should I tip in pesos or dollars in Mexico? ›Should I tip in pesos or dollars in Mexico? It's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos. While it might be tempting to leave a few foreign coins as a thank-you, those coins can't be exchanged and won't be of much use to your waiter or tour guide.
Do you tip on top of resort fee? ›While resort fees may include certain hotel services, amenities, and access to different areas, they do not include tips or gratuity for hotel staff. Some travelers assume that tips for housekeeping, concierge service, or luggage delivery are included in the resort fee, but the fee is paid directly to the hotel.
Do you tip the front desk at a resort? ›Front Desk Clerks, Concierge
Front desk clerks are responsible for checking-in hotel guests, answering their questions and supplying information about the hotel. For those services, no tip is required.
Others may automatically include gratuity when the bill is drawn. If either of these instances is the case, then no, you do not need to tip on top of this price. However, if the service was exceptional and you had a wonderful experience, an additional tip is never a bad idea.
Do you tip room service at a resort? ›When it comes to tipping for hotel room service, you'll need to consider the where, how, and how much. According to American Hotel & Lodging Association, the organization recommends tipping between 15-20% if a service charge isn't already included with the bill.
Should I bring cash to an all-inclusive? ›Credit cards are gold around these parts but it's still a good idea to bring cash along when you travel, even on an all-inclusive vacation. While you won't be paying for meals or drinks, it's a good idea to make friends with your bartender at the beginning of the trip by leaving a tip up front.
Is $10 a good tip in Punta Cana? ›As with restaurants back home, a gratuity is expected at bars in Punta Cana. A 10% tip is customary for standard service at a bar; tipping 15% or more shows extra appreciation. Remember that you don't need to tip every time you order a drink—but you should definitely give extra when your server goes above and beyond.
Is 5 dollars a good tip in Dominican Republic? ›
When eating at an a la carte restaurant in all-inclusive resort or hotel, you can also leave a tip. Up to 5 USD will do. This is also the case when you have an exceptional bartender that makes your cocktails just the way you like it.
How much is $100 US in Dominican pesos? ›If you're on a tour with a lot of people (20-100 people), each person should leave a tip of at least $5 U.S. (90 pesos). If you're on a tour with very few people (e.g., four people in your family), the group should leave a tip that is equivalent to 15-20% of the cost of the tour.
How many pesos is $1 in U.S. money? ›1 USD = 17.99737 MXN Apr 18, 2023 09:42 UTC
The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.
Tip the housekeeper.
The general rule of thumb is a couple of dollars for each day. You should leave the tip out in the open, like the nightstand, and with a note so the housekeeper doesn't confuse it with cash you've just left out (which you should never do, by the way).
Even if your hotel or resort includes gratuities (which most often occurs at all-inclusives and beach resorts), it's still necessary to tip your butler extra.
Do you tip resort shuttle drivers? ›There's no standard for tipping your airport parking shuttle driver. However, it's always kind to offer something to shuttle drivers. They work long hours driving frustrated travelers back and forth from parking to terminals. Rain or shine, heat or cold, they help people get where they need to be.
Can you negotiate resort fees? ›You may be able to negotiate directly with your hotel if you do not intend to use the services covered by the resort fee. The best time to do this is when you are checking in. Explain that you don't plan to use these services and ask to have the fee waived.
What is the 20 dollar sandwich trick? ›What is the $20 Dollar Trick? The 20 Dollar Trick, sometimes called the sandwich trick, is a $20 tip sandwiched in between the necessary ID and credit card required at the hotel front desk check-in. In the past, this was a great way to get a complimentary upgrade.
Do you tip when breakfast is included? ›“It is not customary to tip at a continental breakfast that is served buffet-style,” Bergen says. “It is customary and appreciated to tip during breakfast when there is a server who takes your order or serves coffee and juice.” Eva Keller, another former front desk associate, takes a different view.
Is it rude not to tip hotel housekeeping? ›
Do you have to tip housekeeping? The answer is a resounding yes. The people who clean and take care of your room during your stay, clean and sanitize it between customers, and answer the sorts of things you really shouldn't be asking hotel staff are essential workers.
What is the difference between a tip and a gratuity? ›A gratuity is an informal tip that an employee receives from a customer or another worker. At the same time, a tip is something you give to a service provider to show your appreciation for their work.
What happens if you don't tip? ›Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 15 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why. To help you avoid tipping anxiety (and disgruntled waitstaff), we explain how to tip in the United States.
What is the difference between a service fee and a gratuity? ›In the service industry (such as at a restaurant), a service charge is a mandatory extra charge that is added to a bill, while a gratuity (also known as a tip) is a voluntary amount that a customer may choose to add to a bill.
How much should you tip room service at a resort? ›Recommended tip for room service: 15 to 20% of your total food bill.
How much do you tip a room steward? ›Typical extra tips may be $15-20 per passenger for a seven-day cruise paid to the cabin steward for exceptional work, or an extra $10-20 per passenger to a waiter who offered spectacular dining service. Similarly, it is often acceptable to tip $1-3 when room service is delivered depending on the size of the order.
Is a service charge the same as a tip at a resort? ›In other words, in America at least, a service charge does not count as a tip because it's a fee that's charged to the customer — not something voluntarily given by the customer.
Do you need towels in all-inclusive? ›Towels. You don't need towels, as the resort provides these to all guests, and you can exchange them for clean dry ones at any time.
How much spending money should I bring to an all-inclusive resort? ›Generally speaking, USD is preferred, so just bring a stack of ones with you for meals, drinks, and housekeeping. I find that bringing $100-$200 for a week is usually plenty.
How much should I pay for an all-inclusive? ›All inclusive prices vary by resort and location, however the average price for an all-inclusive vacation ranges from $200 to $600/day (remember this usually includes airfare). There are cheaper all inclusive resorts out there, but their quality can reflect the lower price point.
Should I exchange money before going to Dominican Republic? ›
Yes… The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). If you're planning on going off the resort and exploring the town (which I highly recommend!), then you'll probably want to exchange your USD to DOP.
How do you tip in Cancun all-inclusive? ›To show your appreciation for the meal, tip your server around 15%. Raise that up to 20% if you were wowed. Note that some establishments automatically charge a service fee, so keep an eye out so that you don't tip twice. Bartenders should get 20 pesos (US$1) per drink or 10–15% of the total bill.
What is the best currency to take to the Dominican Republic? ›If you're off to the Dominican Republic for some sand, sea and sunshine, make sure you have less to think about while you catch those rays, and get some spending money sorted before you go. US dollars are widely accepted, but the main currency is the Dominican peso.
How much do you tip a hotel staff in the Dominican Republic? ›If you're staying in a hotel in Dominican Republic it's standard practise to tip between 10-20%.
How much do resort workers get paid in Punta Cana? ›The average "service person" on a resort makes a base wage of approximately $300 per month plus tips. Of course there are exceptions (a handful). Most employees in high visibility areas share or pool their tips.
Is a $5 dollar tip too little? ›Generally you should tip 20% (atleast in America) so if it is a $15 meal, then $5 is a good tip. If it is a $50 meal than a $5 tip is you being a doucher. Not bad if you ordered eggs and coffee at a cafe.
How much is $1 US in Dominican? ›1 USD = 54.794363 DOP Apr 17, 2023 23:35 UTC
Check the currency rates against all the world currencies here. The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.
However, you don't have to take this amount in cash. You can regularly pay with a credit card and withdraw money at ATMs. Therefore, it is recommended to take around 200 to 300 dollars per person for your vacation.
Is 1 US dollar a lot in the Dominican Republic? ›The current exchange rate is 1 USD gets you 58 Dominican Pesos (DOP).
Is 10 pesos a good tip? ›Restaurants: For good service, a 10% tip is standard. For really good service, anything between 15% and 20% is acceptable. Street food: Again, tipping is not required or expected, but it is appreciated (saying “keep the change” is sufficient). Taxis: If the driver helps with bags, 10–20 pesos is a good tip.
How many pesos is a good tip for a drink? ›
In Mexico, a good rule of thumb for tips is to leave 10-15% of the bill. 50 pesos would be a standard tip for a bill that was around 500 pesos. For example, if you go out for dinner and get drinks, you should expect to spend around 400 MXN. That would mean your tip would be between 40-60 MXN.
How do you tip 10%? ›Determine the pre-tax total of your bill. Move the decimal space over to the left by one to get 10% of the bill. For example, if your bill total is $37.50, you would move the decimal over one space to the left to get $3.75. This means that $3.75 is 10% of $37.50.
Is it better to use cash or credit card in Mexico? ›Paying with a credit card will give you the best exchange rate. Most restaurants, hotels and stores accept credit cards in Mexico.
Is it better to exchange money in US or Mexico? ›Most businesses will take U.S. dollars, but it's better to convert your currency to pesos. You'll get better deals and it is the currency of Mexico. Many people get pesos from their bank at home before travel. We normally use ATMs when we arrive at the Cancun airport.
Should I get pesos before going to Mexico? ›The best way to get pesos in Mexico for your trip is to use your debit card at an ATM. We recommend exchanging enough pesos from your home country before your trip to make it through your first day. Afterward, simply get cash from a local ATM to get the best exchange rate possible.
Do you tip housekeeping on last day? ›When to tip your hotel housekeeper. Some guests leave a lump-sum tip on the last day of their stay, but a better practice is doling out incremental tips daily, as hotel housekeepers might have different day-to-day room assignments.
How much do you tip a maid at all inclusive? ›How much should I leave: Up to you on tipping the housekeeping staff. If you normally tip maids, go for it. Some people like to leave $4-5 dollars a day, others like to leave one big $40 tip on the last day.
How much do you tip resort staff? ›For a one-week stay at an all-inclusive resort, a couple should budget to spend about $150 US (or the local currency equivalent) total in tips. This means that you should bring about $20 in small bills with you to spend on tips throughout the day.
How many pesos do you tip in Mexico all-inclusive restaurants? ›To show your appreciation for the meal, tip your server around 15%. Raise that up to 20% if you were wowed. Note that some establishments automatically charge a service fee, so keep an eye out so that you don't tip twice. Bartenders should get 20 pesos (US$1) per drink or 10–15% of the total bill.
Do you tip at a resort with a service charge? ›A service charge or convenience fee goes to the hotel, not the server. If there is no gratuity added, tip the server 15% – 20%.
Is 5 a good tip in Mexico? ›
In Mexico, a good rule of thumb for tips is to leave 10-15% of the bill. 50 pesos would be a standard tip for a bill that was around 500 pesos. For example, if you go out for dinner and get drinks, you should expect to spend around 400 MXN. That would mean your tip would be between 40-60 MXN.
How much do you tip a resort driver? ›Transportation Services
Whether you're taking the airport shuttle or you're hiring a personal driver for your transportation to the hotel, you should tip your driver if you've received good service. For courtesy shuttles, you should tip $1-2 per person or $4-5 per party.
If you're staying at an all inclusive resort, you will only need about 100 pesos per day per person for tips (I'd say this is minimum). If you're staying at a hotel in Puerto Vallarta, for example, and eating out for each meal and throwing in a couple happy hours, you might want to budget 500 pesos per person.
How much do you tip dinner all-inclusive in Cancun? ›How much should I tip in Cancun? For both self-service buffets and menu items, a tip of at least 10 percent is recommended. For hotel porter, $ 1-2 is the norm. Hotel maids should be tipped, at least, $3 a day.
Is $100 pesos a lot in Mexico? ›The purchasing power of the Mexican peso (MXN) has been valued at about 50% to the U.S. Dollar (USD) over the last 5 years. $100 will go quite far in Mexico. Food is about half the cost, and a meal for two in Mexico City will cost about $16 USD.
Do you tip housekeeping daily or at end of stay? ›Some travelers like to leave one tip for hotel housekeeping at the end of their stay. But most experts say it's better to leave a tip every day of your trip. “We recommend tipping nightly, as your room may be serviced by different people,” said Ten Eyck.
Do you tip in Mexico all-inclusive? ›See, at most all-inclusive Mexican resorts say tipping isn't required… but it kind of actually is once you arrive. (Though some have policies that could get staff in trouble if they accept tips, so please check with your hotel first.)
Is it OK to tip in US dollars in Mexico? ›In Mexico, tipping in either U.S. dollars (bills only, no coins) or pesos is acceptable, though pesos are usually more practical for the recipient (and will save them a trip to the casa de cambio). The amount you tip is at your discretion and should be based on the quality of service you received.
Is $20 usd a good tip in Mexico? ›If you're staying at a hotel or resort, the front desk can break larger notes into small bills and coins for you: the $20 peso bill is popular for tipping at hotel resorts.
Do you tip hotel housekeeping? ›The American Hotel & Lodging Association suggests leaving a $1-to-$5 tip per day for the housekeeping staff. The tipping range is helpful when estimating your trip budget, but how much you should ultimately tip depends on a few factors (more on this later).
How much do you tip for excursions? ›
The average tip amount for an outdoor or backcountry guide is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person. For example, if the tour price was $1,000 per person, then the acceptable tip should be between $100 and $200 per person depending on the level of service provided by the guide.
Do you tip concierge at resort? ›In Conclusion. Tipping a concierge is an important part of any stay at a hotel. You not only show them how much you appreciate their hard work but also lay the foundation for even better experiences in the future.