What to Know About Tipping at All Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta
As you prepare for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, you may wonder whether tipping is required and how much to tip in Puerto Vallarta all inclusive. After all, if you visit a typical restaurant or hotel, tipping is standard for both food and drink service.
While it’s not mandatory at your Puerto Vallarta resort, it is highly appreciated as it helps your hard-working staff supplement what is often a low-income position. Many people who have stayed at such resorts have commented about improved service and experience during their vacation due to appropriate tipping. Of course, tips can vary based on the resort, but visitors should keep general guidelines in mind.
Some all-inclusive resorts may have 24-hour service, whether it’s room service, bartending, or other amenities. In other words, many people are working hard to ensure you and other guests are comfortable and having a good time. Therefore, if your bartender, housekeeper, or valet is giving you the service you need to relax and have fun on your break, handing over a few pesos won’t hurt.
Is It Customary to Tip In Puerto Vallarta?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Tipping is customary throughout Mexico, including the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta. While it’s not mandatory, a tip is a gesture of appreciation.
Just like in the United States, many Mexican service workers rely on tips to supplement their base income. Of course, locals are accustomed to tourist tipping or not tipping, but they do appreciate it when you reward their good service with a few pesos.
It’s important to know that your resort package may already include gratuities. However, it’s a good practice to keep some cash on hand as appropriate for extra great service.
When to Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta
OK, so when is it appropriate to start handing out some pesos at your resort? Your arrival!
Most likely, a bellhop or a concierge will transport your bags from your car to your room. Your servers and bartenders will certainly appreciate a tip after a meal or a custom cocktail at one of the several bars available. If you’re staying in with room service for the night, definitely leave a tip.
Do you plan on participating in some excursions, like horseback riding or off-site tours? Have some cash on hand to tip your driver and guide. Your resort may also have spa treatment add-ons. A few pesos is a nice way to say thank you for an invigorating massage or facial.
If you have turned down service, leave something on the bed or dresser for your housekeeper.
Dining/Drinks
- A good amount for bartenders is 20–50 pesos per drink or round.
- At buffets, leave 20–50 pesos; at à la carte restaurants, tip 10–15% of the bill.
- You can always go up to 20 -25% for more customized or exceptional service.
Once you become known as a reliable tipper, don’t be surprised if your drinks become stronger or you get a special dessert.
Service
- Leave the housekeeper about 50–100 pesos per night, daily.
- For the Concierge service, about 100–200 pesos is good for special requests.
- Spa tips should be about 10–15% of the treatment cost.
- Excursion guides should get 100–200 pesos per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Transportation
- Shuttle drivers should receive about 20–50 pesos per bag or 50–100 pesos per ride.
- You can round up or add 10% for a nice taxi trip if you like.
- Private drivers: 10–15% of the fare, especially for long-distance or personalized service.
RELATED: Top All Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta
How Much to Tip at An All-Inclusive in Puerto Vallarta
Remember, there’s no set amount on how much should you tip at an all inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, as you want to handle it based on the amount and the quality of service. However, the general guidelines aren’t much different from those in the United States — about 10 to 20% of your bill.
20 to 50 pesos is common for small daily tasks, from room cleaning services to bar drinks or snacks. A good tip is to travel with small peso bills or coins so you don’t have to worry about breaking big bills or leaving someone hanging after they’ve gone above and beyond to accommodate you.
Before you leave for your Puerto Vallarta resort vacation, plan a rough estimate of the activities you plan to do so you can have your tip bills ready. Even if you don’t spend all of them during your trip, you can always convert them back to US dollars when you leave Puerto Vallarta.
Is It Better to Tip In USD or Pesos in Puerto Vallarta?
If someone has done exceptional service for you, don’t make them wait for their money. Tipping them in USD means they will have to convert it to pesos, which may not be easy for them. Giving them pesos instead will provide immediate access to their cash tip.
You can order pesos before you arrive in Mexico or get some at the airport on arrival. If you must use USD, make sure you use small, undamaged, clean bills. Just avoid USD coins because the locals can’t exchange them at all.
Tipping Tips & Tricks in Puerto Vallarta
Tipping doesn’t have to be complicated with some extra planning and consideration for the service you’re getting. Bring a small stack of peso bills with you so you’re ready to pay for service on arrival. That way, you don’t have to run out to an ATM and worry about getting change.
Make sure the person you’re trying to tip is the one to receive the money. You can do so discreetly but clearly by leaving it under your drinking glass. If the restaurant or bar has many servers, you may want to give it to the person serving you directly before you leave.
Unsurprisingly, consistent tippers usually get more attentive service — after all, who doesn’t want to receive a good tip? If you want to ensure you don’t overspend on vacation, create a daily tipping budget. Then, ensure you don’t do any activities that will cause you to go over it.
Your Perfect Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Vacation Awaits!
Even if tipping is already included in your resort package, it doesn’t hurt to be nice and give a few more dollars (well, pesos) for exceptional care. After all, when you’re getting spa treatment, clean oceanside suites, or someone carrying your heavy bags, giving a little more to those caring for you will go a long way in making them feel seen and validating their hard work.
Plus, in turn, they’re likely to not only keep up the good work but may kick it up several notches. In other words, a couple of extra dollars a day can take a good luxury trip and turn it into a phenomenal one you may not want to leave. As you build goodwill, you’ll enjoy the amazing hospitality and warm weather Puerto Vallarta is known for. You may also establish a relationship with a resort that you’ll return to for more relaxing or adventurous vacations with family, friends, or solo.
Are you ready to enjoy superior service and comfort in Puerto Vallarta? Book your all inclusive vacation in Puerto Vallarta online with All Inclusive Outlet.
