How Much to Tip at an All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico

A vacation at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico can be a relaxing getaway. But knowing how much to tip the staff can be confusing.

Here are some tips on tipping etiquette at all-inclusives in Mexico.

How Much To Tip At All Inclusive Mexico?

An all-inclusive resort covers food, drinks, activities and more for one base price. This seems to imply tips are already included.

However, staff members in Mexico rely on tips as a significant part of their income. So tipping is still expected.

The good news is tipping guidelines at all-inclusives are not complicated. Following some simple tips will help you show staff appreciation for good service.

Staff to Tip

Common staff members to tip at an all-inclusive resort include:

• Housekeeping: $2-5 per night
• Waiters: $1-2 per meal
• Bartenders: $1 per drink
• Bellhops: $1-2 per bag
• Pool attendants: $2-5 for service
• Spa staff: 15% of service cost
• Golf caddies: $15-25 per round
• Airport transfers: $1-2 per bag

Tip more for exceptional service, less for mediocre service.

When to Tip

The best times to tip staff during your stay are:

• Housekeepers: Each morning or after turndown service
• Waiters & bartenders: After each meal/drink
• Bellhops: During airport pickup and hotel checkout
• Pool staff: When ordering food/drinks or towels
• Spa staff: At the end of treatments
• Golf caddies: Following the round
• Drivers: When departing airport/hotel transfers

Plan to have small bills handy to tip each staff member immediately after they assist you.

How Much to Tip

So exactly how much should you tip? Here are some recommendations:

• Waiters: $1-2 per meal, $5-10 for specialty restaurants
• Housekeepers: $2 per night up to $5 for longer stays
• Bartenders: $1 per drink
• Bellhops: $1-2 per bag
• Airport transfers: $1-2 per bag
• Pool attendants: $2-5 per service
• Spa staff: 15% of total service cost
• Caddies: $15-25 per golf round

Keep the local economy in mind. What seems like a small tip to you may be generous in Mexico.

Tipping in Pesos vs USD

You can tip in either pesos or USD. If paying cash, pesos may be easier to avoid getting change in USD.

If tipping with USD, $1 is a standard base amount for simple services like drinks, bags, or maids. Then go up for better service or down if underwhelmed.

Tipping on All-Inclusive Packages

Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages with prepaid vouchers for certain amenities like spa treatments, tours, golf, etc.

You’ll still want to tip on top of prepaid vouchers, as staff don’t receive a cut. Follow the 15-20% tipping guideline based on the retail rate for that activity.

Other Tipping Guidelines

Here are some other all-inclusive tipping best practices:

• Tip in cash whenever possible. Tips are more likely to go directly to staff.
• Avoid tipping the resort’s management or reception desk. Focus tips on your direct service staff.
• Carry small bills ($1 USD or 20-50 pesos) to make tipping easy.
• Don’t feel obligated to tip every staff member. Focus on those who made your stay better.
• An all-inclusive package doesn’t remove the tipping norm. Plan a tip budget just like other vacations.

Alternative Ways to Tip

If you prefer not to tip cash daily, some alternatives are:

• Tip housekeeping staff 2-3x during a longer stay, instead of daily.
• Tip spa/golf staff after your last treatment or round instead of each time.
• Tip your concierge or butler a lump sum at checkout to cover all services.
• Organize a group tip for your wedding or event hosts split among your party.

The key is setting staff expectations upfront on when and how you’ll tip.

Conclusion

Getting tipping right takes the stress out of your all-inclusive vacation. Follow the 15-20% guideline for good service. Tip more for exceptional treatment and less for mediocre service.

Carry small bills and tip individuals immediately after serving you. With the right expectations, tipping can be second nature, leaving you to fully enjoy your well-deserved Mexico getaway.