Do You Need To Tip In Los Cabos?

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Last Updated 11 months ago

For most tourists visiting Los Cabos from the United States, tipping simply is second nature. However, it isn’t as common all over the world as it is in the U.S.

So, should visitors to Los Cabos tip their restaurant waitstaff for good service? How about other workers, such as housekeeping staff, hotel service employees and even taxi drivers?

The Case For Tipping

While it is true that tipping is not required everywhere in the world, it is an established practice, at least in the United States.

That’s because most waitstaff in the United States make less than market wages for their service because it is anticipated that they will receive tip income for good service.

However, that’s not the case elsewhere in the world. But what about in Cabo?

While the cost of living around the world is less than in the United States, workers also receive lower wages. Tipping for good service provides restaurant waitstaff some welcomed extra income and can go a long way.

Tipping also rewards restaurant workers for providing excellent service, and is a great way to show appreciation for a great experience.

It gives the waitstaff an incentive to continue providing excellent service, and workers appreciate the recognition. Tipping, therefore even more, ensures good service in a restaurant.

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As tourists from a more prosperous country, tipping can help others less fortunate during travels. It enables restaurant work staff to have additional income to improve their lives.

Tipping generously can help make this difference.

The Case For Not Tipping

Others believe that since tipping is not required or common practice in other countries, it is not needed.

As in the United States, it may lead restaurant employers to lower wages for workers because they are receiving tip income.

If tipping is then inconsistent due to the perception that tipping is not needed, restaurant workers may suffer from less income.

What’s A Reasonable Tip?

The question then comes to what is considered a fair tip for restaurant workers in Mexico. There are a few schools of thought around the proper amount to tip restaurant work staff, but in general, it is best to follow similar guidelines as in the U.S.

That would amount to 10 to 20 percent of a bill. For a 400 pesos meal, that would amount to a range of 40 to 80 pesos for a tip, or somewhere between $2 to $4 in dollars.

What Should Tourists Do?

Again, it is up to personal preference as to what a Los Cabos tourist should do when it comes to tipping the restaurant wait staff.

If the service warrants it, it makes sense to reward your restaurant service team for their outstanding service.

One thing to consider as well is that many bills in Cabo will have a service fee already added on. While the practice is technically against the law, it is common practice, so keep an eye out for this.

Take a minute to consider what a tip would mean to the Los Cabos worker that just served you at a restaurant and delivered excellent service.

It’s a good idea to recognize them for the service they just provided at a restaurant and encourage them to provide the same level of service to future guests at the restaurant.

By the way, don’t forget to add tipping for great service provided by other service providers such as housekeeping staff, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. They appreciate the extra money for a job well done delivering excellent customer service to Los Cabos guests as well.

Cash is the preferred method of tipping in Los Cabos.