Your guideline to gratuities.
At all-inclusive resorts through the Caribbean and Mexico, tipping is generally expected and, in most cases, the major source of income for the person providing you with that service. Tipping is a very personal decision, and the guidelines below are NOT a hard set of rules, just a suggestion. If you feel that someone is deserving more or less of a gratuity, that is a personal choice.
When switching currency, keep in mind that most countries will accept US dollars, but you may get more bang for your buck with the local currency. (Except Cuba where locals only accept USD or CAD.) I prefer using USD because I can more easily do the conversion from USD to CAD, than some other currencies.
- Porters at the airport (if used) $1 to $3 per bag
- VIP Greeter at the airport (if used) $10-$20 per group
- Transfer Driver $5-$10 each way
- Bellman $1-$3 per bag
- Butler $20-$25 per day
- Housekeeping $3-$5 per day
- Turn Down Service $2-$5 per day
- Mini Bar Service $1-$3 per day
Restaurants
- Buffet for Breakfast or Lunch $2-$3 per couple/table
- Sit Down for Breakfast or Lunch $3-$5 per couple/table
- Buffet for Dinner $5-$10 per couple/table
- Sit Down for Dinner $10-$20 per couple/table
- Drink Service (by the pool or beach) $1-$2 per round, per couple
- or $10-$20 at the end of the day depending on service level
- Room Service $3-$5 per person
- Spa Service $10-$20 per service
Keep in mind that there are other people working around the resort that may not traditionally be tipped, but you may appreciate their efforts and want to show them your gratitude.
Maintenance workers, group keepers, beach cleaners, entertainment staff, chefs and restaurant workers behind the scenes, restaurant hostesses.
Be sure to tip daily as you may get great service from someone with intention on tipping them later, only for them to be off or moved to another department and you not have the opportunity to see them again.