Tipping Guide to Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is a top destination for beach lovers, foodies, and adventurers. While the cost of living is generally lower than in many parts of the U.S. or Canada, tipping is still very much a part of the local culture (Mexico follows more a US model for tipping rather than European one). In Mexico, tipping in service industries that are related to tourism is fairly standard. Knowing how much to tip (and when) can help you show appreciation for good service and avoid any awkward moments.

Here’s a handy guide on how much to tip in Playa Del Carmen across different scenarios:

Note: We refer to either percentages or the amount in USD. These can be converted into Pesos but also see our article on what is best to tip in, Pesos or Dollars. 

Tipping in Restaurants and Bars

How much to tip:

• 10–15% is standard for average service. Basic restaurants that are more local and serve tacos, for example, is where you would tip 10%. Most restaurants in the downtown and beach areas are 15% or a little more. 

• 15–20% for excellent service.

Double-check your bill! Some restaurants include a service charge or tip (labeled “propina” tip in Spanish) which is illegal to do in Mexico. Even though it is illegal, it happens about 8% of the time from restaurants trying to overcharge unsuspecting tourists. Some restaurants will put a service charge on groups, this is a grey area, and you should ask before eating if there is a restaurant policy for groups. 

All prices on the menu include tax, so just add up the menu items and this is your total. So, if your total is 725 pesos but they list it as 625, and another line of 100 IVA to total 725 pesos. This is legal and common. 

See our article here on other tips for eating at restaurants in Playa Del Carmen. 

Quick tip: Cash tips are preferred, even if you pay the bill with a card. If you leave the tip on the card, it might not make it directly to your server.

All-Inclusive Resorts in and Around Playa Del Carmen

How much to tip:

• Bellhop: $1–$2 USD per bag.

• Housekeeping: $2–$5 USD per day (leave it daily with a thank-you note). Many hotels have envelopes on the desk with the housekeeper’s name on it. Tipping should be scaled to the level of hotel you are staying at. 

• Bartenders: $1 USD per drink or a few bucks at the start of your visit to keep the service strong.

• Waitstaff (buffet or à la carte): $2–$5 USD per meal.

Quick tip: Even though gratuities are “included,” tipping for good service is always appreciated and can enhance your experience.

Taxis and Transportation

How much to tip:

• Tipping is not expected for taxis but rounding up to the next 10 or 20 pesos is courteous.

• For private drivers or airport transfers, tip 10–15% of the fare if the service was good. Most private transfers are about $60-70 USD. So, this would mean about $6-10 USD depending on the price and if the driver helps you with your bags. 

Quick tip: Always agree on a fare before getting into a cab, since meters are usually not used. See our guide on taxis in Playa Del Carmen here. 

Tours and Excursions

How much to tip:

• Tour guide: $5–$10 USD per person, more for full-day trips or exceptional service. You can also apply a 10% tip based on the cost of your tour. If you are at a Mayan ruin and hire a guide, the price of the service is usually the full price and only tip if excellent service. 

• Driver: $3–$5 USD per person.

• Boat crew (fishing, snorkeling, etc.): $10–$20 USD per group or 10–15% of the trip cost.

Quick tip: Some excursions involve several people (guide, captain, cook, etc.), so consider tipping a bit more generously.

Tipping in Spas and Salons

How much to tip:

• 10–20% of the service cost is standard.

Grocery Baggers and Parking Attendants

This might be something totally new to some people. 

How much to tip:

• Grocery store baggers (often seniors or teens): 5–40 pesos depending on how much you buy. Often these seniors are working because they still need to. So, these are jobs often important to them, and tipping is how they make their money. 

• Parking attendants (especially those helping in busy or tight areas): 5–20 pesos. These are people that use a rag to guide you out of your spot or point you to an available spot. At some grocery stores, if you park outside, they will put a piece of cardboard on your windshield to keep your car cooler. This is also a service that you can tip a few pesos.

Quick tip: Keep small coins handy for these everyday interactions. If you only have 50 pesos note, sometimes you can ask the bagger if they have change. 

Which is best to tip, US Dollars or Mexican Pesos?

This is often a question we get, and we have a conclusive answer for you. Using Pesos while shopping will get you better deals and avoid whatever rate the store accepts USD for. When it comes to tipping, there is no real difference to the person getting the tip. Why is that? Here is the big reason why. 

Tourism is the number one activity in the Rivera Maya and Quintana Roo State. Many of the tourists come from the US and other countries and the USD is a commonly accepted second currency. Since many people get tips in USD, grocery stores, some big box stores, and others all accept USD usually at better rates than the Casa de Cambio exchange houses. So, it is very easy to use USD to go shopping for food and other things you need. Take not that giving a tip in USD will mean about a 5% reduction in the value when used, but this is a minimum thing that locals don’t mind. Of course, if you exchange money into Pesos to have tips, you will lose about 10% in the transaction. 

Some locals save the USD at home because it holds value also. So almost all locals we know, it does not matter what the difference between USD or Pesos. 

Note: Outside of the Rivera Maya and the exception of some other large tourist zones in Mexico, tipping should be in Pesos. 

See more in our detailed article about using USD or Pesos here. 

Final Tips for Tipping in Playa Del Carmen

• Cash is king. While many places take cards, tipping in pesos or small USD bills ensures the person receives it. Cash is also used more in Mexico in general, so it is good to have some on hand because not everywhere accepts credit cards. 

• Small denominations help. Keep 10-, 20-, and 50-peso notes or $1 USD bills handy. Change can be hard to get in Mexico though, see our article why getting change can be a problem. 

• Service quality varies, so adjust tips based on your experience, but err on the generous side — tourism supports many locals. Mexico is also not as known for its level of customer service as some countries. 

Conclusion Tipping in Playa Del Carmen is not just a nice gesture — it’s often a meaningful part of someone’s livelihood. By tipping appropriately, you not only show respect for good service but also support the local economy in a positive way. With a few pesos or dollars and a smile, you’ll fit right in with the friendly and laid-back vibe of Playa.

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Mr.Yucatan

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