If you’re visiting Mexico for the first time, you may be wondering about tipping in Puerto Vallarta.
Living here, I get asked this question all the time, so I’ve put together this guide to help you know when and how much to tip during your trip.
Tipping is part of the culture in Puerto Vallarta, and while it’s not strictly mandatory, it’s a great way to show appreciation for good service and support the local community. Here’s what you need to know.
Do you tip in Mexico?
Like other destinations in North America, it is customary to tip service workers in Mexico.
This includes hospitality workers, such as hotel employees, food service workers like bartenders and waiters, and transportation professionals, including cab and Uber drivers. These service workers often rely on tips to supplement their wages.
While you’re never required to tip, it’s a kind gesture that goes a long way. Think of it as giving back to the people who help make your vacation memorable.
Some restaurants and bars automatically add a service charge (“propina”) of 10–15%. It’s good practice to check your bill to avoid double tipping. This happened to us at Majahuitas beach club!
How Much to Tip in Puerto Vallarta
Tipping in Puerto Vallarta at Restaurants & Cafes
A good starting point for calculating your tip in Puerto Vallarta is 15% to 20% of the bill. In larger cities like Mexico City, 10% is still widely accepted, but Puerto Vallarta’s tipping culture has shifted in recent years.
With many Americans and Canadians moving to Puerto Vallarta and visiting frequently, tipping expectations have risen, and service workers now often anticipate a 20% tip and may ask if you’d like to add it to your bill.
Tipping at cafes & coffee shops: If you’re ordering nothing more than a latte or a cup of coffee, dropping 5-10 pesos per drink into the tip jar is a good amount.
Tipping at Bars in Puerto Vallarta
When ordering drinks at bars or clubs in Puerto Vallarta, tipping is expected and can also help you get quicker service, especially on busy nights.
- Per drink: Leaving 10–20 pesos per drink is standard.
- Open tab: If you’re running a tab, tipping 15–20% of the total bill is appropriate.
- All-inclusive resorts: A tip of 20–50 pesos per round for your bartender or server is appreciated, even though drinks are included.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to stay a while, consider giving a larger tip on your first round (e.g., 100 pesos) to ensure the bartender remembers you and serves you promptly throughout the night.
Tipping Beach Vendors and Chair Rentals in Puerto Vallarta
If you spend the day at one of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, you’ll likely encounter vendors offering loungers, umbrellas, and table service for food and drinks. While prices for chair rentals are usually fixed, it’s customary to leave a tip for good service.
- Chair or umbrella rentals: A small tip of 10–20 pesos per chair is appreciated if someone sets up your spot for you.
- Beachside food and drink service: Tip 10–20% of your total bill, similar to a restaurant.
- Local beach vendors (e.g., selling jewelry, crafts, or snacks): Tipping isn’t mandatory for purchases but is appreciated if they help you with something extra, like carrying items or giving recommendations.
A little generosity goes a long way at the beach and often gets you faster, friendlier service throughout the day.
Tipping at hotels in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has some of Mexico’s best all-inclusive family resorts and luxury hotels. If you’re staying at one of these places, there are a few instances where tipping is expected.
Bellboys / Valets
If someone helps bring your bags to the room or assists throughout your stay, tip 25–50 pesos per bag, leaning toward the higher end for multiple or heavy items. If it’s a brief assistance (e.g. unloading a single bag), 25 pesos is acceptable.
Housekeeping
A tip of 25–50 pesos per night is standard. If you want to recognize exceptional service, such as extra attention to detail, replenishing amenities, or turning down the room —50–70 pesos can be an appropriate gesture. Always leave it daily since staff may change day-to-day.
Concierge
For general assistance like reservation help or concierge tips, tipping around 50 pesos per interaction is fine. If the concierge goes above and beyond, for example, securing hard-to-get experiences or complex travel support, 100–150 pesos per day is recommended.
Tipping at all-inclusive resorts
It’s important to tip the staff while staying at an all-inclusive resort. While your meals and drinks are covered, gratuity is not included. Tipping anyone who helps you goes a long way to show your appreciation and is a great way to ensure excellent service throughout your stay.
Tipping tour guides in Puerto Vallarta
Tour guides rely heavily on tips, as their base pay is often low. The amount you tip usually depends on the length of the tour, the size of your group, and the quality of the experience. Yacht tours are popular in Puerto Vallarta, and they work very hard to show you a good time!
- Half-day tours: 100–200 pesos ($6–12 USD) per person is standard.
- Full-day tours: 200–400 pesos ($12–24 USD) per person is appropriate.
- Private tours: Consider tipping 10–20% of the tour cost if you received exceptional service or a personalized experience.
- Boat tours with crew: It’s common to tip both the guide and boat staff. A group tip of 300–600 pesos ($18–35 USD) to split among the crew is appreciated.
While tipping in pesos is preferred, USD is widely accepted. If your guide went above and beyond—offering extra time, taking great photos, or providing special recommendations—rounding up or tipping extra is a kind gesture.
Tipping Uber and taxi drivers in Puerto Vallarta
Taxi fares in Puerto Vallarta are typically negotiated before your ride, and tips are not mandatory in addition to the agreed-upon price. However, if your driver provides extra help, such as loading heavy bags, making additional stops, or offering exceptional service, a tip of 10–20% is a kind gesture.
Uber operates in Puerto Vallarta, and fares are shown in the app. While tipping is optional, it’s appreciated if the driver provides great service, helps with luggage, or waits for you during stops. You can add a tip directly in the app after rating your ride.
Apps like Rappi, Uber Eats, and Didi Food are common in Puerto Vallarta. Delivery drivers typically expect 10–20 pesos, or 10% of the total, given in cash or through the app.
Tipping in Spas and Salons in Puerto Vallarta
If you’re treating yourself to a massage, manicure, haircut, or any other spa service during your trip to Puerto Vallarta, tipping is expected and appreciated.
A standard tip is 10–20% of the total service cost, similar to restaurants. If you received exceptional service or had a longer session, consider tipping on the higher end of that range.
Some high-end spas may include a service charge (“propina”) in the bill, so check before adding extra. If gratuity isn’t listed, leaving cash directly with your therapist or stylist is always a nice gesture.
Tipping at Supermarkets in Puerto Vallarta
Something many visitors don’t expect in Mexico is the presence of baggers at supermarkets, often older, who help pack your groceries. These workers are not paid a salary and rely entirely on tips.
It’s customary to give them a small tip as a thank-you. A 10-peso fee per grocery trip is standard.
Outside many supermarkets and big stores in Puerto Vallarta, including Costco, you’ll often see people offering to help you carry your groceries to your car and load them up. These helpers are not store employees and rely completely on tips for their income.
It’s customary to give 10–20 pesos for their help, depending on the size of your grocery haul and the level of assistance they provide.
Tipping Gas Station Attendants
Gas stations in Mexico are full-service. Attendants pump your gas and may wash your windows or check your oil. Tipping 5–10 pesos for basic service or 10–20 pesos if they go above and beyond is standard.
Tipping Musicians and Street Performers
Live music is common in restaurants and on the Malecon. If you stop to listen or request a song, tipping 20–50 pesos is customary.
Overview: How Much to Tip in Puerto Vallarta
| Service | Recommended Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 15–20% of the bill |
| Cafes & Coffee Shops | 5–10 pesos per drink |
| Bars | 10–20 pesos per drink, or tip heavy (50–100 pesos) on the first round for faster service |
| Hotels – Bellboys/Valets | 20–50 pesos per bag; 10 pesos for quick assistance |
| Hotels – Housekeepers | 50 pesos per day, left daily |
| Hotels – Concierge | 100 pesos per day, up to 150 pesos for exceptional service |
| All-Inclusive Resorts | 20–50 pesos per round of drinks; 50 pesos daily for housekeepers; 100–200 pesos for bellboys/concierge |
| Tour Guides | 150–300 pesos per person for group tours; 10–20% for private tours |
| Taxi Drivers | Not expected, but up to 20 pesos or 10–20% for extra help or great service |
| Uber Drivers | Optional, 10–20% via app or in cash for excellent service |
| Spas and Salons | 10–20% of the total service |
| Beach Vendors / Chair Rentals | 10–20 pesos per chair; 10–20% on food/drink service |
| Supermarket Baggers (inside stores) | 5–10 pesos for bagging your groceries |
| Bag Helpers (outside supermarkets/Costco) | 10–20 pesos for helping load groceries into your car |
| Grocery Delivery / Takeout Drivers | 10–20 pesos or 10% of total |
| Gas Station Attendants | 5–10 pesos for basic service; 10–20 pesos if extra help is given |
| Street Performers / Musicians | 20–50 pesos if you stop to watch or request a song |
| Shuttle Drivers (short hotel/resort) | 20–50 pesos per person |
Mexico Tipping Etiquette FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]
If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta for the first time, it can be tricky to know how much to tip in different situations. To make it easier, here’s a quick reference table covering common tipping scenarios and recommended amounts based on local customs.
Is $1 US dollar a good tip in Mexico?
Yes, $1 USD is generally considered a small but acceptable tip for quick services, such as handing over your bags or receiving a drink. However, pesos (20 MXN) are preferred to avoid exchange fees for locals.
Is 100 pesos a lot for a tip?
It depends on the service. At a café or for small assistance, 100 pesos is generous. At a sit-down restaurant, 100 pesos may be low or high depending on the bill (for example, it’s only 10% on a 1,000 peso meal).
Is 20 pesos a good tip in Mexico?
Yes, 20 pesos is a good tip for small services, like bartenders per drink, supermarket helpers, or taxi drivers helping with luggage.
Is it rude not to tip in Mexico?
While not mandatory, it’s considered poor etiquette to skip tipping for good service. Many workers in Mexico depend on tips to supplement low wages.
How much to tip in Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive?
Plan on tipping 20–50 pesos per round of drinks, 50 pesos per day for housekeepers, and 100–200 pesos for bellboys or concierge services during your stay.
Do Mexicans prefer USD or pesos?
Pesos are always best since locals avoid exchange fees this way. USD is widely accepted in Puerto Vallarta, but small bills and coins are less practical for locals.
Am I supposed to tip at all-inclusive resorts?
Yes. Even though food and drinks are included, tips are not. Tipping regularly helps you get better service and supports the hardworking staff.
How much to tip a shuttle driver in Mexico?
For short hotel or resort shuttles, 20–50 pesos per person is appreciated.
How much should I tip a shuttle driver from the airport to the hotel?
For private transfers, 50–100 pesos per bag or 10–15% of the fare is appropriate. If it’s a shared shuttle, 20–50 pesos per person is customary.
How do you say “tip” in Spanish?
La Propina is “tip” or “gratuity” in Spanish. You might also hear it referred to as el servicio, which means “service charge.”
Do you tip in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, tipping is customary in Puerto Vallarta. Most service workers, including restaurant staff, hotel employees, drivers, and tour guides, rely on tips as part of their income. While not mandatory, tipping is expected for good service.
How much to tip taxi drivers in Puerto Vallarta?
Tipping taxi drivers is not required, as fares are usually negotiated in advance. However, if the driver helps with heavy luggage, makes extra stops, or provides exceptional service, 10–20 pesos or about 10% is appreciated.
How many pesos is a good tip in Mexico?
For small services, such as bagging groceries or basic assistance, 5–20 pesos is a good tip. For restaurants, hotels, and guided tours, 15–20% of the total bill or service cost is considered a fair tip.
Final thoughts: Tipping in Puerto Vallarta
Tipping in Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about good etiquette – it’s an important way to support the local community that makes your trip enjoyable. From restaurant staff and hotel workers to tour guides and even the people helping you with groceries, many rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
If you’re ever unsure how much to tip, use pesos when possible and follow the guidelines above. A little generosity goes a long way here, often leading to friendlier smiles, faster service, and unforgettable memories during your stay in Puerto Vallarta.
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta Quick Guide 🇲🇽
✈️ Airport – The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) airport is a 20-minute ride to the city center. You can book an airport transfer here.
🏩 Hotels – The best websites for booking hotels and resorts are Booking.com and Expedia, which search all properties to find you the best deals. For inspiration on where to stay, head to my ultimate guide to Puerto Vallarta hotels.
🚗 Getting around – Puerto Vallarta is easy to get around by walking and Uber, but renting a car is the best way to explore the surrounding areas. Discover Cars is the best website for finding deals, which searches International and local Mexican companies.
🌊 Things to do – Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for outdoor adventure! Some of the top things to do are whale watching, yacht trips, and ATV tours.
✔️ Don’t forget travel insurance! I use and love SafetyWing, which is insurance for remote workers. For shorter trips, I recommend HeyMondo – you can get 5% off by using that link.
Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Don’t miss these posts!
- 5 Best Puerto Vallarta Tequila Tastings
- Top 5 Food Tours in Puerto Vallarta
- 15 Best Hotels on the Beach
