Tipping in Cabo: Your Complete Guide
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.
Are you supposed to tip in Cabo?
Yes. If you received good service, you should always leave a tip. Cabo is a popular destination, and many people working in hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs expect a gratuity. Locals who work in tourism always appreciate tips, which help offset low wages.
Whether you are taking a transfer from Cabo Airport to your hotel, or going for breakfast in the morning, don’t forget to leave a tip at the end. While you don’t have to tip if the service was subpar, you should always leave a gratuity when someone did a good job.
But do you have to tip everywhere? In this article, we will look at the places in Cabo where you should and shouldn’t tip.
What to know about tipping in Cabo San Lucas 🚨
Tipping is part of the Mexican culture, so whether you are dining in restaurants or taking an Uber, you should leave at least a small gratuity. How much you should tip is entirely up to you, but unless the service was horrible, you should leave at least a minimal tip which is 10 percent.
Cabo is an expensive beach town, and prices on hotels, tours, and food here are higher than in other places in Mexico. This goes for both visitors and locals who have to pay more money for housing, groceries and other basic necessities. Your tip goes a long way for someone who works in the tourism industry and makes only a minimum wage.
✅ Check: Can I visit Cabo without a passport?
Why you should leave a tip when in Mexico 🇲🇽
In Mexico, people working in the service and tourism industries often make low wages, which is not enough considering the rising cost of living. If you received good service, you should always leave 10-15 percent of your bill. And if the service was outstanding, tip 20 percent to show your appreciation.
I’ve been on some tours in Cabo where boat drivers complained after receiving not big enough small tip. This was a huge surprise to me because elsewhere in Mexico, people are usually grateful no matter how much money you give them.
People working in hospitality in Cabo are often used to bigger tips from American tourists, but if you feel like the service could have been better, don’t let anyone pressure you into giving them money, when they didn’t earn it.
✅ Read: Your guide to spring break in Cabo San Lucas
What is a tip in Spanish?
A tip in Spanish is “la propina”
How much should I tip in Cabo?
Ten percent is a standard tip in Cabo, while 15-20 percent is a tip for an exceptional service.
Do you tip 20% in Cabo?
You should tip 20 percent of your total bill when you received a very good service. You can always tip more, if a tip is split by a big crew.
Tipping in Cabo: Your guide 💁🏽♀️
📍Sit-down restaurants in Cabo: 10-20 percent of the total amount
📍Bartenders: 10-15 percent of the bill
📍Concierge: If the concierge goes out of their way to help you (e.g., making reservations or booking tours), give them $5–$10
📍Tour guides in Cabo: 10-20 percent of the total cost of the tour. Tip extra for more expensive tours like diving or luxury sailing.
📍Catering: 10-15 percent of the total bill
📍Shuttle drivers in Cabo: Always tip your shuttle driver 10-15 percent of the total cost of your ride. If you have a lot of luggage, add an extra tip
📍Food delivery drivers: Tip 10-15 percent if the service was good
📍Porters at Cabo hotels and resorts should get 20-50 Pesos per bag ($1-2 USD) and if you have more luggage, consider tipping more
📍Hotel maids: 20-50 Pesos ($1-3 USD) per day, if they clean your room every day.
📍Uber drivers in Cabo: Tip 10-15 percent if you received good service
📍Massage and spa workers: 10-15 percent if you received good service
📍Gas station attendants: In Mexico, you don’t pump your gas. A gas station attendant will help you pump the gas when you pull up. Although it’s not mandatory, you should leave a small tip for gas station attendants, because they make only a minimum wage
Who you shouldn’t tip ❌
When in Cabo, you don’t need to tip fast food workers, front desk staff at hotels, yoga instructors or employees at car rental companies.
Tipping at all-inclusive resorts in Cabo 🏨
You should tip in Cabo resorts when someone gives you good service. Whether it’s a porter who’s carrying bags to your room or a bartender who’s preparing your drink, you should leave a gratuity at the end of your service.
Here’s a quick guide to tipping at all-inclusive resorts in Cabo:
📍Bellhops: $1–$2 per bag
📍Housekeeping staff : $2–$5 per day, depending on the level of service
📍Concierge: $5–$20, depending on the service provided
📍Valet attendant: $1–$2 when retrieving your car
📍Massage therapists/beauticians: 10% to 20% of the service cost
Many resorts in Cabo can book a tour for you, as they often work with local tour operators and send new clients their way. If your resort books guided tours or other activities like yoga classes, here’s how much you need to tip:
📍Tour guides: $5–$10 per person for half-day tours; $10–$20 for full-day tours
📍Boat crews: $5–$20 per person, depending on the length and type of your tour
Tipping at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
Tipping at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico is expected, and you should leave a tip only for those who give an actual service. While you don’t need to tip front desk staff or people working at a buffet during breakfast, you should tip people who give you personal service, whether it’s a massage or spa treatment or someone brining berakfast to your room door.
Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico?
Yes, you are expected to tip at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Whether going to a bar, dining in an on-site restaurant, or getting a massage, you should always leave a gratuity for those who service you.
Best resorts in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is home to some of the most exclusive resorts in Mexico, popular with celebrities. Here you can enjoy superb amenities and service, as these places are designed for a luxury vacation in a beachfront setting.
If you want to enjoy the best of Cabo, book a stay in one of these resorts.
✅ Grand Velas Los Cabos Luxury – One of the best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos along the private beach, Grand Velas is an exceptional property with top-notch food, gorgeous designs, and friendly and welcoming service. Guests also leave great reviews of its spa and fitness center.
✅ Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – A secluded resort with stunning views of the Pacific, Waldorf Astoria has a private plunge pool, luxury spa, and fine dining.
✅ The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt – A trendy hotel that attracts a younger crowd, Thompson boasts spectacular views of El Arco and one of the best rooftop restaurants that services delicious food and drinks in a spectacular setting and often has live music. Book one of their oceanfront rooms to enjoy the best of Cabo on your getaway.
✅ One&Only Palmilla – Located in San José del Cabo, Plamilla offers a serene getaway with a private beach, on-site spa, and infinity pools. The property has a top-notch golf course and lush gardens.
✅ Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection – This popular stay has private villas, a full-service spa, infinity pools, andbeachfront access perfect for a peaceful escape away from the tourist crowds.
Advice for tipping in Mexico 💡
Always pay attention to everything to make sure that tipping is fair.
1. Ten percent is a standard tip across the country
Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. If someone provided a basic service without going the extra mile, 10 percent should do. If the service was good, leave 15 percent and if it was above and beyond, you can leave 20 percent and up from your total bill in tips.
2. Don’t let anybody pressure you into tipping
You don’t have to tip if you received a subpar service – Cabo is known for its high prices, and unfortunately, some people who work in Cabo tourism think that you should tip no matter what – and tip big on top of that. Never be afraid to say no.
3. Check your total bill before leaving a tip
This will help you ensure you are tipping the correct amount.
4. See whether a tip was added automatically to your bill
It’s a common practice in some Cabo restaurants, so you should always double-check.
5. Exchange U.S. dollars for some Mexican Pesos
While tipping U.S. dollars isn’t a bad idea, you should exchange pesos and carry them around to tip in local currency.
6. Have at least a couple of 10 Peso bills on you
It’s always more convenient to have smaller bills, especially if you are in a local restaurant or coffee shop that might not be able to break up a big bill.
7. Tip only when you get service
It’s common to hear stories about waiters or hotel staff asking travelers for more tips after they already received them. You should tip only when the service is provided! Don’t give in when someone tries to beg you for more money.
It’s unprofesisonal at best and they should know better!
Best tours in Cabo San Lucas
Want to enjoy the best-guided activities in Cabo San Lucas? Book one of these guided tours, which can pick you up from your resort or hotel
1. Whale watching 🐋
Witness the majestic humpback whales just off the coast of Cabo. The expert guides will take you on a scenic boat tour along the stunning coastline, as you learn about whales and the local marine ecosystem. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
2. Private boat tours 🛥️
Whether you want to see the famous Cabo Arch, watch the sunset with a margarita, or go snorkeling, private boat tours in Cabo are a perfect way to spend your day. These tours are geared toward you and you can customize them however you like.
3. Zip-lining tours
One of the most fun activities in Cabo, zip-lining tours in desert canyons is perfect for thrill-seekers, as it offers an opportunity to enjoy Cabo’s scenery away from all-inclusive resorts.
More tours in Cabo San Lucas:
Tipping in Cabo: FAQ’s
Is tipping customary in Cabo San Lucas?
Tipping is customary in restaurants, resorts, and bars in Cabo San Lucas. You are expected to tip your tour guides and boat crews.
Is 20 Pesos a good tip in Mexico?
Depending on the type of service you received, 20 pesos is a good tip. For example, if you had a drink at a bar or had a concierge help you out, 20 pesos is an adequate gratuity. If 20 pesos is less than 10 percent of your total bill, you should tip more.
Should I tip in dollars or pesos in Cabo?
Always tip in pesos in Cabo. While you can always tip in dollars, tipping in pesos is easier for those who receive your gratuity because they don’t have to exchange your money later.
How much to tip a driver from the airport in Cabo?
You should tip your driver 10-15 percent of your total bill. Always have at least 20-50 Pesos for your driver, when taking a ride in Cabo.
Are you supposed to tip in Cabo?
Yes, you are supposed to tip in Cabo. Most people who work in the service industry expect a gratuity at the end of the service. However, you shouldn’t be pressured into leaving a tip if you didn’t get good service.
How much to tip a Cabo driver?
You should tip Cabo drivers from 10-15 percent of the total bill.
How much to tip a shuttle driver in Cabo?
The amount of your tip depends on the type of your shuttle. If you take a private shuttle, pay more, but if you take a shared shuttle, a $5 tip should do.
Should I pay with dollars or pesos in Cabo?
You should pay with pesos in Cabo. While dollars are widely accepted in Cabo, paying with pesos will help you get a better rate because you are less likely to get tourist prices.
Tipping in Cabo: Final word
Although tipping is customary in Cabo and throughout Mexico, tipping is appreciated and shows gratitude for good service, though it’s always up to your discretion depending on the service you receive. Keep small bills and pesos on hand for convenience!
