How does one tip?

Canis Lupus

I'm off to Mexico for my first all inclusive on Saturday and tipping is pretty much recommended.

My question seems simple (and I hold my hands up cos it's stupid as well) but how in the flock does one tip or rather, get over the awkwardness of it all.

I go to a restaurant and the tip is left on the table. Problem solved here.

How does one handle a bar? I don't buy the drink but do I hand over a dollar a drink? Do I maybe drop a 20 at the start? Do I wait to the end of the night?

It just makes me cringe a bit sliding money over the bar like a cheesey American. I understand how much one is supposed to tip it's more the when.

Any hints would be appreciated.

biko

Easiest/best would be to follow the example of others. Wait at the bar until see you someone else get a drink and do what they do.
Or simply ask the resort staff?
Or go with tipping 10-15% of value.

Third_Echelon

If you are at a bar where you pay, the Barman gives you your change... Throw a dollar for each drink on the bar... easy

All inclusive is a bit different alright... I've never been on one before.

Personally I would do it at the end of the night or when you leave the bar.. Barman will remember your face the next day for sure..

Canis Lupus

Yeah, at the end of the night seems like the easiest. I shall be drunk and by then it's for services rendered.

Still.... I hate being so obvious about it.... dunno why though.... Maybe I shall ball up $20, throw it and run

Ponster

I have always prefered leaving a tip drink per drink and I didn't visit a bar in Mexico City lasy July where I was asked if I wanted to run a tab or not.

Basically it's just like the States (just a lot cheaper).


http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150768-s606/Mexico:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html

pawrick

depends on the place

but if spending some time there a tip at the end of the night before going home to cover should be fine or every now and then after a few drinks incase the staff change

mikedragon32

Only time I went all-inclusive we found it best to tip at the end. Remember, it's not obligatory and should be at your discretion. Because we were in Cuba and the staff were nervous about openly receiving tips (even though they are very grateful) we found it best to fold it into your palm and shake hands with them, leaving the money in their palm. They're well practiced at it, it seems!

Best advice is, when you get there see what others around you do, as biko says. It's definitely a good idea to try get plenty of small denominations of currency.

Canis Lupus

Cheers for replies. I'm guessing it will all be pretty obvious once I get there. Still feel awkward about it though

brendansmith

Canis Lupus wrote: »

Cheers for replies. I'm guessing it will all be pretty obvious once I get there. Still feel awkward about it though

You are going to mexico man!! They will take the awkwardness out of it for you. They arent exactly rich so they just want the money.

Is it TJ you are going to? I found in american and mexico just thrown a dollar on the bar every time you get change ie be it for 1 pint or 4.

Just relax and before you know it youll be 'tipping the barman a hundred bucks just for keeping the ice cold!'

Carturo

Just use a bit of initiative, you'll be grand! And wonder what all the fuss was about.

ncmc

I don't think anyone in Mexico would feel awkward about taking a tip! I've been in all-inclusives in Mexico and Cuba and I would always tip with each drink. You find that after a couple of rounds they recognise you as a good tipper and you will get served really quickly, also, I think you get nicer, stronger drinks if you tip!

dave2pvd

I agree, tip on each trip to the bar.

You only think it is 'cheesy' because handling (or discussing) money openly is such a taboo subject for Irish people.