When visiting Akumal, it’s important to understand the local customs and expectations around tipping. Here’s a helpful guide to ensure you show your appreciation appropriately:
Restaurants and Bars
- Waitstaff: Tip 10-15% of the total bill. For exceptional service, consider tipping 20%.
- Bartenders: Tip 10-15% of the total bill, or leave $1-$2 USD per drink.
Hotels and Resorts
- Housekeeping: Leave a tip of $2-$5 USD per day. It’s best to tip daily as the staff may change.
- Bellboys: Tip $1-$2 USD per bag.
- Concierge: If the concierge provides you with exceptional service, consider tipping $5-$10 USD.
Tours and Activities
- Tour Guides: Tip $5-$10 USD per person for a half-day tour, and $10-$20 USD per person for a full-day tour.
- Scuba Divemasters: Tip $10-$20 USD per tank, depending on the quality of service and your overall experience.
- Boat Captains and Crew: For fishing trips or snorkeling tours, tip $10-$20 USD per person. If you have a great experience, consider tipping more.
Entertainment
- Live Bands and Musicians: If you enjoy a live performance, consider tipping the band $5-$10 USD. For exceptional performances, you can tip more.
Transportation
- Taxi Drivers: While tipping taxi drivers for short trips is not common, for longer journeys or if they help with luggage, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip of around 10% is appreciated.
- Private Drivers: For airport transfers or longer rides, tip $5-$10 USD depending on the distance and service.
Spas and Wellness
- Massage Therapists and Spa Staff: Tip 10-15% of the service cost. For exceptional service, consider tipping 20%.
Grocery Stores and Markets
- Baggers: It’s common to tip grocery baggers $1-$2 USD, as they often rely on tips.
General Tips
- Currency: While USD is widely accepted, tipping in Mexican Pesos (MXN) is preferred and appreciated by locals.
- Small Bills: Carry small bills to make tipping easier. It’s often difficult to get change for larger bills.
- Appreciation: Tipping is a way to show your appreciation for good service and is an important part of the local economy.