Tipping


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.