4 Countries
Americas
North, Central, and South American countries show wide variations in tipping expectations, from mandatory high-percentage tips in the United States and Canada to more modest gratuities in Latin America.
General Tipping Norm
15-25% in US/Canada; 10-15% in Latin America
Country-by-Country Tipping Guide
Mexico
10-15% standard; tourist areas expect 15-20%
- Restaurants
- 10-15% (15-20% in tourist areas)
- Taxis
- 10% or round up
- Hotels
- $1-2 per bag; $2-5/day housekeeping
Full Guide
Costa Rica
10% service charge required by law; 5-10% extra optional
- Restaurants
- 10% included; 5-10% extra for great service
- Taxis
- 10% (not expected for metered rides)
- Hotels
- $1-2 per bag
Full Guide
Brazil
10% service charge (taxa de serviço) on most bills
- Restaurants
- 10% included (technically optional)
- Taxis
- Round up fare
- Hotels
- R$2-5 per bag
Full Guide
Argentina
10% standard; cash strongly preferred
- Restaurants
- 10% in cash
- Taxis
- Round up fare
- Hotels
- 50-100 pesos per bag
Full Guide