While your resort is all-inclusive and tipping is included in your resort package, I recommend tipping at your discretion. In my experience, generosity and kindness will be rewarded with excellent service.
US Dollars are fine for all-inclusive resorts. You’ll need singles and fives. You will quickly realize that while everyone is paying in US dollars, change will not be available from those you are tipping. It is always better to have more cash than you need. It is expensive to get cash once you are there. There is a safe in your room and you can keep it there. The front desk can always make change for you. I suggest at least $300 for 5-day trips for 2 people.
You should absolutely tip the bellman and anyone who touches your bags. The customary tip is $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag. Drivers often do not work for the resort and should also be tipped. $3 to $5 per person is ideal but we often tip more if they point things out along the way. Be sure to tip the guides on excursions, generally $2 to $5 per person. The drivers on the excursions should also be tipped – $2 to $3 per person. If you have any spa services, you should leave a tip of 15-20% of the cost of the service.
Again, tipping at the resort is optional, but common. (The exception to this is Sandals Resort and Couples Resort, they do not accept tips) Tipping your bartenders well during your stay will ensure you are consistently treated to exceptional service. However, you don’t have to tip with every round of drinks if you are returning to the same bartender or sitting at the bar.
Suggested Tipping Amounts:
- Simple Beverage – $1
- Cocktails – $2
- Waitstaff at buffet meals – $2 per guest
- Waitstaff at served breakfast/lunch – $3 per guest
- Waitstaff at served dinner – $5 per guest
- Daily Housekeeping – $2 to $5 per night – leave on a pillow
- Room Service – $3 per guest ordering
- Butler Service – $20 per day that you see that butler is typical, but you can adjust that based on how often you see that butler and the level of service provided.
Restaurants outside of hotels often add a service charge to your check. Most people usually add 5% to 10% more, especially if the service has been good.
There are a few shops at the resorts, and you can use your credit card there. A lot of resorts will have preferred vendors set up in the lobby or by the pool where you can purchase items. Most will only accept cash (but you can negotiate). If you leave the resort and go shopping, most vendors only accept cash.
If you leave the resort, you will need cash for the cab. If you want to venture away from the resort, I suggest checking with the concierge or front desk for transportation recommendations. They generally have cabs they use and trust they will call for you. The cab driver will then give you their card and most shops and restaurants will call them to pick you up. Personally, I hesitate to get into a random cab and feel a little safer using the one from the resort. Grab the business card for the hotel before you leave in case you forget which resort you are staying at (there are often many resorts of the same brand in every city) it’s also helpful if there is a language barrier.
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