You cannot even imagine how many people arrive to Mexico City with three things: a craving for tacos, a full itinerary… and no idea how tipping works in Mexico City.
Honestly, just last week I picked up a couple from the airport that had booked one of our private transfers. Great couple. Super nice. However, just as I dropped them at the hotel, the husband leaned forward and whispered,
“How much should I tip you? I don’t want to offend anyone.”
This is when I thought, it was time to put everything I have seen, done, hundreds of rides, hotel drop-offs, restaurant pick-ups, and tourist confessions, into one honest, local, no-bullshit tipping guide.
Whether you are getting a massage, getting take-out from street food, or passing your bags to a bellboy, this is your local cheat sheet for how much to tip in Mexico City—so you never feel awkward handing over the wrong amount of cash (or nothing).
💸 The Basics: What You Need To Know Before You Tip in Mexico City
Let’s start with the basics:
- Tip in pesos, not dollars or euros. The fees for exchanging money or the hassle of changing money to pesos usually means your generosity gets lost in translation.
- Cash is best. You can tip on various apps (like Uber or Didi), but cash is often more direct—and better appreciated.
- Look on your bill. Many restaurants now include a “service charge” (“servicio incluido”) on the bill. If it is on there, tipping is optional.
- Small bills are important. Bring coins and 20s! You’re going to want to use them for bathrooms, bell boys, and the guy standing on the corner playing “Cielito Lindo.”
🚗 Private Drivers, Airport Transfers, & Ride Share Apps
This one hits me right where I live. I either get a hotel pick up in Polanco or an early morning drop off at Terminal 2, I see all style of tipping.
So here is what I feel is fair (and appreciated):
| Service Type | Tip (MXN) | Tip (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber/Didi | 10–20 | ~$0.50 – $1 | Tip in the app or in cash for friendly drivers, or for selecting a good route |
| Private Driver | 50–100 | ~$3 – $5 | With cash brake that down to the driver, especially if they help with luggage, they arrive on time, or they provide excellent service |
🔍 Insider Tip: I have had guests give 200 pesos when they have changed their mind last minute or need stopping to off load multiple pieces of luggage. However, this is always optional, but man, does it make our day.
🛎️ Hotels: Bell Boys and Housekeeping
Here is how much tip you should offer in each segment of your hotel stay.
Bell Boys / Porters
20–40 pesos per bag seems to be the sweet range.
Go up for a bag if your suitcase weighs more than a toddler.
Housekeeping
25–50 pesos per night, should be left daily (not just at the end of your stay).
If you ask for extra towels, for more cleaning, or make an accident and spill a bottle of mezcal, throw in more.
Concierge
50–100 pesos for dinners reservations or booking tours.
If they save the day, (like getting you last minute tickets to Lucha Libre), throw in 100.
🍽️ Restaurants: Do Not Go Full New Yorker
In Mexico City, we don’t have a default 20% tip amount. We tip, though, and that is expected of service workers!
| Service Quality | % Tip | Tip on $500 MXN Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Terrible | 0% | $0 |
| Meh | 5–8% | $25–$40 |
| Good | 10–15% | $50–$75 |
| Great | 18–20% | $90–$100 |
💡 If you are paying by card but want the server to see the tip, leave them cash.
I once saw a guest leave a 50-peso tip on a 3,000 peso meal. Please don’t be that guy.
🍸 Bars & Nightlife: Keep It Flowing
Bartenders
10–20 pesos per round is standard.
30+ pesos if they are pouring mezcal Negronis with gusto.
Table Service
Same rule as restaurants: 10–15% for decent service, more if you are a group.
Bottle Service
10–20%, especially if you are in a more upscale club where tipping well gets you personal service (and possibly better alcohol).
🎧 Tour Guides & Free Tours
If you are going on a walking tour of Centro Histórico or a private trip to Teotihuacán, here is how to tip:
| Type | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Group tour | 10% per person |
| Private tour | 10–15% per person |
| Free walking tour | 100–150 pesos per person |
📝 Note: For a lot of guides—especially on free tours—tips are their main form of payment. They remember a good tip for when you ask them for restaurant recommendations.
💆♀️ Spa & Massage Therapists
10–15% is expected standard tipping.
Go for 20% if they offered you an aromatherapy option, stayed late or helped you forget that traffic existed in the city.
🚻 The Underdogs: Informal Workers Who Deserve A Tip
These are the unsung heroes of travelers:
Bathroom Attendants
Minimum 10 pesos.
If it is spotless and smells like eucalyptus, 20 pesos.
Supermarket Baggers
2–5 pesos is nice.
A lot of these baggers are seniors volunteering—your change will make a difference.
Street Performers
10–20 pesos if you are watching, taking video, or enjoying their comic relief.
Don’t tip if you are just passing by.
🧠 Final Tips (pun intended)
- When in doubt, round up. If you are leaving 300 pesos; leave 320. It is a simple way to be generous without overthinking it.
- Don’t tip in 1-peso coins (yes, they are qualified as a tip, but they feel bad—even if you mean well).
- Being discreet is fashionable, so just give them the tip while making eye contact and a smile.
- Tipping for excellent service is not charity, it is a thank-you to someone who made your day a little better.
📦 Real Talk from a Mexico City Driver
Tipping is not required, but there is a huge difference for me and them—not just financially, but humanely. 10 pesos or 100 pesos—$0.50 or $5—any time a tourist acknowledges the good service they received even just for a moment, that stays with us.
So yes, tip your driver, your bellboy, your bartender—or even the lady who gave you the one last square of toilet paper in the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
And, if you ever need a ride across Mexico City with fixed price, guaranteed pick-ups and a driver who will always have change for your tip, I can help!
