Tipping Etiquette in Mexico and Spain

By Jairo Pérez

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June 19, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Tipping in Mexico: Propina en México

2. Tipping in Spain: A Relaxed Approach

3. What to Tip: A Quick Overview

4. Why Knowing Tipping Customs Matters

5. Language and Culture: Slang & Travel Phrases

6. Smart Travel Tips for Tipping

7. Cultural Tips Compared: Mexico vs Spain

8. Bringing It All Together

Conclusion

Introduction

When traveling abroad, knowing local tipping customs matters. It shows respect for people's work and culture. In Mexico and Spain, tipping may seem small, but it helps you connect with locals and avoid awkward moments.

Use this guide to learn the basics of tipping etiquette. Find out how much to tip in Mexico and Spain. See how this type of travel etiquette in Spanish countries can enhance your trip.

1. Tipping in Mexico: Propina en México

In Mexico, tipping in Mexico is very common. People rely on tips to earn a fair living. This practice is called propina en Mexico.

Restaurants

In Mexican restaurants, leaving a tip helps the staff.

The usual range is 10% to 15% of the total bill.
If service is really good, you can go up to 20%.
If the restaurant adds a service charge, you don’t need to tip more. You can tip extra if you want to reward great service.

Hotels

Bellboys: 20 to 50 pesos per bag.
Housekeeping: 20 to 50 pesos per night of your stay.

Taxis

Tipping is optional, but most people round up the fare (e.g., from 92 to 100 pesos).
If the driver helps with bags or goes out of their way, you can add 10 to 20 pesos.

Why it matters

Leaving tipping in Mexico is more than money, it shows you value people’s work. It shows good manners and care.

2. Tipping in Spain: A Relaxed Approach

Tipping in Spain follows different rules. It’s appreciated, but not always expected. People often avoid large tips in everyday situations, though small ones are always welcome. This is part of tipping culture abroad, especially when comparing tipping in Spain to other countries.

Cafes & Restaurants

Leave 5% to 10% in tourist areas.
In casual cafes, rounding up or leaving spare change is normal.

Hotels

Bellboys: 1 to 2 euros per bag.
Housekeeping: 1 to 2 euros per night of your stay.

Tour Guides

A tip of 5 to 10 euros per person is fair for a great tour.

Why it matters

Tipping in Spain is seen as a token of thanks, not an obligation. It shows good tipping etiquette for tourists in Spain and respect for local service standards.

3. What to Tip: A Quick Overview

To help you remember, here are clear amounts for typical services:

In Mexico (propina en Mexico)

Restaurants: 10–15%; seek to tip 20% for excellent service.
Hotels: 20–50 pesos for bellboys and housekeeping.
Taxis: Round up; add 10–20 pesos as needed.

In Spain

Restaurants: 5–10% or rounding up.
Hotels: 1–2 euros for bellboys and housekeeping.
Tour Guides: 5–10 euros per guest.

Knowing how much to tip in Mexico and Spain keeps your manners on point and your cultural appreciation high.

4. Why Knowing Tipping Customs Matters

When traveling, understanding tipping customs in Spain and Mexico helps you avoid mistakes and improves your experience. It shows locals that you care. It's important not to over-tip. Just follow local customs, and people will feel respected and valued.

5. Language and Culture: Slang & Travel Phrases

Knowing some local slang and polite phrases improves your tipping culture abroad efforts:

Mexico Spanish slang:

“Chido” — cool
“No manches” — no way!
“Qué padre” — how great!

Pair these expressions with travel Spanish phrases to show respect and build rapport:

“¿Cuánto es la cuenta?” — How much is the bill?
“Gracias por su servicio.” — Thank you for your service.
“¿Se incluye el servicio?” — Is the service included?

Using local language and slang with tipping demonstrates respect for travel etiquette in Spanish countries.

6. Smart Travel Tips for Tipping

Tipping customs vary widely across Hispanic countries, and getting it right can show respect and cultural awareness. Here’s how to navigate it smoothly:

1. Observe local habits

Every country and even city may have its own tipping norms. In Mexico, tipping at restaurants is common and expected, usually around 10 to 15%.

In Spain, tipping is less common and sometimes not needed. Pay attention to how locals tip in restaurants, taxis, hotels, or salons, and follow their lead.

2. Be discreet and respectful

Tipping doesn’t need to be flashy. Place the tip quietly on the table or hand it over respectfully. Avoid calling attention to the act, this keeps things polite and professional.

3. Always say “gracias”

Whether you're tipping a waiter, driver, or hotel staff member, a warm and sincere “gracias” (thank you) adds kindness to the gesture. Gratitude builds positive connections and reflects well on you as a visitor or colleague.

4. Understand tipping etiquette

Each role may have a different standard. In hotels, tip porters per bag, leave small daily tips for housekeeping, and tip concierge staff for special help. In restaurants, review whether service is already included in the bill (especially in Spain). Learning these rules helps you avoid under- or over-tipping.

5. When in doubt, ask politely

If you're unsure, it’s okay to ask a local coworker or friend, “What’s the usual tip here?” Most people will appreciate that you’re trying to do things the right way.

7. Cultural Tips Compared: Mexico vs Spain

While both countries appreciate gratitude, they differ in how tipping is handled:

In Mexico, tipping feels almost mandatory, it is woven into the service system and part of earning income.
In Spain, tipping is more casual and optional locals tip to thank good service, not because they have to.

Knowing these tipping etiquette differences keeps your manners in check and your budget accurate. This is an important part of understanding cultural etiquette in Spanish-speaking countries.

8. Bringing It All Together

Tipping in Mexico and Spain may feel small, but the impact is big. It shows you’ve done your homework and respect local culture. You won’t overpay or underpay and you’ll connect better with locals.

In Mexico, know the ins and outs of propina en Mexico.
In Spain, understand the relaxed but respectful approach.
Use Spanish phrases and simple slang to show you care and understand the culture.

Tipping correctly shows you are a thoughtful traveler who values real connection. Check out more of our travel tips for Spanish learners before your next trip.

Conclusion

Tipping in Mexico and Spain is more than just a custom. It shows respect and honors local culture. Thoughtful tipping, like rounding up a cab fare or leaving euros for a hotel cleaner, improves your travel experience.

So remember:

Do your research before your trip.
Use polite language while tipping.
Watch the locals and follow their customs.
Say “gracias” every time.

Good tipping and buena suerte on your next trip!

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.