In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Bonaire, tipping is not mandatory but very much appreciated. The question `when?` or `how much?` can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies.

This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

A 10-15% tip is customary, but some restaurants automatically add a service charge. If you feel the service was exceptional, you can leave an additional tip.

A 10% tip is appreciated for bartenders.

Tipping in hotels in Bonaire is customary, and it's a way to show appreciation for good service. While generally, it is completely up to your discretion as to what you choose to tip, some hotels automatically include a service charge to cover tips for hotel staff. Double-check your bill to understand the hotel's policy.

Housekeeping: It is common to leave a daily tip, typically around $5 per day, or more if you have special requests or if you're staying in a higher-end resort.

Bell Staff/Porters: If the hotel staff assists you with your luggage, it is customary to tip them around $2 - $5, but you can adjust based on the level of service of the size of your luggage.

Concierge: Tipping the concierge in a hotel is not mandatory, but if they provide you with assistance, such as making reservations or offering helpful recommendations, you may want to tip the concierge around $5 - $10.

A 10% tip for taxi drivers is customary.

Tipping your tour guide is considered a polite gesture. To determine what to tip a tour guide, you can factor in things such as the length of the tour, the quality, the guide's service, and your overall satisfaction.

For group tours, it is recommended to tip around $5 to $10 per person. For private tours with a dedicated guide, a tip of 15 to 20% of the total cost of the tour is more common. If you tour guide goes above and beyond to ensure you have a nice experience, you may consider tipping on the higher end of the scale.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.