TIPPING IN CHILE

In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette that is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades.

The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping 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.

Tipping in Chile is voluntary but expected amongst waitstaff and hotel bellmen. Tipping is a major part of the country’s service industry and tourism culture. Tips or “propinas” in Spanish are given as a reward and recognition of excellent service and are always appreciated. Only tip when you feel comfortable never feel pressured to leave a tip, especially when the service is not good. The amount to tip will depend on a few factors such as what type of service you are buying, a general rule of thumb is to tip around 10% of the bill. Exceptionally good service tip closer to 15-20%. 

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars?

The currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). US Dollars are not accepted. Please have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks found at the airport and at banks in St. George Town, tipping is discretionary and greatly appreciated.

 Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

The was a law passed in Chile that allowed restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to add a 10% service charge to bills. This added tip/service charge can sometimes be as high as 15%, in this case, it is not necessary to leave an additional tip. Many restaurants and bars will have a suggested tipping amount shown on the bottom of the bill, called a “propina” which is at least 10% of the total. It is recommended to pay the suggested tipping amount, you can always add more if you received excellent service. 

When dining at casual restaurants, bars, and cafes in Chile you can simply choose to round up your bill to the next significant amount or leave some additional pesos. 

 Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Tipping hotel staff in Chile is a standard practice with housekeeping, bellhops, and valets anticipating a tip. The standard practice for tipping in hotels is between 10-20% or leave bellhops anywhere between 500-1000 pesos per bag, and the same applies to housekeeping 1000-2000 per night. You may also choose to tip the concierge if you use their services.  

 Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Taxis in Chile use a fixed meter to calculate their fares, most locals do not tip so they don’t expect a tip. However, it is considered good etiquette to round up your fare to the nearest 500-1000 pesos, it's common practice. If you hire a taxi driver to get a ride to or from the airport or station and they help with your bags, etc it is fair to leave them 3000-5000 pesos for their help. 

Tour Guides: Should I tip?

There are several tour guides that you are likely to come across in Chile with trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, and day trips to Torres del Paine National Park being popular activities for visitors. Your tour guide will likely also be your driver and they will generally be with you for a few days. It is recommended to tip 5000-15,000 pesos per day for their knowledgeable guidance, the amount will vary based on the length of your tour. There are ‘free’ trips with guides that you might encounter, these guides depend on tips as part of their income so 5000-7000 per person is feasible. 

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

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.