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 Mexico, tipping is very common and always 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.

Waiters working at restaurants and bars should always be tipped for good service; a sum equivalent to 10-20% of the total bill is appropriate. For destinations that are less touristy, like those in the interior of the country, locals will tell you that between 10-15% is sufficient.

If you are having a coffee at a cafe, you should tip around 10-20%, this also goes for tipping your bartender for a drink at the bar (29 pesos per round, or 10-20% of total bill).

Most restaurants that accept credit cards will either have a line where you can write in a tip, or the server will ask you what percentage you want to leave. Typically tips that are added to the credit card bills are distributed amount the entire restaurant staff. If you wan to single out a specific employee for outstanding service, it is better to tip in cash.

Be aware, some restaurants will add a service charge to the bill. This tends to happen in hotels and resorts, specifically with room service. You may see a note at the bottom of the room service menu or on the receipt that says a service charge has been added. Check what percentage was added to your bill. It's often about 10 percent. You can choose to add more on top of that, but it does not have to be much.

Tipping in hotels in Mexico is customary. A sum between 20 to 50 pesos per day. If you're staying more than one night, it's a good idea to leave the tip daily as housekeepers may rotate.

A good concierge that helps get a table reservation, or tells you where the best street tacos are located, should definitely get a time. Sometimes these insider secrets can help push a great trip into and "unforgettable" category, so it doesn't hurt to leave a tip of appreciation.

A bellman/porter should be tipped around 40 to 50 pesos when they help bring your luggage to your room.

Taxi drivers and App Cab drivers (Uber, Cabify, DIdi) appreciate a tip. Consider rounding-up the fare on the meter from a street cab to the nearest $5 or $10 pesos. When using App Cabs you can tip right in the app at the end of your journey, or you can pay the driver a tip in cash.

No matter if you're part of a big group tour or a highly customized private tour, your tour guide is doing a lot of legwork and definitely should be tipped. For large group tours, 100 pesos per person is plenty.

A private tour, which is often must more in-depth, customizable, and requires a lot of attention and detail, should be tipped between 200 to 400 pesos (half-day), depending on what is offered and the level of service. For a full-day private tour, anywhere between 300 to 600 pesos per person is much appreciated.

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.