HOW TO TIP IN THE "ABC ISLANDS"

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 the ABC Islands, 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.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the local currency?

Aruba uses the Aruban guilder (AWG) and Curaçao, the Antillean guilder (NAF), both of which are fixed to the US dollar. However, neither is interchangeable when you travel between the islands. The official currency on Bonaire is the US Dollar. U.S. dollars are widely accepted on all the ABC Islands.

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

Some restaurants and bars add a service charge of more or less 15% to the bill for groups. You can see this service charge at the bottom of your receipt. the service charge does not go to your server but is collected into a "pool". The restaurateur then takes this and distributes it among the whole staff including the kitchen personnel. The highest percentage of this goes to the highest ranked in the restaurant and the smallest percentage to your server.

If the service charge is included, it's typically at the discretion of the business, and customers are expected to pay it. However, it's essential to be aware of what charges are included in your bill and to check for any itemized breakdown provided.

If there is a service charge, most people typically do add an additional tip, but at a lower rate. For example, if the service charge is 15% of the bill, consider adding an additional 5% that will go directly to the server. If a service charge is not included, aim for 20% of the total bill. As always, adjust the amount based on the level of service you received. To ensure your server receives the tip, and it doesn't get split up (or kept by the owners), consider leaving this part of the tip in cash or giving it directly to the server.

Similar to restaurants, if a service charge is not included in your bar tab, it's customary to tip 20% of your total bill to the bartender or cocktail server. Alternatively, you can tip by drink, such as $1 for each beer or a couple of dollars for each cocktail.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Tipping in hotels 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.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Taxis are regulated, with fixed prices for set distances or locations or open to negotiations with the driver and agree to the price before. Most taxis are cash only. As for tipping, tipping taxi drivers is considered a polite and appreciated gesture. If you have had a pleasant experience with the taxi service, you may round up the fare or leave a small tip for the driver of around 10% of the fare. However, tipping practices vary, and some people choose not to tip at all.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

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 your 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.