You have your amazing tropical vacation to the Dominican Republic booked. Your bags are packed and ready to go. After doing some research on the area you feel confident about your upcoming vacation. But you still have no idea how much you should tip while you are in Punta Cana.
You will find the answers to all your tipping in Punta Cana questions right here.
Let’s start by stating the obvious. Tipping is a very personal decision, and how much you tip is completely up to you. If you don’t want to come across as being cheap but are still on a budget, just follow these guidelines.
Waiters/Waitresses
At most restaurants, you should tip your waiter or waitress 10% of your bill. If your service was exceptional, feel free to leave a little more. Some restaurants add a 10% gratuity right to your bill. See if your check says “propina” or even just “servicio”.
If you see either of these phrases on your bill, the gratuity is already included (you should keep in mind that some establishments don’t pass this tip to the servers so cash tips are always the best way to make sure your server gets the tip you meant to give them).
At a la carte restaurants in your hotel, you should leave a tip of $4-$5 per day.
Hotels
It is typical to tip the porter that helps you with your luggage $1-$2 per bag. Your housekeeper or maid should get $2-$3 per night. Some people like to leave the gratuity on the last day of their vacation, while others like to leave it daily. When you decide to tip is completely up to you.
Just keep in mind that your housekeepers usually rotate every couple of days, so if you leave it at the end of your stay it may only go to one housekeeper instead of everyone that cleaned your room during your stay.
Sometimes you will notice a 10% service fee added to your bill. This fee is divided among the hotel staff and is not meant to be a tip for your housekeeper. When leaving your housekeeper a tip, be sure to leave a quick note with it so they know what it is for. They will have to show your note to security to prove the money was intended for them.
Bartender
You may want to leave $1-$2 for your bartender when you grab a quick cocktail. However, if your bartender gives you amazing service, feel free to add more.
Room Service
Sometimes you just want to relax in your room and end up calling room service to bring you a meal. If you decide to do this, you should give $2-$5 per room. Check with your resort first though because sometimes this is added to your bill.
Tour Guides
If you have a tour guide, it’s customary to give them $25 per day. Not only are they showing you the best spots, but they are also sharing knowledge, traditions, secrets that only the locals will know. Don’t forget to tip your driver as well, if you have one. About $10 is good.
Butler
This one is a lot less common, but some resorts include a butler with your stay. Your butler will do everything they can to ensure your stay is as relaxing and stress-free as possible. Be sure to show your appreciation by giving them $20 a day as a tip.
Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers aren’t usually tipped in DR, however, if your driver helps you with your bags or is very friendly a tip is appreciated, $5 should do it.
Spa Services
While on vacation you may decide to get a massage or some other service from the spa. Spa services are usually not included at most resorts this will be a separate charge. If you choose to use the spa, plan on leaving between 15% – 20% for a tip.
Hairdressers
Nothing will put you in a better mood than a haircut or new hairstyle. Be sure to leave your hairdresser a 10% gratuity for a job well done.
Event Planner/Wedding Coordinator
If you are planning a destination wedding or some other special event during your stay, don’t forget to tip the event planner. While you should use your best judgment when deciding how much to give them, keep in mind all the hours of work they put in to make your special day perfect.
Keep in mind all of the emails you have sent back and forth and all the little details they took care of for you. Most event planners and wedding coordinators receive a $100 gratuity.
All Inclusive Resorts
Most all-inclusive resorts will have all your taxes and gratuities included in the price of your stay. If this is the case for you then tipping is not required for any services that are included with your resort. You can tip for great service if you like, but it is not required or expected.
Should you tip in American Dollars or in Dominican Pesos?
One thing most people never think about until it’s time to leave is tip is if they should give their gratuity in American dollars or in Dominican Pesos. In short, you should do whatever is easiest is for you. But there are a few things to keep in mind before making this decision.
If you leave your housekeeper a tip in US dollars, they will have to take the time to exchange it on their own. If you want to make things a little easier for them, leave your tip in pesos. This will save them time and hassle. However, if tipping in pesos, keep in mind to calculate the exchange rate and give an equivalent value to US dollars.
There is a huge difference between leaving 2 US dollars and leaving 2 Dominican Pesos. Check, a currency converter before you tip so you know how much to leave. However, you decide to leave you tip, it will be greatly appreciated by the receiver.
You can find a good currency converter by going to https://themoneyconverter.com/USD/DOP.aspx
Please remember that this is just a guideline for how much you should be tipping while in Punta Cana. Ultimately what you leave should be dependent on your level of satisfaction with the service you receive. Feel free to give more or less if you desire.
