BajaNomad - Tipping at gas stations?

Tipping at gas stations?

Howard - 3-9-2018 at 09:07 PM

Here is a question for you other Nomads, tipping at gas stations.

I admit that I do not tip just for pumping gas. On the other hand if they do my windshields I absolutely tip, somewhere around 10-20 pesos depending on the change that I have and if they do all the windows.

What is your policy about this? I realize it's a personal choice but what is the gringo "norm"?

David K - 3-9-2018 at 09:17 PM

Same here... reward good service.

JZ - 3-9-2018 at 09:26 PM

At least 20 pesos min, regardless of windows, and often 50 pesos . Don't be a cheap gringo.

[Edited on 3-10-2018 by JZ]

willardguy - 3-9-2018 at 09:28 PM

15-20 pesos, windows or no windows

KurtG - 3-9-2018 at 09:46 PM

10 pesos when I'm on the bike, 20-25 when driving. Has nothing to do with window washing, while I am far from well off I recognize that I have far more resources than the person pumping gas. A small tip makes a difference to them and I won't miss that small amount. I have been on the receiving end of Mexican hospitality and am happy to give a little back. I also leave tips for hotel maids. I am a budget traveler but if I couldn't afford small tips I would stay home.

Lee - 3-9-2018 at 10:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

15-20 pesos, windows or no windows

Same here.

chumlee57 - 3-9-2018 at 11:02 PM

gotta say, I never tip unless they do the windows, and 10 -20 pesos as well...sometimes when a guy ( or girl ) really spit shines the windows I'll get pretty generous, the guy in San Ignacio that also sells the date bread always seems to take a good bit of pride in cleaning the windows

ehall - 3-10-2018 at 04:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by KurtG

10 pesos when I'm on the bike, 20-25 when driving. Has nothing to do with window washing, while I am far from well off I recognize that I have far more resources than the person pumping gas. A small tip makes a difference to them and I won't miss that small amount. I have been on the receiving end of Mexican hospitality and am happy to give a little back. I also leave tips for hotel maids. I am a budget traveler but if I couldn't afford small tips I would stay home.

Well said. I feel the same way.

pacificobob - 3-10-2018 at 07:11 AM

100 pesos, with or without gas purchase.

chippy - 3-10-2018 at 07:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob

100 pesos, with or without gas purchase.

freediverbrian - 3-10-2018 at 07:49 AM

I always tip 20 pesos at the pemex, and if you see an elderly person bagging your groceries tip them well they work for tips only.

mtgoat666 - 3-10-2018 at 08:05 AM

Everybody on his board has gray hair and should know how to tip by this point in life.
For those who are still clueless, here is a list of the people you should tip:
Grocery bagger
Gas jockey
Hotel maid
Restaurant server
Prostitute
Parking attendant
Bell boy
And Anybody who works for tips

If you don’t know how much to tip, I pity the poor worker that has to serve you!

bkbend - 3-10-2018 at 08:24 AM

The lady pumping at the station I usually go to is pretty handy with the pump and seems to always do a good job of stopping it 20 pesos short of an even 100 peso amount. She gets to keep the 20.

Udo - 3-10-2018 at 08:54 AM

100 Pesos seems like a lot. But that barely buys a gallon of gas.

Quote: Originally posted by bkbend

The lady pumping at the station I usually go to is pretty handy with the pump and seems to always do a good job of stopping it 20 pesos short of an even 100 peso amount. She gets to keep the 20.

Bajaboy - 3-10-2018 at 09:00 AM

Only if they do my windows. My favorite Pemex for service is the newer one south of San Vicente on the east side of the road. They make and sell good burritos as well.

AKgringo - 3-10-2018 at 09:35 AM

If the attendant is friendly, and at least asks if I want my windshield washed, they have earned a tip!

The sullen woman in San Felipe thought stopping the pump at 475 pesos was close enough, so I asked her to wash the windshield. She did, and got the tip, but honestly I wish I had washed it myself.

BajaBill74 - 3-10-2018 at 09:56 AM

I make two trips a year to Mulege. Returning home I always stop at the same station on the South side of Ensenada.

As I got out to use the restroom, the attendant said "So, Bill, how ya doing?" There's no way he could remember me since I'm there so infrequently and I don't remember ever giving out my name.

He enjoyed my confusion, smiled, and pointed to my rear window.

There was a decal of a man, woman, and two dogs labeled "Bill, Kathie, Bajita, Cali. 80 pesos.

bajatrailrider - 3-10-2018 at 10:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Everybody on his board has gray hair and should know how to tip by this point in life.
For those who are still clueless, here is a list of the people you should tip:
Grocery bagger
Gas jockey
Hotel maid
Restaurant server
Prostitute
Parking attendant
Bell boy
And Anybody who works for tips

If you don’t know how much to tip, I pity the poor worker that has to serve you!

The poor worker pity you MT the stupid tourist giving clueless info. Hold on to your penny stay in your rocking chair. :bounce:

Be the GOOD Gringo

MrBillM - 3-10-2018 at 10:40 AM

ALWAYS tip for service performed.

North or south of the border, but especially south.

The cost is negligible and the impression left positive.

In addition, BUY the Chiclets and curios from the street vendors whenever possible.

I always kept (at least) twenty one-dollar bills tucked next to the steering column for same.

Don't be an Ugly American.

micah202 - 3-11-2018 at 08:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chumlee57

gotta say, I never tip unless they do the windows, and 10 -20 pesos as well...sometimes when a guy ( or girl ) really spit shines the windows I'll get pretty generous, the guy in San Ignacio that also sells the date bread always seems to take a good bit of pride in cleaning the windows

....omGawrsh... hadn't realize I qualify for 'cheap gringo' status. :wow:

didn't tip once at Pemex, unless windows were washed, then ~5 peso's each for front or back.
Groceries,,,, usually 5-10 pesos
Restaurants that serve tables,,,, ~10%

chippy - 3-11-2018 at 09:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202

Quote: Originally posted by chumlee57

....omGawrsh... hadn't realize I qualify for 'cheap gringo' status. :wow:

didn't tip once at Pemex, unless windows were washed, then ~5 peso's each for front or back.
Groceries,,,, usually 5-10 pesos

Restaurants that serve tables,,,, ~10%

Not bad for a canadian :lol:

Do locals tip for their gasoline?

AKgringo - 3-11-2018 at 09:12 AM

And does anyone tip north of the border at the rare station that pumps the gas for you?

I am going to start asking the folks I come in contact with here in Bahia Asuncion if they tip for gas, and will bump this again when I have some answers.

So Rare ?

MrBillM - 3-11-2018 at 10:16 AM

That ( in the U.S.) they're nearly extinct ?

I haven't run across a station in El Norte with attendants pumping gas (other than as required by law for the disabled) in (at least) fifteen years or so, but maybe there are some up in the major cities. I wouldn't know.

Back when I would have my propane tanks filled at the Chevron station, I did tip the attendants for that service. They were usually surprised and always accepted.

On the other hand, when I started filling my tanks at the propane dealer and (now) at the local welding supply, at both locations they (politely) refused a tip when offered.

The BEST rule to follow IS:

ALWAYS offer a tip whenever someone provides a service judged to be worthy. Err in favor of the offer. Even if refused, one is better for making the effort.

JZ - 3-11-2018 at 11:09 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

And does anyone tip north of the border at the rare station that pumps the gas for you?

I am going to start asking the folks I come in contact with here in Bahia Asuncion if they tip for gas, and will bump this again when I have some answers.

I'm always traveling with Mexicans from Sonora on my Baja trips. Hell yes they tip at gas stations.

[Edited on 3-11-2018 by JZ]

JZ - 3-11-2018 at 11:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM

That ( in the U.S.) they're nearly extinct ?

In Oregon and NJ it's required by law.

Oregon is changing a little:

"In Oregon a law passed by the Legislature in May 2017 and signed into law by Gov. Kate Brown in June will allow Oregon counties with 40,000 residents or less to deviate and allow for customers to pump their own fuel between the hours of 6pm to 6am. Essentially after normal hours of operation. The new law went to effect January 1, 2018."

[Edited on 3-11-2018 by JZ]

Howard - 3-11-2018 at 11:15 AM

Tipping is an interesting situation.

I almost always tip at say a Starbucks or sandwich shop or likewise type of take out restaurant but almost have never left a tip at a fast food place or drive through window. They don't have tip jars but that shouldn't stop me from spreading some of my good fortune. Here is someone working, not on some type of government assistance and they get stiffed. Don't they deserve a tip in the same way the other cashiers does? They probably make less money and still the drive through people probably don't get tipped. I might have to re-think this whole tipping thing.

What do you people in Oregon do at the gas stations where they are required to pump the gas for you?

Lee - 3-11-2018 at 01:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM

That ( in the U.S.) they're nearly extinct ?

The BEST rule to follow IS:

ALWAYS offer a tip whenever someone provides a service judged to be worthy. Err in favor of the offer. Even if refused, one is better for making the effort.

Sage advice😁

KurtG - 3-11-2018 at 02:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I have motorcycled with Mexican friends who tip at gas stations. They were fairly affluent. In general they tip 10% at restaurants just like Canadians.

David K - 3-11-2018 at 02:13 PM

Ancient History:
I pumped gas (and was a mechanic) working at a gas station in Escondido (1979) and would get a tip now and then...

TMW - 3-11-2018 at 02:30 PM

I worked at a gas station in the Washington DC area for about a year in 1967/68 pumping gas and nobody ever tipped me or offered to. I also did not expect a tip.

basautter - 3-11-2018 at 04:11 PM

I round up, usually give a 20-30 peso tip as long as the service is good, and there are no games with change.

The Local Standard

GypsyJan - 3-11-2018 at 04:39 PM

OK, I am probably going to get flamed again, but my local girlfriend who drives me into Rosarito every week for shopping and errands, insists that I tip five pesos to the attendant at the parking lot and at the Pemex.

Everyone seems happy with that, and I tip ten pesos to the person who bags my groceries.

But I see them at least twice a week and the social interaction seems almost as important as the tip.

msteve1014 - 3-11-2018 at 07:02 PM

Flamed for what?
I go to the grocery store 1 or 2 times a week.
single guy.
I never have more than one bag.
The bagger is a friends kid or parent. 5 or 6 pesos and everybody is happy, and yes we always talk for some time before I leave.

chumlee57 - 3-11-2018 at 08:41 PM

don't want to state the obvious that every mexican national already knows, but canadians are notorious for being rather cheap with the tipping / propina's...not my observation, just what i've been told by the locals in the Mulege area, kind of a shame but I think it's a culture thing

mtgoat666 - 3-11-2018 at 09:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chumlee57

don't want to state the obvious that every mexican national already knows, but canadians are notorious for being rather cheap with the tipping / propina's...not my observation, just what i've been told by the locals in the Mulege area, kind of a shame but I think it's a culture thing

Most stereotypes are wrong.

Got any stereotypes to share about Mexicans, Jews, Koreans, or Japanese?

BeemerDan - 3-12-2018 at 02:06 AM

Most stereotypes are wrong.

Got any stereotypes to share about Mexicans, Jews, Koreans, or Japanese?[/rquote]

I'll share, I hate Goats, Mostly Nanny Goats from hell, They should be eaten, and not heard.

Cancamo - 3-12-2018 at 09:22 AM

Pemex employees garner scant wages, always tip, as well as no waged old folks bagging groceries, etc.......

Stereotypical ASSUMPTIONS ................

MrBillM - 3-12-2018 at 10:36 AM

...............Are (of course) meaningless in individual applications, BUT are usually rooted in varying degrees of "group" observation and validation.

Therein lies the problem. Like many other prejudices, people will observe, remember and cite those actions which support the stereotype and ignore or forget the examples which don't.

David K - 3-12-2018 at 10:51 AM

So, Canadians really don't say "Eh?" after every question, or statement, eh?

aguachico - 3-12-2018 at 01:50 PM

5 for fuel. 5 more if they clean the windows.

chavycha - 3-12-2018 at 02:17 PM

In Oregon, where attendants must pump your gas according to an arcane pointless law, I have never seen someone tip an attendant for standard service. The only occasions where I've seen a tip at a gas station is when the attendant does something above and beyond 'usual' - puts a quart of oil in a senior's car, helps someone secure a trailered item, etc.

The last couple trips to Mexico, I've noticed more and more of the new Pemex pumps which allow for pre-set amounts. The attendants dial in 500p and the pump dispenses exactly that amount. The attendant presses the button, walks away, and comes back when it's done.

Makes it a little more difficult to tell them to stop it at, say, 480p for the remainder to be left as a tip.

Paco Facullo - 3-12-2018 at 03:08 PM

Tipping should be whatever the local customs are.

Just because you are from the USA doesn't necessarily mean you should
bring you're customs to where ever you go.

Some places it's rude to tip. Others the tip is priced into the bill.

Tipping when you shouldn't and tipping TOO much is one reason other cultures start seeing you as a walking ATM machine....

I research where I go and tip according to the local custom, that way you can't go wrong.

David K - 3-12-2018 at 03:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Paco Facullo

Tipping should be whatever the local customs are.

Just because you are from the USA doesn't necessarily mean you should
bring you're customs to where ever you go.

Some places it's rude to tip. Others the tip is priced into the bill.

Tipping when you shouldn't and tipping TOO much is one reason other cultures start seeing you as a walking ATM machine....

I research where I go and tip according to the local custom, that way you can't go wrong.

Intersting point... when dining with Mexican national friends I would get schooled about tipping so much (20%+ when service and food are great). Their rule I heard never exceeds 10%.
I am on vacation when in Mexico (usually). The eating experience is part of the vacation and if they make it an event to remember, and the food is so inexpensive, I really want to show them I appreciate it. When I got a full course seafood dinner and the bill is only $6 (places like Papa Fernandez' in Gonzaga Bay and Ramona's in Santa Rosalillita) then I will leave $10... actually in pesos, but you get my drift. These places are usually staffed by family members... mama or grandmama is in the kitchen and sisters or daughters are waiting the tables.

del mar - 3-12-2018 at 04:04 PM

my rule of thumb is there's no such thing as over tipping, if I leave a 300 peso tip on a 200 peso bill...and its often tied to my consumption

,the staff may see a buck apiece. I haven't heard any complaints as of yet.

[Edited on 3-12-2018 by del mar]

Paco Facullo - 3-12-2018 at 04:09 PM

Ya, I can't say I always fallow this.

I do get quite generous, especially when the libations and good times are flowing .....
Usually food is included in the equation somewhere...
.

xolotl_tj - 3-19-2018 at 10:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chavycha

In Oregon, where attendants must pump …

In Mexico, on the other hand, it's been an ancient tradition that people who work in more informal service jobs do so for tips only. This sort of employment violates Article 123 of the Constitution but the alternative would be to refuse any sort of gainful employment to those people most in need.

This custom has been changing slowly within our lifetime as the SAT (Mexican IRS) has been regulating more and more of the informal jobs. At this point it's probably safe to say…
(1) these people still draw no salaries at all: grocery-store baggers, car-wash attendants, waiters in red-light districts, restroom attendants, and some people who hustle tourists for a living;
(2) these people might or still might not be receiving some small compensation from the business they work for: gasoline-station attendants, pizza/sushi deliverers, barbers and beauticians, valet-parking attendants, and anyone who hustles tourists for a living.

The economic future of gasoline-station attendants looks bleak to me. Large corporations now own most of the stations (even British Petroleum is in the game!), so their accountants are making sure everything is all regulated and formalized, but at the same time they've been cutting costs by putting a single employee behind a pane of bulletproof glass and telling their customers to pump their own gas. What we're likely to see soon is an extremely informal window-washing service along the lines of that helpful fellow who offers to watch your car for you and to make sure the parking meter doesn't run out while you're away.

xolotl_tj - 3-19-2018 at 11:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

when dining with Mexican national friends * * * Their rule I heard never exceeds 10%.

Restaurant tipping is a trickier subject than the gas-station question.

In working-class Mexico, the tradition runs along the lines of a pourboire or "keep the change" while the upper class continues to do whatever it wants to do (sometimes nothing, sometimes ridiculously enormous amounts). Meanwhile, the middle class, which has been developing only fitfully, looks northward for guidance and says amongst themselves "we should do whatever the gringos do because they've been doing it longer".

So now why ten percent? Because that's the Mexican fifteen percent, which used to be standard in the US once upon a time. By law in Mexico your bill is supposed to include sales tax (IVA) while in the US the tip is calculated pre-tax. IVA is sixteen percent, which is a bit much. So a ten-percent tip on a Mexican tab is more or less the same as fifteen percent on a gringo tab.

Lately, though, there's been a lot of propaganda in social media, from the US restaurateurs' lobby, to increase the standard tip to twenty percent (in an effort to keep their labor costs down), and that has been translated into a fifteen-percent tip for Mexico.

The attached example of restaurant tipping comes from a Mexican smartphone app that allows smaller businesses to accept bank cards. It offers the customer the options of adding high, medium, and low tip percentages as well as a fourth DIY amount.

payclip-propina.png - 34kB

JZ - 3-19-2018 at 12:51 PM

10% is a standard tip for a meal in MX. 20% in the US.

Ppl who don't tip at gas stations in MX have no business going there. Even the poor locals tip.

I tip very little in Europe and Asia, as it's not the custom there.

[Edited on 3-20-2018 by JZ]

David K - 3-19-2018 at 01:12 PM

The 20% or whatever tip here is not before tax... who does that? We look at the bottom line to figure tip amounts.

bledito - 3-21-2018 at 03:58 AM

if I get ripped off good by the pump I tip more. if the service worker is lazy I tip more. 500 pesos seems about right for poor service. my social security check is more than enough to cover it. getting crappy service and gouged in mexico is one of my favorite things to do it makes it interesting. if you have to worry or wonder what to tip you screwed up your life big time. I once gave one of my workers a 2000 peso just for being first to arrive at the job each day. made him so happy, that smile on his face as he ran to stash it away was worth as much as the feelin of hookin a nice fish and getting it in the boat. I think cheap people are cheap because some how life screwed them over, attitude is everything. if you have that bad attitude toward things in life then your probabally that cheap gringo who doesn,t tip.

woody with a view - 3-21-2018 at 06:34 AM

Give until it hurts!