BajaNomad

tipping

vespaio - 2-3-2020 at 08:11 AM

Hi,

Any rules about tipping so as not to look too cheap or too foolish?

weebray - 2-3-2020 at 08:12 AM

10% according to locals. High end places 15-20

rhintransit - 2-3-2020 at 08:32 AM

And always always tip the grocery bagger...they work only for tips and many are elderly. 5-10-20 pesos is fine.

The guys who pump the gas, no, except if they wash the windows, and 10 pesos is fine.


BajaMama - 2-3-2020 at 09:09 AM

I always tip baggers and gas pumpers. I tip servers. I try to be generous in a country with people who could use a little extra cash.

Ateo - 2-3-2020 at 09:13 AM

Tipping is good. Spread the love.

AKgringo - 2-3-2020 at 09:22 AM

A couple of years ago, I wound up with five or six cactus spines in my side wall, right where a patch would not work (for very long anyway).

A tire guy in Los Barriles dug out a used inner tube and got me on my way without having to find a matching tire! At a 20/1 exchange rate, a hundred peso tip seemed right to me!

Suntan - 2-3-2020 at 09:37 AM

I recently Read the Mexican legislature was trying to raise their minimum wage to around $6.25 PER DAY. Some are making much more and some are working under the minimum wage. Tipping will bring a smile and will show the workers you appreciate them. In the sum total of a visit to Mexico your tips will be a small part of your total visit. Enjoy Mexico and don't be afraid to give a generous tip.

vespaio - 2-3-2020 at 12:08 PM

Thanks. Didn't know about the baggers. I didn't shop much last time I went through, but I'll pay more attention this time.

weebray - 2-4-2020 at 08:03 AM

The percentage of a tip is directly proportional to the percentage of gringos in the area. Just ask someone that has lived in La Ventana or Los Barriles for 10 yrs. or more.

bajatrailrider - 2-4-2020 at 10:06 AM

Tips in most all sit down eat places only go to owner bad deal. I at least put tip in waiter hand hoping he will keep it. Tips in high end places worker still only gets min wage . Not cool worker does not get tips. I did in fact ask owners I know why worker does not get tip. Was told gringos leave big tips not for worker's. So on my normal places I told owners I won't leave tip unless worker gets it. All said ok but who knows

kiterkip - 2-4-2020 at 10:17 AM

I tip:
The guy watching my car a Walmart/Soriana/etc
The gas guy but only if he washes my windshield
Waiters at small mom & pop places
The band/entertainment at dance halls.
The toilet paper person at the Pemex

vespaio - 2-4-2020 at 10:42 AM

Sounds like Italy.

Paco Facullo - 2-4-2020 at 10:51 AM

When in any foreign country , you should tip as the locals do.

Gringo's that bring their traditions along with them to foreign Countries ruin the uniqueness of said country..

vespaio - 2-4-2020 at 10:57 AM

I agree completely, which is why I asked the question.

David K - 2-4-2020 at 11:06 AM

Yes, I got scolded by a local I was dining with, when I left a 20% tip!

The food and service were great, I had a good experience, the bill was very low, and I have compassion for self-employed people & small businesses, who do a good job.


Lee - 2-4-2020 at 10:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Yes, I got scolded by a local I was dining with, when I left a 20% tip!

The food and service were great, I had a good experience, the bill was very low, and I have compassion for self-employed people & small businesses, who do a good job.



You did the right thing.

Locals, as well as gringoes, sometimes come from scarcity. And propriety.

I tip when I get gas. If my windshield needs cleaning, I ask to have it done or do it myself. Usually, the attendant will see me and step in. When I read someone write that they don't tip if their windshield isn't cleaned, it comes across as cheap. Like wanting to make a statement for .50 cents. Class.

surabi - 2-5-2020 at 01:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Suntan  
In the sum total of a visit to Mexico your tips will be a small part of your total visit. Enjoy Mexico and don't be afraid to give a generous tip.


You seem to be under the impression that all foreigners in Mexico are "visiting". Many of us live here full time. Some of us even work here, legally, and earn money in pesos, not dollars. When tourists over-tip, trying to make themselves feel and look like good guys, it screws things up for those who live here, as the locals come to expect those kinds of tips from all foreigners.
The first response to this post was right on. 10% is standard and not cheap. If you get exceptional service, or are eating at some high-end place, then more is probably warranted and expected.

paranewbi - 2-5-2020 at 06:57 AM

Story might be dated and was actually on mainland;

Service worker having a beer with me one day on the beach told me, "Americans tip the best, Germans less so, French not at all."

Midnight table full of drunk travelers from one of those circuit camping vans out of US... A little loud through the walls of our VW bus in same campground in jungle; Approaching their table I saw they were passing around bottles of tequila and near naked in the relatively cooler night air. Standing and observing for a moment, I heard a Frenchman claiming loudly that the US is a piggish country in their wealth and should give more money to the world.

I pulled out my wallet from my back pocket and threw it on the table saying, "Go ahead take what you want because that's where that money you demand comes from". The table went silent. I retrieved my wallet and said, "That's what I thought. Your talk is insulting and by the way loud".

The next morning they were all hungover and seriously eaten up by the musko's they didn't feel feasting on their tequila numb unclothed bodies. None of them looked me in the eyes.

vespaio - 2-5-2020 at 09:27 AM

Whether to tip and how much to tip is not innate knowledge, and I doubt that most foreigners over tip just to make themselves feel better and superior.

Unless you live in a country, speak its language, and are familiar with its customs, you cannot possibly understand its intricacies. In which case you bring your own county's customs with you when you travel. If we travelers err, it would be preferable to be calmly corrected than to be universally denigrated by those that live there.

David K - 2-5-2020 at 09:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by vespaio  
I doubt that most foreigners over tip just to make themselves feel better and superior.


Correct! The following example is not a lone experience but one I had at three places (ordering the same dish) on different trips in 2017:

I consider a tip as a gift or reward for good service and believe this kind of reward will help that kind of service to continue into the future. As a gift, I often wish I could do more. It is a struggle for some of these 'way-out' cafes to feed travelers. I want them to stay in in business. They are limited on their prices as the local population won't eat if too high. When I am served a huge dinner of fresh halibut (3 filets) and sides, and only charged $6-10, you bet I am going to reward them for the good meal, the service, and to hope they can stay in business for next time! Shame on any tourist who leaves only a 60 cent to dollar tip! [I used pesos, but converting to a value we all know]


pauldavidmena - 2-5-2020 at 09:57 AM

George Bergin ("Osprey") shared this with me a few years back. His humor and storytelling ability are sorely missed.

Attachment: How to Mexico.doc (25kB)
This file has been downloaded 271 times


David K - 2-5-2020 at 10:34 AM

'Los Cabos' and 'the Rest of Baja' are two very different worlds.

jedge42 - 2-5-2020 at 10:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
'Los Cabos' and 'the Rest of Baja' are two very different worlds.


Of course, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are very different worlds from the rest of Los Cabos as well.

jake

defrag4 - 2-5-2020 at 12:16 PM

10% at restaurants

tip the grocery bagger and tip the gas guy if he washes the windows, 5-10 pesos

i also tip the gas man who comes and fills up our house tank a few pesos, its a pain in the ass to get to our tank

Locals do the same, big tips are stupid and unecessary

I was getting a late night sandwich with a buddy recently, he drunkenly overtipped, 100 pesos on a 50 pesos torta, the abuela making the sandwiches called him stupid and handed back his money :lol:

he insisted and eventually she took it, but not without calling him dumb a few more times, great lady and best late night sandwiches in town, Super Torta on Madero in Loreto



[Edited on 2-5-2020 by defrag4]

Don Pisto - 2-5-2020 at 01:43 PM

bars and restaurants I tip 20%, easy to figure and servers appreciate it. baggers get 10 pesos and whatever change I get back, gals pumping gas get 20 peso's, propane guys get fat tip if you want them to return, kid that hauls my bottled water to car gets more than the water cost.

defrag4 - 2-5-2020 at 02:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto  
bars and restaurants I tip 20%, easy to figure and servers appreciate it. baggers get 10 pesos and whatever change I get back, gals pumping gas get 20 peso's, propane guys get fat tip if you want them to return, kid that hauls my bottled water to car gets more than the water cost.


good point, i give the water guy a few pesitos as well

grizzlyfsh95 - 2-5-2020 at 03:25 PM

A fellow who works in a restaurant told me the difference between a Canadian and a canoe.......canoe's tip

Tipping North or South all the same

MrBillM - 2-5-2020 at 03:43 PM

To me.

Restaurants 25-30 percent. Other services provided 20 percent minimum.

Back in the day (Baja), usually a buck for the kids bagging.

But then, NOB, I'm probably the only guy in town who tips the (usually two-three) guys who dig out and pump my septic tank $20.00 each.

Before changing vendors here in YV, I used to always tip the attendants filling my propane tanks, but the current "Christian" outfit pointedly refused my efforts. Go figure.


bajabuddha - 2-5-2020 at 04:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by grizzlyfsh95  
A fellow who works in a restaurant told me the difference between a Canadian and a canoe.......canoe's tip


:rolleyes: :lol:

David K - 2-5-2020 at 04:28 PM

Bill, where is YV?

mojo_norte - 2-5-2020 at 05:27 PM

Motel maids ?

bajabuddha - 2-5-2020 at 05:43 PM

Yucca Valley (a.k.a.) NRA Happy Valley, DK :smug:

YV Location

MrBillM - 2-5-2020 at 06:56 PM

The Peoples Socialist Republic of California - USA.

Lee - 2-5-2020 at 09:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
The Baja Sur economy is not reflective of Mexico & gringos have ruined it by OVER tipping to make themselves feel better & superior.

Foreigners should RESPECT local economies & not distort & ruin it.

This is NOT America OR Canada so why ruin it. So MANY other countries DO NOT have a tipping culture.

Most people came to Mexico because of its economy & most have ruined it here in Baja Sur.

If you MUST tip, to make yourself feel good, it should be no greater than 10% of the bill.

If it needs further explanation you'll never understand the economies of countries & the impact of it should it be d*icked with.

Spread the word.


This post is the worst example of ugly gringo I've read here in a long time.

So politically correct I could vomit.




Mulege Canuck - 2-6-2020 at 08:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by grizzlyfsh95  
A fellow who works in a restaurant told me the difference between a Canadian and a canoe.......canoe's tip


As a Canadian I had a good laugh the first time I heard that from fellow Nomad Howard. Not sure how true it is ? If the food and service is good I tip, but I have never tipped an canoe😎

Bad Example ?

MrBillM - 2-6-2020 at 09:55 AM

I'd heard that Aussies were cheapskates.

I suppose that it's so.

dravnx - 2-6-2020 at 01:15 PM

I tip well because I can. The difference between $1 and $5 is negligible to me and means a lot to the low wage worker I just tipped.
I learned an important lesson once about this.
I stopped at a small border town to buy some planters. I don't remember where it was but there were a lot of pottery shops along the road. We picked out about 5 pots and I started negotiating with the owner. It must have been a slow day because he sold these 5 gallons pots for very cheap. I payed him and started loading the camper and my truck with the pots. The owner loaded his 3 kids and wife into their beater car and drove off. We loaded the pots and then took a break to eat our picnic lunch. Just as we were finishing up, the guy came back and everyone piled out of the car with groceries. I thought to myself "self, you could have easily given more then you did and look what they did with the little you did give". That ended my "I can drive a hard bargain" days.

KurtG - 2-6-2020 at 02:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte  
Motel maids ?


Of course, they are underpaid and a tip can make a big difference for them.

queseyo - 2-6-2020 at 07:59 PM

I think Gas got some bad beans.......:fire:

paranewbi - 2-7-2020 at 07:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by KurtG  
Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte  
Motel maids ?


Of course, they are underpaid and a tip can make a big difference for them.


Don't leave a maid's tip in the room or in that little envelope if you can avoid it. The early check out clerk (and most any clerk) is responsible for checking the room out for anything stolen by the client. Those same clerks are also keen to perusing for any 'tip' left for the maid. I know this from speaking with some of the maids at the motels I have stayed in.

To avoid detection by management of a tip, I put the folded up tip in the palm of my hand and shake the hand of the person I'm giving it to. This avoids detection and levels the field between the giver and the taker. I do this with police who escort me out of a busy city (Like DF) or assist me in some other manner and waiters as well.

Marc - 2-7-2020 at 08:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
Yucca Valley (a.k.a.) NRA Happy Valley, DK :smug:


I'm in PD. (Palm Desert). Drove through YV the other day on the way to JT.;););)

Paco Facullo - 2-7-2020 at 09:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by paranewbi  
Quote: Originally posted by KurtG  
Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte  
Motel maids ?


Of course, they are underpaid and a tip can make a big difference for them.


Don't leave a maid's tip in the room or in that little envelope if you can avoid it. The early check out clerk (and most any clerk) is responsible for checking the room out for anything stolen by the client. Those same clerks are also keen to perusing for any 'tip' left for the maid. I know this from speaking with some of the maids at the motels I have stayed in.

To avoid detection by management of a tip, I put the folded up tip in the palm of my hand and shake the hand of the person I'm giving it to. This avoids detection and levels the field between the giver and the taker. I do this with police who escort me out of a busy city (Like DF) or assist me in some other manner and waiters as well.


Totally agree... I started tipping the maids directly and it sure was appreciated . Also if needing extra towels , it's never a problem...:light:

Tipping?

AKgringo - 2-7-2020 at 09:29 AM

I thought that was a city in China! ;)

[Edited on 2-7-2020 by AKgringo]

Marc - 2-7-2020 at 01:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I thought that was a city in China! ;)

[Edited on 2-7-2020 by AKgringo]


Yes. It's not far from Gauging.

mtgoat666 - 2-7-2020 at 01:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
The Baja Sur economy is not reflective of Mexico & gringos have ruined it by OVER tipping to make themselves feel better & superior.

Foreigners should RESPECT local economies & not distort & ruin it.

This is NOT America OR Canada so why ruin it. So MANY other countries DO NOT have a tipping culture.

Most people came to Mexico because of its economy & most have ruined it here in Baja Sur.

If you MUST tip, to make yourself feel good, it should be no greater than 10% of the bill.

If it needs further explanation you'll never understand the economies of countries & the impact of it should it be d*icked with.

Spread the word.


You are ridiculous saying that “over tipping” ruins the economy.
You are a cheap skate, and the waiters at your regular restaurant dread your arrival,... they compete amongst themselves to avoid serving you, knowing that you are a bad tipper and your flatulence is nauseating :lol:

Don Pisto - 2-7-2020 at 04:18 PM

then again maybe gas-man appreciates a little secret sauce on his taco?

HeyMulegeScott - 2-8-2020 at 11:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mulege Canuck  
Quote: Originally posted by grizzlyfsh95  
A fellow who works in a restaurant told me the difference between a Canadian and a canoe.......canoe's tip


As a Canadian I had a good laugh the first time I heard that from fellow Nomad Howard. Not sure how true it is ? If the food and service is good I tip, but I have never tipped an canoe😎


A Mexican bartender told me this joke also but it was the difference between a Canuck and a canoe. She also splits all of her tips with the kitchen staff.

Lee - 2-8-2020 at 01:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM  
To me.

Restaurants 25-30 percent. Other services provided 20 percent minimum.

Back in the day (Baja), usually a buck for the kids bagging.

But then, NOB, I'm probably the only guy in town who tips the (usually two-three) guys who dig out and pump my septic tank $20.00 each.

Before changing vendors here in YV, I used to always tip the attendants filling my propane tanks, but the current "Christian" outfit pointedly refused my efforts. Go figure.



Possibly the most enlightened post on this thread. Maybe because it's the way I tip.

Bill's probably right, too. Steve is likely a cheapskate.


Barry A. - 2-8-2020 at 03:18 PM

North or South of the border-------good service gets a tip, and the better the service the bigger the tip. Bad service no tip. In between service is tipped appropriately. Good service is a reflection of 'character', and I always reward 'character'.

What's "customary" is irrelevant to me.

AKgringo - 2-8-2020 at 03:35 PM

At least the Peso is trending fairly stable right now, so we can make adjustments without too much mental arithmetic.

When I crossed the border southbound in late Feb 1986, the peso was 160 to the dollar. Two months later it was at 350 to $1!

Just figuring out what to pay was tough, let alone a fair tip. In the long run, Mexico was on sale that year!

Bajazly - 2-9-2020 at 09:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
At least the Peso is trending fairly stable right now, so we can make adjustments without too much mental arithmetic.

When I crossed the border southbound in late Feb 1986, the peso was 160 to the dollar. Two months later it was at 350 to $1!

Just figuring out what to pay was tough, let alone a fair tip. In the long run, Mexico was on sale that year!


So for perspective, what was the price of tacos and a 12 pack of beer that year?

KurtG - 2-9-2020 at 11:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
Quote: Originally posted by dravnx  
I tip well because I can. The difference between $1 and $5 is negligible to me and means a lot to the low wage worker I just tipped.
I learned an important lesson once about this.
I stopped at a small border town to buy some planters. I don't remember where it was but there were a lot of pottery shops along the road. We picked out about 5 pots and I started negotiating with the owner. It must have been a slow day because he sold these 5 gallons pots for very cheap. I payed him and started loading the camper and my truck with the pots. The owner loaded his 3 kids and wife into their beater car and drove off. We loaded the pots and then took a break to eat our picnic lunch. Just as we were finishing up, the guy came back and everyone piled out of the car with groceries. I thought to myself "self, you could have easily given more then you did and look what they did with the little you did give". That ended my "I can drive a hard bargain" days.


You want to feel good about yourself? Give to charities that are supporting disabled people, what about charity for returning soldiers who lost limbs etc etc, orphans etc etc...

Don't stuff up the Mexican economy so you feel good about yourself. Give where it is TRULY needed for those who CAN'T earn due to their disabilities.


I suspect that those who believe in tipping service workers are most likely to also be supporters of charitable causes. One has nothing to do with the other.

Paco Facullo - 2-9-2020 at 02:23 PM

Man_With_Gas , I'm with you 1000%

Me thinks some people get their ego involved and it mess's up their good sense ....

Also (besides the ego angle) people may be over-tipping to "be kind and generous"..
But in doing so they unwittingly disrupt the economics of the place they are visiting.

So PLEASE consider this and tip as the locals do. A few extra percent for great service is fine though....

[Edited on 2-11-2020 by Paco Facullo]

Lee - 2-9-2020 at 10:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  

Don't bother counter arguing the above as I know what I know ( I live here) so don't waste your breath responding negatively as I won't see it any differently.


Pretty much sums up Steve's argument. He's right, seasoned nomads are wrong, and his 2 years total in Baja makes him an authority. Fish out of water.

Show of hands, please. Who cares about tipping or Cabo?

vespaio - 2-10-2020 at 09:19 AM

I have the greatest respect for people that don't suffer fools easily, as long as they don't act and speak like one.

airmech - 2-10-2020 at 09:26 AM

Wow! Just a note to the moderator; I been checking an and out if this website for over 10 years and it used to be a very informative website. Unfortunately, you let trolls like motegoat and man with gas and a couple others just ruin it. They are incapable of having a mature conversation without name calling for just flat out trolling. After this, I am done with this forum along with many of my friends who have checked out of this website already because of the same reason.

As far as Cabo —- if you choose to live in a tourist city it will ALWAYS be more expensive whether you tip or not. No matter what country you live in. Deal with it; you choose to live there. Don't down other people for tipping just because it was your culture in some other country that you grew up in not to tip. It is the Mexican culture to tip; just like the US. Min wage is not even $7 A DAY here. In many of these small towns they only work off of tips. Dive masters go out all day catering to customers (sometimes saving there lives) to come back after a long day not earning a dime because they didn't get one tip. If you cant come down here and respect the culture go back where you came from. Rant over.

David I love your maps you are a very informative person; Baja Blanca thanks for informative info over the years and Shari big thanks to you, you are always professional and informative. Im done here Adios

Keeping the Third-World as You Like It.

MrBillM - 2-10-2020 at 10:36 AM

I've heard Aussie Stevie's argument before from a (once) good German friend and work associate who was recruited in College by IBM and since traveled/worked in numerous Middle East and Asian foreign locales before immigrating to the U.S.

I tend to discount his bias given that his Vater was a dedicated follower of the Fuhrer and a WWII Wehrmacht Non-Com who influenced many of his son's questionable viewpoints on racial/ethnic inferiors. Which, back in our Data Network Support days together, he often shared.

Being a typical "forceful" German, he would not only "share" his view on tipping, but ONCE (only) reached over and took part of a tip that I had left and handed it back saying "you tip too much". Putting it BACK, I said "don't EVER [F-ing] do that again". Again, being typically German, he was surprised that I was offended.

Of course, over the many years traveling in Baja, including my 32 years as a "residente/visitante" in Percebu, I met a number of (non-German) Gringo residents who held similar views, but they were generally those retirees trying to live on the cheap as much as possible.

The Aussie may be just one of those OR .......................... ???

BajaRat - 2-10-2020 at 04:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
Quote: Originally posted by vespaio  
I have the greatest respect for people that don't suffer fools easily, as long as they don't act and speak like one.


Another d*ickhead I see.

Bring 'something' to the thread instead of your offhand attempt.

Waste of time in the extreme.

[Edited on 2-10-2020 by Man_With_Gas]



Who crapped in your Cheerios
Lionel :cool:

BajaRat - 2-10-2020 at 04:39 PM

The liberal soul shall be made fat
Lionel :cool:

BajaRat - 2-10-2020 at 04:50 PM

You just lost All your street cred.
Good luck, no time for the wasted
Lionel :cool:

surabi - 2-10-2020 at 04:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by airmech  

As far as Cabo —- if you choose to live in a tourist city it will ALWAYS be more expensive whether you tip or not. No matter what country you live in. Deal with it; you choose to live there. Don't down other people for tipping just because it was your culture in some other country that you grew up in not to tip. It is the Mexican culture to tip; just like the US. Min wage is not even $7 A DAY here. In many of these small towns they only work off of tips. Dive masters go out all day catering to customers (sometimes saving there lives) to come back after a long day not earning a dime because they didn't get one tip. If you cant come down here and respect the culture go back where you came from.


I haven't seen anyone on this thread advocate for not tipping at all. The question is how much is appropriate to tip. That is something that foreigners travelling in other countries, no matter what the country is, should inform thmselves about. What may be an insultingly low tip in one place may be considered generous in another. Those who are so arrogant as to think that it should have nothing to do with the local economies, average wages, and normal customs but is only dependent on how much they are able and want to leave are exactly that- arrogant. And disrepectful of the culture, rather than the opposite.
Of course any Mexican will be quite happy to receive a 30% tip, when the norm is 10%. Who wouldn't? Does that mean they will think of you as generous? Not necessarily. They may very well consider you to be a fool. Or it may lead them to assume that everyone from your country is wealthy, expect to receive those sorts of tips from all the rest of your countrymen, whether they can afford to tip like that or not, and be resentful when those high tips are not forthcoming. Whereas before, they were happy and grateful to receive 10-15%.

dravnx - 2-10-2020 at 05:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
Quote: Originally posted by dravnx  
I tip well because I can. The difference between $1 and $5 is negligible to me and means a lot to the low wage worker I just tipped.
I learned an important lesson once about this.
I stopped at a small border town to buy some planters. I don't remember where it was but there were a lot of pottery shops along the road. We picked out about 5 pots and I started negotiating with the owner. It must have been a slow day because he sold these 5 gallons pots for very cheap. I payed him and started loading the camper and my truck with the pots. The owner loaded his 3 kids and wife into their beater car and drove off. We loaded the pots and then took a break to eat our picnic lunch. Just as we were finishing up, the guy came back and everyone piled out of the car with groceries. I thought to myself "self, you could have easily given more then you did and look what they did with the little you did give". That ended my "I can drive a hard bargain" days.


You want to feel good about yourself? Give to charities that are supporting disabled people, what about charity for returning soldiers who lost limbs etc etc, orphans etc etc...

Don't stuff up the Mexican economy so you feel good about yourself. Give where it is TRULY needed for those who CAN'T earn due to their disabilities.


What makes you think I don't give generously to various orgs?

An EASY Choice !

MrBillM - 2-10-2020 at 07:01 PM

" ......... They may very well consider you to be a fool. Or it may lead them to assume that everyone from your country is wealthy, expect to receive those sorts of tips from all the rest of your countrymen ......... "

In such situations, I would much rather be considered a well-intentioned fool than a P-nche Gringo.

And, IF doing so influences inflated gratuity expectations from Otra Norte Americanos, OK. I hope so. Over the decades of travel in Mexico, I've encountered more than a few situations in which the bad behavior of other Gringos have caused me discomfort or occasioned poor treatment.

surabi - 2-10-2020 at 10:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM  
" .........

And, IF doing so influences inflated gratuity expectations from Otra Norte Americanos, OK. I hope so. Over the decades of travel in Mexico, I've encountered more than a few situations in which the bad behavior of other Gringos have caused me discomfort or occasioned poor treatment.


I think we have all found ourselves in situations where the behavior of other gringos is an embarrassment for anyone to think we are associated with simply by virtue of being from the same country. When I have witnessed this, I usually call them out for it, in the moment. Like those who speak loudly and slowly in English to a Mexican shopgirl who obviously doesn't understand English, as if she is simply deaf or mentally handicapped. Or the well-off woman I was sitting next to on the beach who sucked up the time of a vendor of beautiful Huichol tee shirts who was trying to chisel him down to selling her two for half the price he was asking for one.
But I don't feel I have to make up for the behavior of those individuals by overtipping or being made to feel cheap because I give the standard tip that is normal and customary to those who are familiar with the area and the culture.
There are many ways to show respect and appreciation for someone's efforts besides throwing money around. I didn't buy a tee shirt from that man because I neither needed nr wanted one, but I can tell you that that I got a subtle smile and a nod of appreciation from him as he was packing up all the shirts he had spread out for the haggling woman to peruse when I turned to her and said, "For Crissakes, this man trudges up and down the beach all day in the hot sun trying to make enough money to feed his family and you've just wasted his time and insulted him by trying to get him to sell you some for less than the cost it takes to produce them."

[Edited on 2-11-2020 by surabi]

[Edited on 2-11-2020 by surabi]

A Good Tip North or South

MrBillM - 2-11-2020 at 10:25 AM

I was responding to the quoted line that any so-called "over-tipping" might make one seem the fool to the recipient.

Better that than an alternative negative view.

It's not a matter of OVER tipping in MY opinion. Which, of course, is the only one that counts in such matters.

As I noted in my earlier post, I have always remained consistent on either side of the border and had more than a few (sometimes strained) debate moments with those (including family members) that I've dined with. I've said to more than one "if you can't afford a decent tip, you should eat at home".

I simply don't agree with the "adjusting to the third-world economy" rationale. It seems like a "cheapskate" excuse to me.

Face it, those in the "service industry" regardless of location are NOT there as a preferred career choice.

Back in the late '60s living on the beach, my oldest sister (straight out of high school with no particular job skills) lived with me for a couple of years and took waitress jobs because they were (due to tips) the BEST (paying) jobs available to a female in her situation. The daily abuse she put up with to earn a living is something that I have been fortunate enough to avoid. I've often commented to a customer-service employee after witnessing said abuse that "I wouldn't last one day in your job".

Given the choice, ALWAYS err on the plus side. Better the fool than the jerk.

Lee - 2-11-2020 at 11:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM  

Given the choice, ALWAYS err on the plus side. Better the fool than the jerk.


Any discussion, in my opinion, about ''appropriate'' amounts to tip is an issue in political correctness. Since I'm apolitical, discussions look amusing to me. Should I leave 10% or 15%? Wow. Let's all agree what's appropriate for the betterment of the MX culture. We don't want to ruin things for the poor.

Don't care what people tip. If they're cheap, they're cheap. Doesn't mean a thing to me. And, I don't care what anyone thinks about how I tip. I can afford to be generous, or cheap. Like Bill, I'm choosing generous.

Now, back to the discussion about political correctness.

mtgoat666 - 2-11-2020 at 11:25 AM

Skin flints that justify their poor tips by claiming that "over-tipping" ruins poor people,... ludicrous!

Let them eat cake!

John Harper - 2-11-2020 at 11:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Skin flints that justify their poor tips by claiming that "over-tipping" ruins poor people,... ludicrous!

Let them eat cake!


God forbid those poor people earn enough to no longer be poor. What a catastrophe that would be for the world.

John

mtgoat666 - 2-11-2020 at 04:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Skin flints that justify their poor tips by claiming that "over-tipping" ruins poor people,... ludicrous!

Let them eat cake!


A clueless Californian as always.

Just a reminder once again, the world is NOT just the USA.


I love California :bounce:
Great state!

California Über Alles :bounce:
California Über Alles :bounce:
Über Alles California :bounce:
Über Alles California :bounce:

mtgoat666 - 2-11-2020 at 04:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by Man_With_Gas  
A clueless Californian as always.

Just a reminder once again, the world is NOT just the USA.
Woah, there hoss-- don't you go blaming the USA for Californians, now...! :P


Yes, I agree.

The US would be an even MUCH nicer place without today's California/New York & their many lunatics.


California, and NYC -- 2 of my favorite places!