It is a common question that a lot of people face when visiting a new country. When asking for the check at a restaurant or stepping out of a taxi: How much should you tip?
In some countries, such as the United States, giving large tips for services is a common practice. It is completely normal to tip 15-20% in restaurants and slip your bellhop an extra $5 at a hotel in the States.
Meanwhile, in other countries such as Australia, giving large tips is not as common. For that reason, when you arrive in Peru, you might be at a loss regarding how much to tip your waiter, taxi driver or tour guides.
In Peru, the first thing you need to remember is that, like most countries, tipping is not mandatory, even though it is greatly appreciated.
However, if you are pleased with your service and would like to give a little extra, we have outlined Peruvian tipping culture below as a guide to help you during your time in this incredible country.
Understanding the Peruvian Economy
Before getting into the details of tipping, it is important to know how the economy in Peru works. In Peru’s economy, there is a divide between the formal and informal sectors.
There are a lot of people who work in the informal sector. Taxi drivers, street vendors, and small business owners are all examples. Most of the time, tips are a big part of how much money these people make.
Peru’s minimum wage is low compared to the rest of the world, and many people in the service industry make wages that barely cover their basic needs.
Tips are a huge part of these workers’ incomes and make sure they can take care of themselves and their families. As a result, if you want to use these people’s services, it is only fair to tip them enough for their hard work.
Moreover, Peru’s economy depends a lot on tourism. Many Peruvians work in the tourism industry, which also helps the country’s GDP. When you give big tips, you not only thank people for their work, but you also help the local economy.
Tipping is not just an afterthought or a way to show appreciation in Peru. Instead, it is a way for people in the service industry to be recognized and rewarded for their hard work and great service. It also shows the country’s economic situation and how important it is to support local businesses.
Why Tipping Matters in Peru
Tipping in Peru goes beyond leaving coins on a table or giving a taxi driver a bill. It is a way to say thanks for the hard work that goes into providing services. Tipping makes service providers feel valued and respected and boosts their morale.
Tipping also bridges the income gap for many workers in the service sector. Peruvian wages are low, so tips can make a big difference in their lives. Your tips can help them afford better housing, education for their children, and other necessities.
Finally, tipping supports the local community. When you give big tips, you help the local economy and small businesses. This is especially important in a country like Peru, where tourism is so important to the economy.
As a visitor to this beautiful South American country, it is important to know how to tip. It’s not just about knowing how much to tip, but also when and where to tip.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to tip in Peru, so you can travel through the country with respect and ease.
How Much Should You Tip in Peru?
Figuring out how much to tip in Peru can be hard, especially if you do not know the local customs. As a general rule, you should tip about 10% of the total bill at a restaurant and about the same amount to tour guides and hotel workers. For taxi drivers, it is common to round up the fare or tip a small amount.
However, these are guidelines, and the amount you tip depends on service quality, satisfaction, and budget. Remember that tipping is a personal choice based on the service received and your ability to give.
Waiters/Wait Staff at Restaurants – 5 – 10% of the total bill
At nice restaurants, leaving between 5 – 10% of the bill is appreciated. However, the amount you tip may be dependent on the quality of service you receive. In addition, in small hole-in-the-wall type restaurants, leaving a few extra soles on the table is considered a perfectly acceptable tip.
Taxi Drivers – No tip
Taxis in Peru do not have meters, so it is important that you agree upon the fare before getting in the car. Since there are no set fares, it is a common practice to haggle the price and, in the end, taxi drivers to not expect to receive tips.
However, if the driver charged a fair price and provided good service, a tip is a nice gesture.
Tour Guides – US$7.00 – $10.00 per day/traveler
If you participated in a group tour and would like to leave a tip, approximately US$7.00 – $10.00 is appropriate if the tour was only a half day. If the tour was a full day, consider tipping a bit more.
Tour Drivers – US$3.00 – $5.00 per day/passenger
While your tour driver may not interact with you directly during your tour, remember that it takes a lot of patience and skill to navigate tricky Peruvian traffic. If your driver did a good job, a small tip will be greatly appreciated.
Hotel Staff – US$2.00 – $3.00 per day/room
When staying at the same hotel for multiple days in a row, a small daily tip for maid service, bellhops and porters is always welcome.
Treks – US$45.00 for porters and $60.00 for cooks per trek/group
This is a general recommendation for a standard 4-day trek. If your porters took good care of your belongings, consider tipping them US$45.00 each. If your cook kept your stomach full of delicious food, consider tipping him US$60.00.
Cruises – US$20.00 – $30.00 per day/passenger
For overnight cruises, it is recommended that you leave between US$20.00 – $30.00 per passenger. This amount will be divided and shared among the crew members.
In regions of Peru that receive more tourists, oftentimes tips are expected. However, it is important that you never feel obliged to leave a tip, but rather use your own judgment to decide when a tip is appropriate. If someone is being too pushy or demanding a tip, decline.
Lastly, while we have provided the suggested tipping amounts in US dollars, it is very polite to try to tip in soles (the local currency), as it will be more convenient for the receiver and save them the hassle of having to change money.
Closing Thoughts: Tipping Etiquette in Peru
Tipping is an intricate part of Peru’s culture and economy. As a visitor, you must know tipping etiquette to respect local customs and support the local economy.
Remember, tipping is more than just leaving a few coins on the table. It honors service industry workers. It is a way to say thanks and give back to the local community.
So tip generously in Peru and with a smile.
Post Updated: June 22, 2023
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