Tip Calculation

Since most travelers in Mexico come from the United States and Canada, it's considered best (and is generally the practice) to tip the same people one would tip in the United States or Canada. Ten to fifteen percent is a good tip for good service. *(See taxis below.) It is a good idea to arrive in Mexico with pesos in your pocket, as you will want to tip the people helping you with your luggage etc. It is very easy to get pesos at the airport at a currency exchange office or bank, prior to your departure. If you arrive in Mexico City money can easily be exchanged there for a very good rate. Be sure to ask for small denominations. Remember, the Canadian dollar and two dollar coins (all foreign coin for that matter) are not exchangeable in some places in Mexico, so leave them at home. You can change your Canadian dollars at many places, but you would get a better rate to change them to dollars in Canada and then to pesos in Mexico.

What also works very well is to arrive at the airport with lots of U.S. $1 bills. They are gladly accepted for tips. The exchange rate in the U.S. and in the Mexican airports is very unfavorable. The best rates are via the ATM's which give you the interbank exchange rate.  It is always a good idea to let your bank and your credit cards know of your travel plans as they might shut them off to protect you from fraud!

Regarding tipping daily maid and room attendants

Daily maid service is said to be included in the cost of accommodations, however a general guideline for tipping the maids is 10 pesos per day per person, so if a family of four stays a week, the tip would be 280 pesos. It should be noted that different  maids may clean your room different days, or your check out might be on a Sunday (your regular maid's only day off), tipping daily is the best way to convey your appreciation.  Tips in pesos are appreciated, as changing foreign monies is difficult for workers. Leave your tip on the pillow of an unmade bed to signify it is money meant for your maid. 

At some all-inclusive resorts, where there is a mini bar, there is usually a room attendant other than your maid that looks after restocking the mini bar. If this is the case, be sure to leave a tip inside the mini bar as well, (20 to 50 pesos) depending on the level of service and refreshments offered 

Other tipping

For those people driving, the gas station attendant should be tipped for filling the tank and cleaning the windows. Five to ten pesos is acceptable.

Even though all-inclusive tours say that tips are included, it is always appreciated in Mexico if you tip for good service, whether it be the bar, restaurant, or other service. In an all-inclusive, where there is no value guideline for meal service tipping, a tip at each meal and for the bellboy is always appreciated.

Taxis

If a price is negotiated with the cab driver, pay only that amount, as he will have ensured there is a gratuity built into his negotiated price. If he gives you extra service (stops at vista points or makes extra stops) then a tip is acceptable.

Tour guides

Tour guides should be tipped according to one's satisfaction.