Quote:
Originally Posted by JSALES
Thanks for the information guys
I've also got another question, how much did you guys usually tip? And any recommendations for an airport transfer to use?
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For me, 20 pesos (~$1.50 CDN??) is an acceptable tip for servers at the resort restaurants. For great service, 50 pesos ($3.75?) is plenty generous. I don't tip for every round of drinks, but either 50 pesos per day to your favourite bartender or 20 pesos every now and then is fine. I also have a personal policy of tipping housekeepers every day (50 pesos the first day, 20 thereafter... ensures you get in their good books on the first day! ha). Tour guides I tend to tip based on the quality of the tour, and taxi drivers based on their friendliness and how ripped off I feel getting out of the cab....
Definitely don't feel like you HAVE to tip everywhere. If the service sucks, if you're tired of spending $$, etc -- it's not required. It's common in touristy areas now, but Mexico doesn't have the same tipping culture we have in Canada. Also keep in mind that the resort staff (esp the ones at The Royal) are NOT struggling to get by... they're not rich obviously, but it's a good job.
I suggest bringing a bunch of smaller Mexican notes if you can -- a handful of 20's and 50's is definitely helpful for bellhops, taxi drivers, etc. If you are too lazy or disorganized to make that happen before you leave, whatever... there's ATM's and money exchange (aka ripoff) desks in the airport, and the front desk of the resort can give change for your bigger bills.
I arranged our airport transfers through the hotel. It was reasonably affordable, convenient, and we only had 3 other couples in our van (Playa is ~45-60 mins from Cancun airport). Taxis are also safe if you prefer to save a bit of $$ and not worry about it until you arrive, altho I prefer to have it all arranged so there's no need to deal with that type of shit after a 10-hour trek across the continent.