Tipping in Peru: Who to Tip and How Much



Tipping customs in Peru vary depending on the type of service and the region. While tipping is not mandatory, it is generally appreciated and expected for good service. Here’s a guideline on who to tip and how much in Peru:1. Restaurants: In restaurants, a service charge (usually around 10%) may be included in the bill, especially in tourist areas. If a service charge is not included, it’s customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill for good service. However, be sure to check the bill to avoid double-tipping.2. Tour Guides: For guided tours, it’s customary to tip the guide. The amount can vary depending on the length and quality of the tour, but a tip of around $5-10 USD per person per day is generally appreciated.3. Drivers: If you hire a private driver, it’s polite to tip them as well. A tip of around $5-10 USD per day is appropriate, depending on the length of the journey and the level of service provided.4. Hotel Staff: Tipping hotel staff is not required but appreciated for good service. You can leave a small tip (around $1-2 USD) for bellhops who assist with carrying luggage to your room. Housekeeping staff can also be tipped a similar amount per day.5. Porters: If you’re traveling with heavy luggage or hiking in the mountains, you may encounter porters who assist with carrying your belongings. It’s customary to tip porters around $5-10 USD per day, depending on the weight of your luggage and the difficulty of the trek.6. Taxi Drivers: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare to the nearest whole amount is common practice. For example, if the fare is 15 soles, you can round up to 20 soles.7. Spa and Salon Services: If you receive spa or salon services, such as massages or haircuts, tipping is appreciated. A tip of around 10% of the total cost is customary.8. Other Services: For other services, such as luggage assistance at airports or help from street vendors, tipping is not always expected but can be a nice gesture if you feel the service was particularly helpful.Note: Always consider the local cost of living and your own budget when determining how much to tip. It’s also a good idea to carry small bills or change in the local currency to make tipping easier. Ultimately, tipping in Peru is a way to show appreciation for good service and is not mandatory.

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