The art of tipping in Punta Cana

When you are on vacation, it is sometimes difficult to know how to tip. Who should I tip? When and how much should you tip? Usually these are the questions I hear from tourists traveling to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

People who work in tourism in Punta Cana often receive a relatively small basic salary, supplemented by tips and sales commissions (for example, excursions). These hardworking people are used to receiving and often expect to receive a tip for their services.

If you want to be fully prepared to tip from the moment you arrive in Punta Cana, it would be a good idea to make sure you have plenty of small US dollar bills. When you have arrived in Punta Cana, you can always exchange larger US dollar bills for smaller bills or withdraw money in local currency (i.e. Dominican pesos) from any ATM. One dollar is approximately 40 Dominican pesos.

Arriving at the airport:

It all starts when you arrive at the Punta Cana airport. You will be greeted by friendly porters / bellboys who are ready to help you locate and carry your luggage from the baggage claim area to the car or bus that will take you to your resort. The porter expects to receive USD 1 per bag, or a little more if your luggage is very heavy or you have a lot.

At the resort:

When you arrive at the resort, you can tip the driver if you think they have been driving well, have been friendly, and are generally satisfied with their services. Typically, you should tip 10-15% of the trip price, which in most cases would be approx. USD 3-5 if your resort is located in Punta Cana or Bávaro (within 10-30 minutes from the airport).

When you arrive at the resort, a bellboy, who will assist you with your luggage, will greet you. You can tip USD 1 per bag if you bring your luggage to your room.

It is always a good idea to tip the housekeeper, who cleans your room, either at the beginning of your vacation or during your vacation. Typically, you should tip the maid about $ 2 a day and leave the money on the bed, where it is sure to be found.

At some point during your Punta Cana vacation, you will most likely need the help of the concierge, for example making dinner reservations. A tip of around USD 5-10 for your help will go a long way, and you may experience that a table in the restaurant, which was originally full, is now available to you at any time you want. You may also experience that something that was suddenly completely impossible to obtain becomes “no problem.”

Waiters and bartenders are sure to appreciate your tip. You can leave a larger tip of approx. USD 10-20 at the beginning of your vacation (then you will surely never forget it) or small tips during your vacation (for example, USD 1-2 every time you get great service).

On an excursion or on the golf course:

If you are going on an excursion while on vacation in Punta Cana, it is recommended that you bring money for tips to the tour guide. Typically, you will share the tips with the driver and / or other tour personnel. If you’ve had a good time, you can easily drop $ 2-3 on a half-day tour and $ 5 on a full-day tour. If you have taken a private tour with a private driver or tour guide, you need to leave a larger tip, for example USD 10.

If you are a golfer and you are going to play on one of the courses in Punta Cana or Casa de Campo where caddies are mandatory (Punta Espada, Corales or Teeth of the Dog), you generally have to pay a caddy fee of USD 25-30 for the car. Typically, you will need to have one caddy per golf cart with 2 people. Aside from the caddy fee, a tip of $ 15-20 per person is expected, depending on how satisfied you have been with the caddy or how well you played … and your good mood after the round.

If someone cleans your golf clubs and / or shoes after the round, they should tip you USD 3-5.

At the local restaurant:

If you decide to go out to eat at one of the local restaurants in Punta Cana, you should bear in mind that normally there is already a 10% tip included in your bill (by law). In most places, you are expected to tip an additional 5-10% of the amount on your bill if you are satisfied with the food and service.

It may seem like you can hardly walk without throwing money and tips left and right. Don’t despair – if all else fails and you must have doubts, follow your frame of mind. If you have been satisfied with the service they have provided, and you have nothing to complain about, then the best way to show your appreciation is by leaving a tip for the people who have served you.

Happy Holidays!

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