Tipping Tour Guides In Belize: What's The Norm?

Tipping culture varies from country to country, and it can be confusing to know what's expected when travelling abroad. In Belize, tipping is welcomed and appreciated, but it's not mandatory or always expected. While excessive tipping is not common within Belize's local culture, the tourism sector has adopted the tipping culture of its visitors, with most tourists coming from the US, where tipping is the norm. So, while you don't have to tip tour guides in Belize, it is customary and expected.

How much to tip tour guides in Belize

Tipping culture in Belize varies depending on the industry. While excessive tipping is not common within Belize's local culture, the tourism sector has adopted the tipping culture of its visitors, with most tourists coming from the United States, where tipping is customary.

For tour guides, tipping is expected and appreciated, but the amount varies depending on the cost of the tour and the quality of service provided. While some sources suggest tipping 10-15% of the tour cost, others recommend $5-10 per person per day, or $20-40 for a family of four on one tour. If you have multiple guides, you can give the tip to the main guide and ask them to share it with the others.

It is worth noting that some upscale lodges include service charges in their packages, so tipping may not be necessary or expected. Additionally, some hotels include mandatory service charges distributed among the staff, which may or may not include tour guides, so it is essential to clarify this before leaving a tip.

When tipping, cash is always preferred, but credit card tips are also acceptable if that is your only option.

When to tip tour guides in Belize

Tipping culture in Belize varies between industries. While excessive tipping is not a common practice within Belize's local culture and service industry, the tourism sector has adopted the tipping culture of its visitors, with most tourists coming from the United States, where tipping is common.

When it comes to tour guides in Belize, tipping is not mandatory but is expected and appreciated. While there is no set amount, the most common tip is about 10-15% of the price of the tour. For a full day tour, this can range from $5 to $200 USD. If you have multiple guides, you can tip the main guide and ask them to share it with the others.

It is also worth noting that some upscale, all-inclusive jungle lodges include gratuities in their package, so tipping may not be necessary or expected in these cases.

When tipping, cash is always preferred, but credit card tips are also acceptable if that is your only option.

Tipping culture in Belize

Tipping is not mandatory in Belize, but it is a nice thing to do. While locals don't usually leave more than a few dollars as a tip, the tourism sector has adopted the tipping culture of its visitors, with most tourists coming from the US, where tipping is common. As such, leaving gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers is now customary and expected.

How Much to Tip

The amount that constitutes a suitable tip varies, and any amount is appreciated by the local staff, whose salaries are often supplemented by tips. In general, 10-15% of the total bill is a good guideline for tipping servers at restaurants. For tour guides, US $5-10 per person per day is appropriate. For drivers providing private transfers, US $5-15 per trip is acceptable.

When to Tip

In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip on the table when you depart. Some restaurants have a general tip box near the register, so it is worth checking for this. When staying at a resort, it is acceptable to distribute gratuities when checking out and paying the bill. It is also possible to leave a general tip that can be divided among the staff or to give cash directly to staff who provided exceptional service.

Mandatory Service Charges

Many resorts include a mandatory service charge of 5-12% that is distributed among the staff. This is often already included in the bill, so it is worth checking how much service charge has been added before calculating any additional gratuities.

Who else to tip in Belize

Tipping culture in Belize varies between industries. While it is not mandatory to tip, it is a nice way to show gratitude for good service. Here is a list of people you may encounter in Belize and who you may want to consider tipping:

Hotel Staff

Hotel staff, including bellboys, maids, and porters, often expect a tip. Many high-end hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill during checkout, which is distributed among the staff. However, if a service charge is not included, it is customary to give a small tip of 5-10% to those who have assisted you.

Restaurant and Bar Staff

In restaurants, a tip of around 15% of the total bill is customary, and even if the service is not great, 10% is usually considered the minimum. At bars, the same rule applies, with tips ranging from 10-15%. It is recommended to hand the tip directly to the waiter, as they may not receive their share if left on the table or put into a tip box.

Spa Staff

Spa staff in Belize appreciate tips, and 10-15% of the bill is a reasonable amount. If multiple staff members provide a service, the tip can be split between them.

Tour Guides and Drivers

Tour guides and drivers often expect a tip, and the general rule is to give around 10-15% of the overall cost of the tour. For drivers providing private transfers, $5-15 per trip is considered acceptable.

Taxi Drivers

While tipping taxi drivers is not common in Belize, they may appreciate a small tip if they help with carrying luggage.

Hairdressers

Tipping hairdressers is not customary in Belize, but a tip of 10% of the bill is appreciated, and you can always tip more if you are satisfied with the service.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Instructors

Belize is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, especially at the Great Blue Hole. For dive masters and scuba instructors, a tip of 10-20% or BZ$5-10 per oxygen tank is considered suitable.

When Not to Tip

In Belize, some roles do not usually expect a tip, including taxi drivers (unless they help with luggage), street food sellers, art and craft vendors, and fast-food or street food cart vendors.

It is important to note that while tipping is not mandatory, it can make a significant difference to the people you encounter, as the minimum wage in Belize is very low. Even a small amount is appreciated and can go a long way.

Who not to tip in Belize

Tipping is not mandatory in Belize, but it is a nice gesture, and the extra money from tips can go a long way. While it is customary to tip tour guides, there are some roles that typically wouldn't expect a tip.

Taxi Drivers

It is rare to tip taxi drivers in Belize. As they don't work on a meter, it is best to negotiate a fare. However, you may wish to tip a small amount if they help with your luggage.

Hairdressers

It is not customary to tip hairdressers in Belize, but a 10% tip is appreciated.

Street Food Sellers

Street food sellers do not expect a tip.

Art and Craft Vendors

Art and craft vendors in Belize do not usually expect a tip.

Fast Food and Restaurant Staff

Fast-food restaurant staff do not usually expect a tip. While it is customary to tip in sit-down restaurants, this is usually because you are receiving a customised experience.

Frequently asked questions