Belize's Restaurant Tipping Etiquette

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be tricky to navigate when travelling to a new country. In Belize, tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to show your appreciation for good service. In restaurants, a tip of around 10-15% is standard, with some sources suggesting up to 20% for exceptional service. This amount varies depending on the type of restaurant, the occasion, and the size of your order. It is also common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers, especially if they go out of their way to assist you with your luggage. While tipping is not expected in Belize, it is a nice way to recognise excellent service and can make a big difference to the lives of those working in the service industry.

Tipping is not mandatory in Belize

Belize is one of the poorer countries in Central America, and while tipping is not mandatory, it can have an important impact on the lives and quality of life of those working in the tourism industry. Most people in Belize are very polite, and even if you don't give a tip, they will not abuse you for it.

Belizeans are not pushy about receiving tips and, in fact, tipping is not as habitual in Central America as it is in the US. However, leaving a little extra is customary. When tipping someone, it is best not to make a great display. Instead, you might verbally thank them, shake their hand, and express your appreciation while handing over the bills folded.

Tipping is entirely at your discretion and should be based on the level of service you receive. It is a great way to acknowledge and reward excellent service.

Who to Tip in Belize

Most people who offer tourists services at resorts and restaurants expect a tip, including hotel staff, tour guides, servers, and bartenders. Taxi drivers, street food vendors, and art and craft vendors do not usually expect a tip.

How Much to Tip in Belize

In restaurants, it is customary to tip between 10% and 15% of the total bill. In inexpensive places, you can leave small change or tip 10%. In bars and cafes, you can round the bill up to the next significant amount or leave a small tip each time you order a drink. For bartenders, the tip is usually about BZ$.25 per drink.

In hotels, it is standard practice to tip between 10% and 20%. For porters, the customary tip is about BZ$2 per bag, and for housekeeping, it is customary to leave about 5% to 10% per day.

For tour guides, the normal tip is about 10% to 15% of the price of the tour. For tour bus drivers, the tip can be calculated based on the overall cost of the trip at between 10% and 20%, or between 5 BZD and 10 BZD per oxygen tank.

Currency for Tipping in Belize

It is important to tip in the local currency, which is the Belizean dollar (BZD). The Belizean Dollar is tied at a value of 2 BZD to 1 USD. US dollars are not accepted in Belize, so it is important to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Belize dollars upon arrival.

10-20% is a customary tip for good service

Tipping culture in Belize is different from that of the US, where it is customary to tip for services. In Belize, tipping is not mandatory or expected, but it is still customary to leave a little extra for good service.

When receiving good service in a restaurant, it is customary to tip between 10% and 20%. A tip of 10% is common in most restaurants, while 15% is more common in nicer establishments. If you receive excellent service, you may want to tip closer to 20%. It is also worth noting that in Belize, you should tip your waiter or waitress slightly more than you would a bartender, as they are likely to be sharing their tips with kitchen staff. It is also important to check your bill, as some restaurants include a service charge.

If you are paying with cash, it is best to tip in the local currency, Belizean dollars, as this avoids the service provider from paying high fees on currency exchange.

Tipping is also customary in hotels, especially for staff who are not so well-rewarded, such as maids and porters. It is standard practice to tip between 10% and 20% in hotels, depending on the service provided.

While tipping is not expected in Belize, it is appreciated, and it can make a big difference to the people who receive it.

Cash tips are preferred

Tipping in Belize is not mandatory, but it is customary to show your appreciation for good service. Cash tips are always preferred, and while credit card tips are accepted, they are not the best way to ensure your gratuity reaches the intended recipient. Credit card companies charge a large fee, and sometimes, the gratuity money will be taken by the restaurant or hotel owner.

In restaurants, bars, and cafes, it is standard practice to tip your server. The amount you tip depends on the place, the occasion, and the order size. For a 100 Belizean dollar meal, a good tip is 10-15 Belizean dollars, while for a 10 Belizean dollar drink, a tip of 1-2 Belizean dollars is suggested. In fancier establishments, where cocktail-making is a craft, a larger tip is appreciated. It is also customary to tip bartenders BZ$.25 per drink.

In hotels, it is standard practice to tip between 10-20%. This includes maids and other housekeeping staff, to whom you should give a small daily tip to thank them for their hard work. Porters are also commonly tipped a small amount for helping with luggage. Concierge and reception staff are usually only tipped if they provide exceptional service beyond simple tasks like booking dinner reservations.

When travelling, it is always a good idea to carry cash in the local currency. In Belize, this is the Belizean dollar, which is tied to the US dollar at a rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD. While US dollars are widely accepted, using local currency ensures that your service providers do not have to pay high fees on currency exchange.

Bills may include a service charge

In Belize, tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave a little extra if you can. In most restaurants, a 15% tip is common, but always check your bill to see if a service charge has been added. If the service was excellent, you may wish to add an additional tip. If you are dissatisfied with the service, you can choose not to tip at all.

In some restaurants, you may be given the option to add a gratuity when paying by card. However, it is worth noting that cash tips are always preferable as credit card companies charge high fees, and some of the gratuity money may be taken or withheld by the restaurant owner.

Many hotels and resorts in Belize add a service charge, usually 10%, to bills, so additional tipping is not expected. However, this service charge may not always be passed on to the staff, so if you want to ensure your tip reaches the people who served you, it is best to tip in cash.

When it comes to hotel staff, it is customary to tip between 5-10% of the overall bill. This includes bellboys, porters, and the housekeeping service. If your hotel offers spa services, a tip of 10-15% of the bill for the treatment is standard.

In bars and cafes, you can round the bill up to the nearest significant amount or leave a small tip each time you order a drink. In fancier establishments, you may wish to leave a larger tip.

In conclusion, while not mandatory, tipping is a nice way to show your appreciation for good service in Belize. Bills may include a service charge, but this is not always passed on to staff, so cash tips are preferable. When deciding how much to tip, consider the quality of service and the discretion of the staff.

Who to tip: hotel staff, tour guides, servers, bartenders

Tipping is not mandatory in Belize, but it is a nice way to show your appreciation for good service. The minimum wage in Belize is very low, so tips can make a big difference in the lives of those who work in the service industry. Here is a guide on who to tip and how much to tip during your stay in Belize:

Hotel Staff

Hotel staff, such as bellboys, valets, porters, and housekeeping, are commonly tipped in Belize. The standard tip for porters is BZ$2 per bag, with a total of no more than BZ$5. For housekeeping, it is customary to leave about 5-10% per day. As for other hotel services, tipping is usually based on the service provided. If you are staying in a high-end hotel with exceptional service, you may want to tip a range of staff, including maids, bellboys, valets, and front desk employees. The amount you tip is up to your discretion and should be based on the level of service you receive.

Tour Guides

Tour guides are an important part of your travel experience in Belize, as they can provide valuable knowledge and context for your trip. The standard tip for tour guides is about 10-15% of the price of the tour. If you have multiple guides, it is common to tip the "main guide" and let them share the tip with the others. If you are scuba diving or taking a trip to the Great Blue Hole, the tip can be calculated based on the overall cost of the trip (10-20%) or BZD 5-10 per oxygen tank.

Servers

In restaurants, it is customary to tip around 10-15% of the bill. For exceptional service, you may want to tip closer to 20%. It is worth noting that waiters and waitresses usually share their tips with the kitchen staff, so they may receive a slightly higher tip than bartenders.

Bartenders

In bars and cafes, you can round the bill to the nearest significant amount or leave a small tip each time you order a drink. For a skilled bartender or barista, you may want to leave a larger tip. The standard tip for bartenders is about BZ$ 0.25 per drink.

When tipping in Belize, it is important to use the local currency, which is the Belizean dollar (BZD). Cash tips are always preferred, but if you can only tip with a credit card, that is usually acceptable as well. Remember to always check your bill, as sometimes a service charge may already be included.

Frequently asked questions