Navigating the tipping culture in a foreign country can be tricky. As someone accustomed to the tipping norms in the United States, understanding the nuances of “propina” (tip) in Colombia is essential for a smooth and respectful travel experience. This guide provides insights into how much to tip tour guides and other service providers in Colombia.
Restaurants
When the bill arrives (“la cuenta por favor”), your server will often ask, “servicio incluido?” This translates to “service included?” If the answer is yes (which it usually should be!), a 10% service charge, often labelled as “propina” or “Incluido el servicio,” will be added to your bill. Unlike the U.S., there’s no blank line for an additional tip. However, at small, family-owned restaurants where a service charge might not be included, leaving a few thousand pesos is a kind gesture.
Street Food
Colombia’s streets are filled with vendors selling everything from fresh juice to arepas. Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up to the nearest peso is a common practice. Given that most items cost under 5,000 COP, this is a small token of appreciation.
Taxis
Tipping taxi drivers isn’t customary, but rounding up to the nearest 1,000 COP (approximately $0.25 USD) is appreciated, especially if the driver is friendly or helpful. Taxi rides are usually under 10,000 COP within a city.
Nails, Massages, and Spas
While some believe tipping for nail services isn’t necessary, leaving a 2,000-5,000 COP tip is a thoughtful gesture, particularly for services like gel manicures that require more time. For massages or facials lasting an hour or more, a 10% tip (around 10,000-15,000 pesos) is standard.
Hotel Staff
For assistance with luggage, a 2,000 COP tip is appropriate. Increase this to 5,000 COP if you have a lot of luggage or the service is exceptional. While bellhops in major hotel chains may expect a tip, this may not be the case in smaller boutique hotels. For cleaning staff, leaving 2,000-3,000 pesos per day is a considerate practice.
Tour Guides
This is where things get more specific regarding “How Much To Tip Tour Guide In Colombia.” While not always mandatory, tipping your tour guide in Colombia is highly appreciated, especially if they provided an exceptional experience.
Factors to Consider When Tipping Tour Guides:
- Length of the Tour: For a short walking tour (2-3 hours), a tip of 10,000-20,000 COP per person is a good starting point. For full-day excursions, consider 20,000-50,000 COP per person.
- Group Size: If you’re part of a larger group, the per-person tip might be slightly lower.
- Quality of Service: Did the guide go above and beyond? Were they knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive to your needs? Adjust your tip accordingly.
- Private vs. Group Tour: For private tours, a higher tip is generally expected, as the guide is dedicating their time solely to you or your group. 10-15% of the tour cost is a reasonable guideline.
- Type of Tour: Specialized tours, such as multi-day treks or wildlife expeditions, often warrant a more generous tip due to the guide’s expertise and dedication.
General Guidelines for Tipping Tour Guides in Colombia:
- Excellent Service: 10-15% of the tour cost or 25,000-50,000 COP per person per day.
- Good Service: 5-10% of the tour cost or 20,000-30,000 COP per person per day.
- Satisfactory Service: A small token of appreciation, such as 10,000-20,000 COP per person per day.
It’s crucial to assess the quality of service provided and adjust the tip accordingly. If a guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, helpful, and made your experience memorable, a more generous tip is certainly warranted.
Key Takeaways
Tipping in Colombia is generally not as prevalent as in places like the United States. However, showing appreciation for good service is always welcomed. Remembering that the average salary in Colombia is relatively low, even a small tip can make a significant difference. With an exchange rate of approximately 3,500 COP per $1 USD, your money can go a long way.
