EndTippingCulture

Tipping in South America: Customs, Exceptions, and Traveler Tips

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Jim Roberts

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Tipping in South America: A Patchwork of Traditions

Tipping in South America is neither universally expected nor completely rejected—it falls somewhere in between. Most countries include service charges or expect modest tips in certain industries. However, unlike in the U.S., there is no pressure to tip large percentages or tip for every service interaction.

Where Tipping Is Expected (Modestly)

🇧🇷 Brazil:

A 10% service charge is often added to the bill. Additional tips are not expected, though you can round up or give extra in touristy areas. Tipping taxi drivers isn’t customary, but rounding up fares is polite.

🇨🇱 Chile:

A 10% propina (tip) is typically added to restaurant bills, though you can decline it. It’s also common to tip hotel porters and guides a small amount.

🇦🇷 Argentina:

Tipping is expected in restaurants (around 10%), but it’s often done in cash, even if paying the bill by card. Tips are also given to hotel staff and taxi drivers (round up).

Where Tipping Is Appreciated but Optional

🇨🇴 Colombia:

A 10% tip may be included on restaurant bills. If not, leaving one is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis and other services, rounding up is fine.

🇵🇪 Peru:

A tip of 10% is standard in restaurants if not included. Tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff may expect tips, especially in tourist regions.

🇪🇨 Ecuador:

Restaurants often include a 10% service charge. You may leave a little extra for excellent service, but it’s not required.

Where Tipping Is Minimal

🇧🇴 Bolivia:

Tipping is not common, especially among locals. Tourists may leave small tips in restaurants or for guides, but it’s more of a bonus than an expectation.

🇵🇾 Paraguay:

Some upscale restaurants may include a service charge. Rounding up or tipping 5–10% is appreciated but not widespread.

🇺🇾 Uruguay:

Tipping is common in urban restaurants—usually 10%. In smaller towns, less is expected, and locals may not tip at all.

Why South America Stays Grounded on Tipping

In many South American countries, tipping is a gesture of gratitude, not a wage replacement. Service fees are often built into pricing, and there’s no expectation of 15–25% gratuities like in the U.S. For consumers, this reduces anxiety and lets you focus on the experience—not the math.

Tip Creep Warning for Tourists

Tourists often bring U.S. tipping habits abroad. While it’s generous, it can alter expectations and lead to increased reliance on tips in places where workers should be fairly paid. When in South America, follow local norms—and resist the pressure to overtip.

Related Article:

Tipping While Traveling Internationally

Comments

2 responses to “Tipping in South America: Customs, Exceptions, and Traveler Tips”

  1. Jonathan Avatar
    Jonathan

    We are moving to Uruguay and have lined up an apartment to rent. What is the custom for tipping the doormen of your apartment building?

    Reply
    1. Jim Roberts Avatar
      Jim Roberts

      Great question — happy to help! As you move to Uruguay, here’s a helpful breakdown of tipping (or “propina”) norms there — and how they apply (or might apply) to an apartment-building doorman/portero situation.

      ⸻

      General tipping culture in Uruguay
      • Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required in many service-contexts in Uruguay. For example, at restaurants a 10% tip is common if service was good and no service charge is included. 
      • For hotel staff (bellhops, housekeeping) typical tips are small – e.g., a few UYU pesos for help with bags, or per day for cleaning. 
      • The key idea: the culture is more modest about tipping than in the U.S., and it’s more about gratitude than obligation. 

      ⸻

      Apartment‐building doorman (portero) situation

      Since you’re renting an apartment and have a doorman/building porter (“portero” or “conserje”) situation, here’s what makes sense given the local context:
      • It’s not clearly documented in the sources I found that Uruguay has a strong, formal custom of tipping building staff monthly or automatically for residents the way some U.S. cities do.
      • In one older source of expatriates in Uruguay, they mention that for apartment buildings it was “common courtesy to tip the portero monthly” and give examples like UYU 50-100 pesos in some cases. 
      • Given that, you could view tipping the doorman as a nice gesture rather than a fixed expectation.

      ⸻

      My recommendation for your case

      Since you’re moving and getting settled, here’s a practical approach:
      • When you move in: You might consider a one-time “thank you” tip or gift to the doorman/portero to show appreciation for help during the move (if they assist with bags, directing movers, etc.).
      • Monthly tipping: Unless you observe that other residents tip regularly or the building management suggests it, you’re likely fine with no monthly tip requirement. If you develop a personal long-term relationship and you feel your doorman goes above & beyond, a small tip annually (e.g., around the end of year) could be appropriate.
      • Amount: Given local norms, a modest amount is appropriate. For example: UYU 100-300 pesos (or equivalent in USD) could be a respectful tip for something more than expected. If you tip monthly, something smaller (e.g., UYU 50-100) might suit.
      • Delivery: A cash tip in person with a small note of thanks is simple and respectful.
      • Observe and ask: Check with your neighbors or lease-manager if there’s a collective practice (sometimes buildings gather contributions at holiday time). If you see others doing it, you may follow suit.
      • Avoid over-doing: Because tipping culture is modest, giving something very large might feel awkward or standout.

      Reply

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