Tipping is always a delicate topic for people once they leave their home country. Unlike Greece and Italy, tipping culture in the Caribbean is similar to the USA. That means tipping is encouraged and you should be prepared to tip various service providers.
One of the benefits to Americans is that almost all the Caribbean islands accept US Dollars. When I was younger, you would need to convert your US Dollars to the local currency and then transact in that currency. Overtime, the local economies have been more welcoming to pricing and receiving payment in US Dollars. Just remember to bring enough small bills for tipping purposes. Here is an island by island break down of their respective tipping cultures:
Aruba
Tipping in Aruba is a common practice, with 15-20% of the bill being the standard for restaurants. Some establishments may automatically add a service charge, so it is wise to check before doubling up. For taxi drivers, tipping around 15% is appreciated, while hotel porters typically receive $1-2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.
Bahamas
The Bahamas often include a 15% gratuity on restaurant bills. Additional tips are welcome but not mandatory. For taxi drivers, 10-15% is the standard gratuity, and hotel porters generally receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.
Barbados
In Barbados, you will often find service charges of 10-15% already added to your restaurant bill, so double-check before leaving an additional tip. For those who do not include service charges, a customary 10-15% additional tip is very common. When it comes to taxi drivers, around 10% is the standard, and hotel porters usually receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.
British Virgin Islands
In restaurants, a 15-20% gratuity is the norm. For taxi drivers, tipping around 10-15% is appreciated, and hotel porters typically receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are no exception when it comes to tipping etiquette. In restaurants, a 15-20% gratuity is customary. However, some eateries already include service charges, so it is important to verify before adding more. Taxi drivers expect to receive tipping around 15%, while hotels often include a service charge.
Dominican Republic
Tipping is a regular practice in the Dominican Republic. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill as a gratuity. For taxi drivers, a 10% tip is standard, and hotel porters typically appreciate $1-2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.
Grenada
While tipping in Grenada is not mandatory, it is polite to leave a customary 10-15% tip in restaurants. Taxi drivers expect tipping of 10-15%, and hotel porters typically receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night. Grenadians are renowned for their friendly and welcoming service, making tipping a meaningful way to acknowledge their hospitality and the effort they put into ensuring your stay is memorable.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, tipping is a common practice, with a customary 10-15% gratuity in restaurants, unless local businesses include a service charge. For taxi drivers, it is typical to tip around 10% of the fare. Hotel porters usually appreciate $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.
Puerto Rico
Tipping practices in Puerto Rico are like those in the mainland United States. In restaurants, a 15-20% gratuity is the norm. For taxi drivers, tipping around 10-15% is appreciated, and hotel porters typically receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night. Puerto Ricans are known for their warmth and helpfulness, so tipping is a way to express gratitude for the exceptional hospitality you will experience on the island.
St. Lucia
In St. Lucia, service charges of 10-15% are often included in restaurant bills, so it is crucial to confirm before adding extra. For taxi drivers, tipping around 10% is standard, and hotel porters generally receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.
Trinidad and Tobago
Tipping in Trinidad and Tobago is a courteous gesture, though not always expected. In restaurants, 10-15% is the customary tip, though it is often included as a service charge. For taxi drivers, 10% of the fare is the typical gratuity, and hotel porters typically receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night. While tipping practices may be more flexible here, it is still a way to acknowledge and reward the island’s service providers for their friendly and helpful assistance.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos are no exception when it comes to tipping etiquette. In restaurants, a 15-20% gratuity is customary. However, some eateries already include service charges, so it is important to verify before adding more. Taxi drivers expect to receive tipping around 15%, while hotels often include a service charge.
US Virgin Islands
Tipping practices in the US Virgin Islands are like those in the mainland United States. In restaurants, a 15-20% gratuity is the norm. For taxi drivers, tipping around 10-15% is appreciated, and hotel porters typically receive $2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping should get $2 a night.