Tipping in Mexico: A Motorcycle Traveller’s Guide to Respect and Pesos

I’ve been asked many times about tipping culture in Mexico. Visitors sometimes say they feel pressured by people offering help. To be clear, I’m not talking about the sometimes messy tourist-resort dynamic — that’s its own cocktail of entitlement and exploitation. I mean the rest of Mexico: the towns, cities, and stretches of open road we ride through.

Let's break down when, where, and how much to tip, with a rider’s perspective on why it matters.

Marie and I just over the border at Leo's in Puerto Peñasco, hanging out with an old Gringo.

In Canada, the US, and much of Europe, we live pretty individualistic lives. We pump our own gas, haul our own groceries, and usually don’t expect help unless we ask for it. If someone waved us out of a parking spot with a red rag, we’d probably just give them the side eye.

So when you cross into Mexico, it can feel like there’s suddenly someone to help with everything — whether you want it or not. At first, the additional help can feel overwhelming. I know how to park, I can bag my own groceries, I can haul my own bags to my hotel room because... I am a strong, independent traveller. But here's the thing, over time, I've learned that tipping isn't just a courtesy here. It's part of the culture, and it's something we need to respect.

The bigger picture

About 50% of Mexicans live in poverty (with around 5% in extreme poverty). On the other end, the upper class makes up only 1–2% of the population, and the middle class hovers around 45-50%. That leaves more than half the people you meet on the road in the lower-income bracket, often piecing together multiple jobs or relying on tips to make ends meet.For a gas station attendant earning minimum wage, that 5–10 peso tip isn’t pocket change. It’s a respectful nod that says: I see you. I value your work.

In tourist hubs, service workers expect tips closer to US or Canadian standards (15–20%), but in smaller towns, 10% is more than enough. Even just rounding up goes a long way. And outside of restaurants, tipping weaves into daily life: the kid juggling fire at a stoplight, the grocery bagger (often a senior or teenager working for tips alone), the franelero waving you safely out of a parking spot. To be clear, these aren’t “extras,”  they’re part of the social fabric.

As riders, we experience Mexico  up close: the beauty, the struggle, the people who keep things moving. Mexico’s economy leans heavily on informal work, and tipping is one of the most immediate, tangible ways we can give back as guests. It's not just a transaction — it's a small way of giving back, showing respect, and building connection. If you can afford the adventure of crossing countries on a motorcycle, you can afford to leave a few extra pesos in gratitude, so be sure to incorporate it into your travel budget. 

Okay, enough philosophy, here’s the numbers:

A quick guide: when and how much to tip in Mexico

Situation	Suggested Tip (MXN)	Notes for Riders
Restaurants	10–20% of bill	Check if servicio is already added.
Street tacos / food stalls	5–10 pesos	Round up, avoid 1–2 peso coins.
Bars	~20 pesos per drink	Or 10–20% on the full tab.
Hotel bellhop	35–50 pesos/bag	More if there are lots of stairs.
Housekeeping	35–50 pesos/night	Leave daily.
Concierge / special help	100–150 pesos	For extra assistance.
Gas station attendant	5–10 pesos	More (10–20) if they check oil/tires.
Franelero (parking helper)	5–20 pesos	More in tourist/nightlife areas.
Grocery bagger	10–20 pesos	30–50 pesos if they carry to your bike.
Public toilets	5–10 pesos	Especially in tourist areas.
Street performers / candy kids	5–15 pesos	Give what feels fair.
Taxi driver	10-20 pesos	Not standard unless they provide luggage help.
Tour guides	10–20% of tour cost	Or 60–200 pesos/day depending on tour type.
Spa / salon	15–20% of cost	Leave in envelope / jar if provided