Tipping is common in the United States: it is almost second-nature and practiced frequently at most service establishments. In many European countries, it is not so common or customary to tip people for services.

In Mexico, not only is it customary, it is expected and appreciated in return for good service.

Most people working in Mexico's tourism and service sectors rely on your tips to supplement their basic pay and they give good service to prove that it makes a significant difference to them.

Even fringe services like someone at a taxi rank opening the door for you (and perhaps putting your cases in the car's trunk) should receive a small tip (just 1 or 2 pesos will suffice in these cases).

Some hotels and tours indicate that "all tips are included in the price"; if this is the case, fair enough, and there is no need to tip further. You may still wish to leave a small tip for the maids at the rooms you stay in, or offer the tour guide a small tip at the end of the program.

Although tips are frequent in Mexico, the amounts are relatively small, and they really can make a difference to the person whom you are rewarding.

If you did not get poor service, then you should always tip at:

Restaurants - 10% - 15% is normal, depending on the class of establishment and level of service you received. At diners and similar places 10% is sufficient; at higher-end restaurants and bistros, 15% is expected for good service.

Hotels - Bellboys should be paid around US$1 per bag; Concierge around US$2 equivalent if they do something for you (e.g. book a table at a local restaurant); more if they undertake some particular research (e.g. found you a local tour operator, car rental agency, or chauffeur).

Hotels - Maids. Many people leave a tip for the Maid - about US$1-US$5 equivalent per night's stay, depending on the class of establishment. It's best to leave your tips daily as the maids who are assigned to look after your room are probably on a rota and may not be on duty the day you leave.

Gasoline Service Stations - If you rent a car and buy fuel, 2-5% of the cost of the fuel is normal, with 5-10% of the cost of the fuel if the attendant provides additional services (water, oil, tire pressure, etc). It's usual to leave a few pesos tip within a rounded amount; for example, if you are filling up with $200 pesos of fuel, then you may tell the attendant that you want $190 or $195 pesos of fuel; you hand over the $200 pesos bill and the attendant keeps the change.

Car Valets - If you drive to a bar or restaurant and have your car parked by the establishment's valet service, you should tip the attendant around US$1 equivalent in pesos when you leave, unless the valet has a pre-advertised rate (probably higher than this) in which case, pay that rate and no more.

Taxis - If you take a cab from the street, it's appreciated if you round up the meter charge to nearest 5 or 10 pesos depending on the comfort and speed of your journey; however, taxis hired from taxi ranks at hotels or official taxi ranks should be paid the advertised rate (or the rate you agree in advance) and no more.

Bars and Cantinas - Tables at these are often attended (you don't need to go to the bar to order food or drink) - and a tip of 10% of the value of your spending that evening is normal.

Car Park Attendants - Often, car parks will have an "attendant"; a man or woman dressed up in a security-type uniform, who may direct you to a free spot, and see you reverse out when you return. These attendants are often older men who also keep an eye on things while you're away. 2-3 Pesos is sufficient.

Health Spas - For personal services at Resort Spas, 10-15% of the value of the service (e.g. a Massage) is normal. If you're staying at a Destination Spa, you can tip good service personally, 5-10% of the service's 'stand alone' value is fine; or you can add a tip to your final bill, to cover everyone - even the 'behind the scenes' people - 10-15% of the bill is sufficient.