Cuba Forum: Tipping At All Inclusive Resort

Right I guess the maids must get sick of getting shampoo all the time, I was thinking of getting cosmetics and hair clips and stuff, not sure if they would want that. We were also thinking of burning some CDs with music as tips as well. Would a maid have a CD player at home?

What most toursits who are heading to Cuba do not realize is that as tourism has grown in the last 5 or so years, we as tourists have trained the Cuban people to expect tips. There is such a difference from the first time when were there to the last. The locals have learned to ask for, beg for and even steal from the tourists. They know how to play up to them and become their best friend in hopes of a reward at the end of a tourist's vacation. This is how it is Mexico, DR and Jamaica. Why now should it be any different in Cuba? I am not saying that this is a bad thing and there are many Cubans who do not fit the above opinion. Tipping should be treated just like you tip in Canada or where ever you are from. The " empleados " on the resort should be treated with respect. Laugh with them, have fun with them and let them know you appreciate their service with a tip. As well let them know if their service is not up to standard by not tipping. You would not tip bad service an establishment in your home country. Think about how many hundreds of tourists come through a resort each year with a bottle of shampoo and a tube of toothpaste. Would you not think it a little repetative after a while. People may be mistaking this for lack of appreciation for the items. We love Cuba and visit as often as possible , we are heading there in a couple of weeks. We treat our Cuban friends as equals and we are generous to those who are deserving and hard working.

Right I agree, I don't want to just tip because it's expected. I want to tip when I receive quality service. However it seems like this environment of 'tip me first I'll give you good service after' already exists. So what can I bring to offer as tips for quality service and how do I ensure I kick things off the right way? Mmaybe I'm being to particular but I've never done an all inclusive before and I have no clue how this all works :)

Just use your manners to begin with. A bartender after serving you will get to know you if you leave a small tip after serving you. Other items for other than bartenders and wait staff : sunglasses, hats as they will be able to sell them or trade for something they need. Hair scrunchies and ankle socks for the maids is a nice change of pace. There are no tipping rules or guide lines. Common sense. We take a set amount change it into one dollar bills and distribute them through out the week. We usually take 150 - 200 dollars. At the end of the week we leave our friends a chunk of money since they have become our friends over the years. Any really good workers will get a larger one time tip 10 to 20 at the end of our stay. A couple of times I have gone home with just the clothes on my back.

We do not constantly tip and probably spend ~$10-15 a day. A small price to pay, IMHO.

We don't tip the bartender a dollar every single time we get a drink. We do, however, tip a dollar every few rounds, or a few $$ at the end of the evening.

This time around I'm making a point of bringing little Body Shop soaps with me with the intent to tip our maid $1+ a soap every day. We're also going to bring ball caps and t-shirts for the groundskeepers who seem to be frequently overlooked.

Wait staff for any non-buffet breakfast or lunch we will tip $1, and perhaps $2 or 3 at dinner - depending on service quality.

As a rule, we don't tip really poor service, say, if someone is rude. My husband and I do not mind waiting for service if the server is busy - sometimes resorts are a little under staffed, so we know to be patient, especially when on vacation.

Enjoy!!! :)

to megusta cuba,

Me gusta Cuba tanbien, everything you said is right. I have seen in Cuba the changes thanks to many poor tourists ( lots of Canadians) who have spoiled, barmen, maids, waitresses etc. and now they expect everyday something. Beside, many don't seem very happy with the tips or gifts we bring them. They are used to it. I think people have to use their head and stop spoiling the workers so much or the services will get worse. If someone does not agree with me he or she must be completly blind or does not travel often enough to Cuba.

Just got back from Cuba (resort near Matanzas).

Forget about cash. Give stuff to people. It's cheaper for you and better for them.

My attitude was: tip on the first day so they get to know you (but also smile and be friendly). Tip at the end as a "goodbye present". And in between, infrequently, if you feel like it. For good service only.

For guys: disposable razors and/or soap for small tips. (The soap is bulky, so maybe two razors if you want to tip something small.) Razors will always be useful to them.

For women: pads/tampons, make up, perfume, bath products.

For both: kids' multivitamins (if they have kids), Tylenol, shoes, clothes... (these are all bigger-type tips, but things they need.)

To tip small stuff, just hold the item in your hand, and reach out palm down as if you're going in for a handshake. Wave the person over if they at first don't see your attempt to give them something.

I raided my home for stuff I don't use (little sample perfumes, tampons, etc.) and bought some stuff. I gave out less than $10 CUC in cash tips. Everything else I bought or brought from home - about $25 CAD worth of stuff. Vitamins, Chiclets, razors, soap, candy. It went so well I'll do it this way again when I return to Cuba.

Do not start off by tipping generously as it will be expected all the time. I have brought duffle bags of gifts with me in the past, but I would not be so generous the next time. The people I truly enjoyed giving gifts to were the ones that didnt expect it...people outside the resort. At the resort I liked to give gift bags to the security guards and the gardeners. It seems like the bartenders and maids get almost everything. Try and give some gifts to others who might not get anything..the dishwasher in the kitchen, front desk ladies, and maybe even your taxi driver or tour guide. Try to shop for different gifts...I agree they must be sick of getting shampoo and toothpaste. The kids love hot wheels cars and they are small enough to pack. I also give hand towels, tea towels, dish scrubbies, journals, flashlights, manicure kits, childrens shoes, etc. (I usually buy everything on sale, or get it at the dollar store)

We usually did tip larger amounts of money at first, then toards the middle of the holiday we didnt tip every drink etc, at meals and every few drinks, at to say goodbye to a few of our friends we tipped larger amounts (5CUC-10CUC). This worked well i found, as we tipped often at first they got to know us and brought us drinks very quickly, and yes if we hadnt tipped as large amounts, or as frequently at the beginning we probably wouldnt have had as great service.

Lots of cubans i met loved sweets, so i brought them to my friends on xmas etc and our maid loved the cosmetics we left for her sometimes. A good present for cuban men is football stuff if you're going from the UK. When we go next time were stopping at JJB Sports or somewhere first as often they sell off the older football shirts, hats which are now out of date for really cheap prices. All the men love Man united and england football in general, so if you or a firend has any footie memoroblia they dont want anymore, they will love it!!