How does tipping work in restaurants and on tours?

Many travelers arrive in Peru unsure whether to tip or how much is appropriate. While not mandatory, tipping is a common way to thank a staff member for good service. Customs vary depending on the establishment, so this guide explains everything clearly and practically.

Tipping in Restaurants

In Peruvian restaurants, it’s customary to leave a tip when the service is good. The recommended amount is at least 10 soles. In tourist restaurants or mid-range establishments, many people leave between 10 and 15 soles. If the service was exceptional, you can leave more.

In small restaurants, it’s recommended to leave at least 5 soles, although 10 soles is still ideal to maintain a respectful standard. If the bill includes a “service charge,” this amount doesn’t always reach the staff, so some people leave a small extra in cash.

Tipping in Cafes and Bars

In cafes, it’s customary to leave a small tip. The recommended minimum is 5 soles, but in tourist areas, many travelers leave 10 soles. In bars, if you only ordered drinks, the tip is usually 10 soles. If you ordered food or several rounds, it’s customary to leave between 10 and 20 soles.

Tipping on Guided Tours

Tipping is very common on tours. Guides rely heavily on this additional income. For short tours, it’s recommended to leave between 10 and 20 soles per person. For full-day tours, it’s appropriate to leave between 30 and 50 soles. On private tours, many travelers leave between 40 and 60 soles for personalized service.

Drivers receive less, but their work also deserves recognition. The recommended minimum is 10 soles per person. In rural areas, it could be 5 soles, but the current standard is 10 soles.

If you’re traveling in a group, you can tip together at the end of the tour.

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Hotel Tips

In hotels, it’s customary to leave 10 soles per bag for the staff who help with luggage. Some people leave 10 or 20 soles for the cleaning staff at the end of their stay. For room service, it’s customary to leave between 5 and 10 soles.

Tips by City

• Lima has higher tipping rates than other regions.
• Cusco receives tips very frequently due to tourism.
• Arequipa maintains the standard of a minimum of 10 soles.
• Puno values ​​tips more, especially on tours.

Tipping for Special Activities

• Tips are not customary in taxis, but the fare can be rounded up if the driver helped with luggage.
• For massages and spas, a tip of 10 to 20 soles per therapist is customary.
• For multi-day tours, the tip is calculated per day of service.
• In restaurants with live music, a tip of 5 to 10 soles is customary for the performers.

Payment Methods for Tips

The most common method is cash. If you pay by card, you can ask for the tip to be added, although many workers receive this amount later. Some guides accept Yape or Plin, but only if they have a Peruvian mobile line. In hotels, it’s best to give the tip directly to the staff.

What if the bill includes a service charge

The “service charge” doesn’t always go directly to the server. That’s why some people leave a small tip when the service was excellent. You’re not obligated to do so, but it’s a kind gesture.

When not to tip

You don’t leave a tip if the service was poor or the staff wasn’t attentive. You also don’t leave a tip at drive-thru or fast food restaurants. If there’s already a service charge, tipping is entirely up to you.

Common Mistakes

• Leaving only 1 or 2 soles in tourist restaurants.
• Thinking that the tip is included in the tour.
• Confusing “service” with a tip.
• Not carrying small change.
• Believing that tipping is mandatory.

Quick Summary

• Restaurants: minimum 10 soles.
• Cafes: 5 to 10 soles.
• Bars: 10 to 20 soles.
• Guided Tours: 10 to 50 soles.
• Drivers: minimum 10 soles.
• Hotels: 10 soles per bag.