Tipping in South America: Country-by-Country Guide

The General Principle

Service industry wages are low across South America — a waiter in Lima earns a base wage that relies on tips to reach a liveable income. Unlike some Asian countries where tipping is considered offensive, tipping in South America is expected, appreciated, and economically meaningful. The amounts are modest by North American standards but significant for the recipients. Cash tips are always preferred over card — many restaurant payment systems do not pass card tips to the staff.

Peru

Restaurants: 10% is standard if 'servicio' is not already included in the bill (check — many upmarket restaurants add 10% automatically). In local comedores and market stalls, tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Tour guides: S/15–25 ($4–7) per person per day for a good guide on a group tour; S/50–80 ($14–22) per person for a private guide. Inca Trail porters: S/80–120 ($22–33) per person for the 4-day trail — divided among the porter team by the lead guide. Taxis: Not expected — round up to the nearest whole number if paying cash.

Colombia

Restaurants: A 10% propina (tip) is often added automatically to restaurant bills (look for 'servicio' on the bill). If not included, 10% is appropriate. Tip in cash even if paying by card. Tour guides: COP$20,000–40,000 ($5–10) per person per day for group tours; COP$60,000–100,000 ($15–25) for private guides. Taxis and Uber: Not expected — round up for exceptionally helpful drivers.

Argentina

Restaurants: 10% is standard — note that Argentina's inflation means the peso amount changes rapidly; tip based on the current equivalent of 10% of the bill regardless of the currency complexity. Tour guides: AR$500–1,000+ per person per day (amounts change with inflation — the current USD equivalent of $5–10/day for group tours is a reliable guide). Hotels: AR$200–400 for porters, AR$300–500 for housekeeping per day in upmarket hotels. In budget accommodation, tipping is not expected.

Bolivia

Bolivia has the least ingrained tipping culture of the main South American tourist destinations — in local restaurants and markets, tipping is not standard. However, tour guides and drivers on the Uyuni salt flat tours and other excursions appreciate and expect a tip: BOB$30–50 ($4–7) per person per day for group tours. Death Road cycling tour guides: BOB$50–100 ($7–14) — a shared tip for the whole group is easier than individual payments.

Brazil

Restaurants: A 10% 'taxa de serviço' is included in most restaurant bills — check before adding more. In casual restaurants where it is not included, 10% is appropriate. Tour guides: BRL$30–60 ($6–12) per person per day. Taxi drivers: Not expected — round up. Hotel staff: BRL$5–10 for porters, BRL$5–10 per day for housekeeping in mid-range and upmarket hotels.

When to Tip in USD

USD tips are accepted and appreciated by guides, porters, and hotel staff throughout South America — particularly in countries with currency instability (Argentina, Bolivia). A $5 USD bill is a universally appreciated tip. Carry small USD bills specifically for tipping.