We’ve stayed at 13 all-inclusive resorts for free using points and miles—but one thing we still had to budget for? Tipping.
How much should you tip at an all-inclusive resort? It depends! After visiting Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, we’ve figured out a simple tipping strategy that works everywhere.
Like many travelers, we wanted to enjoy the stress-free luxury these resorts offer, but we also didn’t want to overlook the incredible staff who make vacations truly memorable.

Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about tipping, and in this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know.
Still deciding whether an all-inclusive resort is right for you? Check out our comprehensive guide to why we **LOVE** All Inclusive Resorts!
Whether you’re heading to a luxury spot like Secrets Impression Moxche, experiencing the stunning ocean views at Secrets Bahia Mita, or staying at one of the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva resorts, this post will help you navigate tipping etiquette, how much to tip, and who to tip during your stay.
Should You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts?
The short answer is yes—tipping at all-inclusive resorts is generally appreciated, even when it’s not required.
Most resorts in places like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica allow tipping, though policies can vary. Some brands, like Sandals and Beaches, include gratuities in the upfront cost and discourage additional tipping, except for butlers, tour guides, and spa staff.
For specific details on Sandals and Beaches’ tipping policies, you can review their official guidelines here: Beaches Resorts’ official tipping policy
At other resorts, tipping is not mandatory, but it’s a great way to show appreciation for exceptional service. When we stayed at Secrets Maroma Beach, our Concierge Roberto went above and beyond to make our stay special.

More recently, at Secrets Bahia Mita, the perfect service at the Preferred Club pool made a huge difference in our stay. A small tip upfront ensured our drinks never went empty!
A small gesture like tipping felt like the right way to say thank you.
How Much to Tip at All Inclusive Resorts
Knowing how much to tip at an all-inclusive resort can feel overwhelming, especially since a big reason to visit an A.I. resort is that your stay already includes most everything.
For Zuzu and me, we’ve found that an average of $20 per day works well for us over a typical 4–6 night stay. That’s what we’re comfortable with, and it’s usually the only out-of-pocket cost we have at all inclusive resorts.
While $20 per day is what we tip, tipping is highly personal—higher or lower amounts are fine depending on your budget and preferences.
How We Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts (Without Overspending)
We don’t tip at every single opportunity, and you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t either. For example, we don’t always tip for every drink at the bar or every meal at the buffet.
Sometimes, we’ll start with a larger tip—like $5–$10 to a bartender or pool server—to establish a good relationship. This usually means better service all trip long without needing to tip for every single round.
After that, we might not tip for every drink, but if the service continues to impress, we’ll add another tip later or leave a final tip when we’re done at that bar.
While it’s good to tip bartenders, it’s also fun to know what to drink. Check out our list of best drinks to order at all inclusives!

Tipping is a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation. The staff are there to make sure you enjoy your vacation, whether or not you tip every time.
A.I. Resort Tipping in the Caribbean
With so many all inclusive resorts across the Caribbean, it’s no surprise that tipping etiquette can vary from country to country.
In Mexico, tipping is common at all-inclusive resorts, especially for bartenders and servers. In Jamaica, many resorts include gratuities, but extra tipping is still appreciated. The Dominican Republic expects smaller tips, usually $1–$2 per service. In the Bahamas and Costa Rica, tipping is more relaxed, but a little extra for outstanding service goes a long way.
Compared to a non All Inclusive resort, we tried tipping at the overrated Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. It made no difference in improving the mediocre service that we got in most situation. And there’s already an extra 25% tax and service charge for everything at this super expensive resort which led to us only tipping rarely at Baha Mar.
btw, that budget trip to Bahamas actually solidified why nice All Inclusive Resorts are a much better deal for us.
It’s always a good idea to check your specific resort’s policy before arriving.
General Tipping Guide for All Inclusive Resorts
Here’s a practical guide to help you decide how much to tip during your stay:
Food and Bar Tips
- Buffet Meals: $1–$2 per table. Below average service might mean no tip from us. But we’ve tipped as much as $10. (Theogene at Secrets St Martin is the BEST!)
- A La Carte Restaurants: $2–$5 per couple at sit-down dinners especially if they accommodate special requests like gluten free dining.
- Bartenders: $1–$2 per round of drinks, but not every single drink. A larger tip upfront can go a long way in ensuring great service, and you can add more later if the experience exceeds expectations.
- Beach Service: $1-2 per order.
Service Staff Tips
- Housekeeping: $2–$5 per day. Sometimes, we leave it on the pillow with a note to ensure it’s clear that it’s for them.
- Pro Tipping Tip: Don’t wait until your last day to tip housekeeping, it’s often different staff cleaning your room each day.
- Room Service: $2–$5 per delivery. We LOVE that room service is free at All Inclusive resorts!
- Butlers: $0–$20 per day. Some butlers & concierges do alot, some do nothing. We don’t tip them if they’ve only sent an occasional text messages.
- Mini-Bar Restocking: $2–$5 if you request specific items & they get it right.
Transportation & Porters around All Inclusive Resorts
- Airport Transfer Drivers: $5–$20 per ride, depending on whether it’s shared or private.
- Bell Staff: $1–$3 per bag. We’re Team Carry-on so there’s not much for them to carry.
- Golf Cart Drivers: $1 per ride within the resort.

Here’s a quick reference guide for how much to tip at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Keep in mind that tipping is **optional but appreciated**—and amounts should vary based on service quality.
Service | Recommended Tip |
---|---|
Buffet Meals | $1–$2 per table |
A La Carte Restaurants | $2–$5 per couple |
Bartenders | $1–$2 per round |
Beach/Pool Service | $1–$2 per order |
Housekeeping | $2–$5 per day |
Room Service | $2–$5 per delivery |
Butlers | $0–$20 per day |
Mini-Bar Restocking | $2–$5 per request |
Airport Transfer Drivers | $5–$20 per ride |
Bell Staff | $1–$3 per bag |
Golf Cart Drivers | $1 per ride |
Supporting Local Economies
For Zuzu and me, tipping isn’t just about improving our vacation—it’s about giving back. Even though we travel alot on a small budget (7 countries on $4300 in 2023), small tips can make a big difference in the lives of the staff who go out of their way to make these trips memorable.
Remember, many all-inclusive resorts are located in areas where jobs in tourism provide vital income for local communities.
During our stay at Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar, we made a point to tip not just bartenders and servers but also the entertainment staff, who made our evenings so enjoyable. It felt great knowing that our gratitude directly benefited the people who worked so hard.
Common Tipping Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them)
- Forgetting Small Bills: All Inclusive Resorts often struggle to break large bills, so come prepared.
- Leaving Your Cash in the Room: I’m guilty of this.
- Not Having Cash “Handy”: In the pool or on the beach, try to have some bills accessible.
- Over-Tipping Early: Don’t blow your tipping budget on the first day.
- Using Digital Payment Apps: Avoid Venmo or Zelle—it’s better to stick with cash.

FAQs: Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts
Do I need to tip at an all-inclusive resort?
Tipping is not required but is generally appreciated at most resorts, especially in places like Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Some resorts, like Sandals, already include gratuities in the price.
How much cash should I bring for tipping?
Based on our 13 all-inclusive stays, we’ve found that $20 per day in small bills is the perfect amount for tips. Airport shuttle is another $5-20. If we’re going off property, we bring an additional $10-20 per excursion.
Can I tip in US dollars at all-inclusive resorts?
Yes! US dollars have always been accepted at the 13 A.I. Resorts we’ve visited in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
What happens if I don’t tip?
You probably won’t get bad service for not tipping, but tipping **can** lead to better, more personalized attention. We’ve found that especially true at bars as well as poolside and beach service.
Are there any situations where I shouldn’t tip at an all inclusive?
You don’t need to tip for everything at an All Inclusive Resort. If the service was minor or sub par, there’s no need to tip.
Final Thoughts on Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts
Tipping at all-inclusive resorts is a personal choice, but it’s also an opportunity to enhance your stay and show gratitude. For us, it’s one of the only real expenses we have when staying at luxury resorts for free on points, so we don’t mind tipping for great service.
Whether it’s a $1 tip at the bar or $20 for your butler, these small gestures can make a big impact on the people who work tirelessly to make your vacation unforgettable.
More All-Inclusive Resort… err “Tips”
- Why Inclusive Resorts are our Favorite Vacation
- Best Drinks at All-Inclusive Resorts
- Globalist Benefits at Hyatt All-Inclusive Resorts
- How We Stay for Free at Luxury Hotels
- Guide to Hyatt All-Inclusive Resorts
What’s your go-to tipping strategy at all-inclusive resorts? Do you have a favorite bartender or concierge you always tip?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—we love hearing how others approach tipping at all inclusive resorts!
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