Don’t want to insult anyone while tipping in Belize? We can help!
Tipping was first created in English Tea Houses “to ensure prompt service” and is a form of gratuity. In the hotel industry, it is “extra payment left by guests for the sheer satisfaction of the services rendered to them by staff.”
While budgeting for tips in their travel expenses, some people become frustrated because tipping in some countries can be very confusing if you don’t learn what’s customary first. Typically, there are countries such as Japan, whereby tipping can be perceived as an insult due to their culture while in some counties, as in Vietnam, you could even unintentionally break the law since tipping is deemed illegal. While on the other hand, if you travel to Egypt everyone dealing with or helping tourists will expect a small tip.
Rest assured in sweet Belize… tipping is a breeze!
Tipping in Belize is welcomed and appreciated; however, it is not mandatory nor is it always expected. Furthermore, in Belize, there is no tip too little or too big. Generally, anything you would tip in the USA will work in Belize especially since the US note is accepted countrywide.
Although there are a couple of upscale jungle lodges that are all-inclusive and don’t allow tipping since it’s all covered in the package, most hotels & restaurants do not reject tips to staff. In most hotel restaurants, service charges are generally included within the meal cost while in most local restaurants there aren’t any additional fees included in the meal cost. Either way, the tip amount is at the discretion of the paying customer. Therefore, even if there is a service charge inclusive with your meal, you can still decide to tip a little extra.
Belizean Dreams Resort includes 8.5% service charge in the cost for tours, meals, and accommodations. This amount is distributed equally to all staff since the entire team, from our Reservations Officers to our Groundsmen, is responsible for our guest’s enjoyment. With us, we strive in “teamwork makes the dream work” and therefore our guests are usually asked to provide additional tips, if they choose to, through the managers or front desk with instructions to distribute to all staff. Our accountant will distribute into all bank accounts of all staff for transparency and to continue fostering teamwork at Belizean Dreams. The amount usually varies at the discretion of our guests and is mostly based on their experience and means.
Hope this helps you with Tipping in Belize!