Matt

I heard on this forum that we should bring a lot of ones to Mexico for tipping. So does this mean I am tipping the workers with american singles?? Or am I converting them?

mac

You can give them either your American dollars or pesos. Don't forget to tip the maids at your hotel, you'll get better service.

Pesos

I always convert all money to peso when I travel in Mexico. I know some people like the handing out $1US thing, but it seems strange to me. Skip the singles, bring $20s and then cash as your need them at a casa de cambio. Or use your ATM card and withdraw in pesos. I tip waiters, hotel room maids, taxi drivers similar as to what I would do at home (only in pesos).

anon

Tipping is important. Very important. The workers in these resorts average about $5-$10 a day in wages. Ask yourself how do you raise a family on that. I do not know where the money goes to for those expensive cocktails and meals but not to the working guy.<BR><BR>If you want to put your money to work for a good cause and forgo a couple of those expensive meals and cocktails check out this little website.<BR><BR>Check out life in Cabo if you want to know what it is like to live on $300 a month.<BR><BR>http://www.angelfire.com/or3/ladyolden/<BR>

you

anon, I am a big tipper, but when I go on vacation I go to relax, have fun and splurge, not to do charity work. I save that for when I'm home in the real world. And anon if you don't know who the money goes to for those expensive cocktails and meals, it goes to where it goes all around the world, to the owners of the business. Your not serious are you? You really did know that didn't you?<BR><BR>So if it's all the same to you I won't be forgoing any expensive meals and turning my vacation into a charity mission. Don't you have a congregation to preach to?<BR><BR>Matt, tip generously with the USD. The natives like them just fine.

bill simpson

I don't know how some folks can go into the mist of poverty & not be affected by it. In my opinion they must be very selfish, self-important, & cold blooded. I know one person cannot solve the worlds problems, however to be totally above it all & not affected is selfish in additon to being amazing.

waitress

Tip. Tip generously. Tip in PESOS.<BR><BR>Using U.S. dollars simply means the local person has to go to the bank or whatever and change them into pesos (just like you do)!<BR><BR>

Generous

Bill, You're so full of it. You have no idea what I give to various charities and impovershed groups, but I can assure you, it's substantial.<BR><BR>My point is, in just about every place in the world I travel, I've seen terrible poverty and misery, some which makes the typical cabo worker look like they're living in the lap of luxury. If I'm on my vacation, I don't want to read or think about how the typical waiter is living while he's serving me. <BR><BR>Now if you go on vacation and dine out and stay in a resort, you're a very large hypocrite. It doesn't count just because it makes you feel bad. Put your money where your mouth is instead of coming here and calling me names.

bill simpson

Oh Generous, you sound like such a wonderful person. You just "throw the dog a bone" & all is well with you. You must be a ball to have around.

Whoare

I bet I'm a lot more fun than you. What do you do on vacation? Cry about how mistreated the natives are? Sounds like a real party!<BR><BR>So tell me, where is your missionary work taking you next? You must spend all your vacation time ministering to the less fortunate. Am I right? I hope so because if you don't you better not tell anyone else to. Those who live in glass houses...

waitress

Whoa boys & girls! Knock it off. Having said that... you certainly CAN in fact make a difference simply by staying in Mexican family owned hotels and patronizing locally owned restaurants and shops instead of choosing internationally owned chain resorts. Now that's how you CAN put your money where your mouth is without being obnoxious or self-serving about it.

bill simpson

Waitress, you are right on! Now I'm outta here - I can't stand reading about Generous patting himself on the back.What a guy! He sounds just like the fellow that clears his conscience by giving some money here & there & that makes it all well in his little world. A person can tell in his words how little he cares for those less fortunate.

Hypocrite

Oh I don't know Bill. At least some people donate money. What good does it do to just lament the plight of the less fortunate? What are YOU doing to help the Mexicans? Actions speak louder than words.

anon

Interesting discussion. I side with Bill. Put your money where your mouth is, one in four Americans is Obese. It won't hurt to let go of a few expensive calories for a night or two and put your money to work for others.

I'lleatwhereIlike

Okay Anon, if you side with Bill, (and you actually aren't Bill), tell me, what are YOU doing to help the less fortunate Mexicans?<BR><BR>The list of hypocrites keeps growing.<BR><BR>Oh, and I'm in great shape, I'm a biathlete. You must have some kind of serious problem coming on a travel board and telling people not to dine out in expensive restaurants. I suggest the Lonely Planet forum. This isn't the site for you.

waitress

OK mr "i'll eat where i like"...<BR><BR>so only people on the Lonely Planet forum have a social consciousness and attempt to understand the consequences of of choices... and yes even on vacation. surprise~ some of us who read and post on Fodors actually do as well.<BR><BR>and i've already stated what i do to help support the Mexican people and economy. Eat, shop, sleep, spend your money in locally owned businesses.<BR><BR>One last news flash for you... "travel" does not = dining out in expensive restaurants.<BR><BR>

Waitress

No oh socially conscious one, it does not, but vacation does (for many, many people). You're a real genius aren't you? Are you saying that people who dine out in nice restaurants or stay in luxury resorts have no social conscience? It sure sounds like it. Some of the world's most Philanthropic people are regulars at the Four Seasons.<BR><BR>I can see why you have the vocation that you do.

waitress

I was only rephrasing the post from I'lleatwhereilike which said: "You must have some kind of serious problem coming on a travel board and telling people not to dine out in expensive restaurants."<BR><BR>And terrifically interesting that you know I am a "loser" because I choose to patronize local business which can support the local economy when I vacation and travel.<BR><BR>FYI, I am not a waitress, but you are a snob.

badkittym

C'mon y'all...this is SO out of hand.<BR><BR>Bottom line, is people are going to stay and eat wherever they wish. A person's vocation does not make them a loser, it makes them a person with a job.<BR>-M

Potcalling

No, I know you are a loser because it is YOU who is the snob. Coming here and telling anyone who eats at an expensive restaurant while ON VACATION, that you are better than they are, or that you have a problem with someone who doesn't stay in a locally owned hotel. You've got nerve coming on a travel forum telling people where to stay, where to eat and how to spend their money, not to mention that they are somehow "bad" people if they don't follow your advice. Yeah right. I'm the snob.<BR><BR>Think about it.