Hello. Visiting St. Thomas in January and staying at the Wyndham resort for a week and then going over to Tortola for a couple of days.. Been to all-inclusive resort hotels all over but we like to get out and about on our own and would like to know about the tipping policy in the Virgin Islands. We know that gratuities aren't included in America but can anybody give us some guidelines on tipping in both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. We try to be good visitors wherever we go but have not been able to find information on this subject. Thanks so much for your help.

Hello Carol!<BR>You didn't say where you're from but I'd assume probably Europe - maybe England? A lot of Brits stay at Wyndham and the majority don't ask the question that you ask and which I'm delighted to answer.<BR>I'm originally from England so know that tipping isn't an issue because one simply doesn't tip in England - everything is included. On trips back there over the years to visit family I've often confused pub owners, bartenders and waitpeople by tipping - which I'm so used to doing after years away that I forget!<BR>I own a pub now in the VI and, as much as I love to see my fellow countrymen and get chatting, it's always horribly disappointing to my bartenders/waitpeople when they work hard to keep people happy and then - in the case of the Brits or other Europeans who haven't researched as you're doing - get tipped either nothing or a couple of pennies on the dollar. In the United States mainland, in the BVI and in the USVI, the usual tip would be between the 10-20% range, based on product served, service given, value for dollar, ambiance, and whatever else.<BR>If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort and are asking about that, I have no experience in that area although it's always nice to give a little something to those who serve you well and make you feel welcome.<BR><BR>Most restaurant/hotel workers work for basic minimum wage and rely on tips to get by. It's up to them to work for the tips by giving professional and cheerful service. I hope this helps you and hope you have a wonderful trip. Merry Christmas too!<BR>

We always tip, even though we are told that is included in the price (15% grat added) We still leave another 15-20% on top of that, depending on the service. There have been so many wonderful people we have met on vacation that have gone out of their way to make things special and we very much appreciate it and we show it. We always leave $60.00 usd per housekeeper (usually there are 2) at the end of the stay. And always tip the beach/pool attendant $40.00 at the end too. These people work very hard and it doesn't hurt to spread it around. Cash is still KING!!!

In re St. Thomas, most restaurants don't add a gratuity to the bill but I had a bad experience at one place where it was noted in small print that a 15% gratuity was added to the bill and then found out that &quot;locals&quot; didn't get charged that gratuity. I was more than happy to tip and did so quite grandly. It wasn't until later that I realized I'd tipped doubly and I wasn't too happy about it in retrospect. We didn't even have a grand or good meal but got swept away with the setting right next to the water.

Not aware of any restaurants on St. Thomas that add in a service charge unless it's a bigger party but there could be one or two exceptions. As to all inclusive tipping, even when the service charge is added, since the person who took care of you doesn't get the entire amount but maybe only a bit a little extra on top gets their attention. It is appreciated. It's a very nice way of recognizing those who do a little extra rather than just doing what they have to do at below minimum wage. In the BVI's you find the service charge customary. So of course when you check the bill you'll see an add on where ever you may be. Don't be surprised if the charge is listed on the tax line because of the format of the bill. Check to see if it is tax or a service charge - you might be surprised.