How much to tip mariachi musicians?
 

We're getting ready for a trip to Mexico. What's standard tip for having a mariachi group play a song while we're dining? <BR>Thanks much! <BR>Caroline

Typically you will tip $5-10 a song depending how many you request. This is for a Mariachi group with at least 6 musicians.

If you want to have them hanging around your table all night, then tip. If you want to be left alone, don't tip. As a matter of fact, don't even look at them. It can get very annoying having people playing and singing to you through your entire meal. They don't mind and just move on to a table where someone will tip. Have fun

Interesting post as I did not know you were required to tip them anything, or "had" to, I thought it was voluntary. Well, foolish me, I found out otherwise recently in Puerto Vallarta. This was a group of only two guys, I think, just a couple guitars (not mariachi), the restaurant was practically empty (it was mid-afternoon) so I thought I was being generous in voluntarily offering a tip of a couple dollars, as I recall (prob 10 peso coin), and asked if they knew Guantanamera, as I always liked that song. WELLL!!! excuse me! they informed me in no short order that there was a standard "fee" for them to sing a request, I forget what it was (prob about US$5), but it was over my pittance, so they wouldn't sing and left. I thought that was kind of nervy as the whole point of a "tip" is that it's to your discretion, and I thought I was doing them a favor as the place was practically empty and they didn't have much business, so to speak. It kind of embarrassed me, too. I was partly just trying to make a suggestion as they didn't seem to know what to sing and were singing some stupid American rock song, which was inappropriate on acoustic guitar. If they're going to act that way IMO why don't they just stick a sign on their back or hat with the price on it. I used to live in Los Angeles many years where we had tons of Mexican restaurants, etc, and that's where I got my custom from of tipping voluntarily at your discretion, which was the norm in LA.

Pancho is correct. $5+ is a reasonable amount. When a mariachi band approached our table, we just asked the price of 2 songs and they were very pleased to entertain us. 10 pesos is about $1 and that's an insult.

My husband plays mariachi music in the US. He is usually paid a fair wage by the restaurant (although restaurants pay less than other places) and tips are extra. The way I understand it, mariachi's in Mexico are often paid by the song (think live jukebox)and not so much by the restaurant. Also, $10 for a song may seem like a lot, but they have to earn their weekly salary playing on Friday and Saturday nights when other people are out on the town. Believe me, there aren't many jobs come Monday morning! Not to mention certain seasons when tourism is low and/or people aren't having as many parties or special events (Jan - March is killer!)

Just bringing this post to the top.

The above poster stating the 5 to 10USD is correct. It also depends on the restaurant. Some restaurants have musicians as part of the 'restaurant' which provide the music to the patrons at no charge (owner pays the musicians). Other times, they are just 'strolling' musicians working on their own (many of the beach restaurants have these wandering in front). If you don't want them to play, just politely say no thanks and they will be on their way. If you want a couple of tunes, then say yes and pay them. They are just trying to earn a living like everyone else around here. Some are excellent, some are good, some are mediocre and there are a few that are terrible. You will find musicians not just in restaurants; it's common to be on the bus and have a couple of people singing, playing instruments; then when they pass the hat, a few pesos is fine. Part of the beauty here in Puerto Vallarta (and Mexico!) is the wonderful music of the Mexicans, something do definitely enjoy!

Christina - why on earth would you think the norm in L.A. would be the norm any place else - especially in a foreign country?