Tipping in Buenos Aires
 

Will be visiting BsAs next month and interested in the protocol for tipping, i.e., cabs, restaurants, bars, private tour guides, etc. Thank you.

Let's see what others say, but I'd say: 1) Locals don't tip cab drivers, but tourists could well be more generous, for instance 10% or rounding up to the nearest peso. Be sure to have change (ideally, one peso coins), when you take a cab.
2) Locals tip 10% or even less in restaurants. Again, tourists may be expected to be a little more generous.
3) I'm not sure about tour guides, but I'd suggest tipping only for above the call of duty service, particularly if the guide works for himself.

I have the same tipping approach that avrooster, I agree that tourists can be a little more generous, and I guess the usually are but the local protocol is as avrooster has described it.
I know remises are not supposed to be tipped but sometimes I cannot help myself specially when they have helped me out, like with luggage for instance.
Taxis I round up the amount to nearest peso. Also very good advice from avrooster is to HAVE SMALL CHANGE WHEN TAKING A TAXI....very important.
I rerstaurants I tip 10% but is not a rule that cannot be bended a little one way or the other.

Same here in Central Mexico, so we followed our customs while in BsAs and Santiago.
M

Leaving for BA this week and wanted to know if the locals prefer pesos or US dollars for tips and extras? Thanks!AVROOSTER-whats a usual fare from the BA airport to downtown? We don't speak any spanish so wanted to have a rough idea. Thanks!

I would say pesos are better, but dollars will also be taken gladly, for tips.
The airport to downtown fare varies, depending on what mode of transportation you use.
For first-time visitors who don't speak Spanish, I always suggest the www.tiendaleon.com.ar remis service, which costs 79 pesos.
You can reserve on their website and pay with your credit card. They have a large, very visible booth, as you leave the customs area.
Do NOT use apparently cheaper services, which may be pressed upon you.
If you need local currency, use an ATM or exchange your cash into pesos at the "Banco de la Nación", on your right, as you leave the customs area. Steer away from an exchange broker called "Global Exchange", as they will pay you about 10% less than what your dollars are really worth. FYI, you should get at least a little over 3 pesos for each dollar.
Have a great time in our town.

One more thing: insist on getting as much change (one peso coins, two, five and ten peso bills) as possible from the Banco de la Nación.

Followed the tipping suggested by avrooster while in BA, and found cab drivers (using Radio Taxi ONLY) very appreciative of the tip so it seemed not expected.

When using ATMs for pesos, you can indicate amounts ending in 5's or 10's to get small change which was very useful when using cabs. Our ATMs here only dispense $20 bills and was unaware of the ability to get smaller bills so pass this on in case you didn't know that either. The ATM at the EZE airport will dispense pesos or dollars, but most other ATMs give only pesos. If leaving BA for US there is an airport tax of $18 USd/pp payable in pesos, dollars or by credit card. The city is awesome so enjoy!

Thanks for everyone's efforts-son just found his passport so I guess we can go now!Geez- anyway, I have till tonight to decide on my two reservations for hotels. Hotel Lafayette($122) or the Holiday Inn Express($165). Triples under $150 were hard to find at this late date at both the hotels and apartments that I wrote or called so anyone have a final opinion on either of these? I am going to take the advice and preorder a car for pickup at the airport as I have had some major problems trying to be understood on the phone for some of the hotel reservations.My main concern is asking myself WHY we are doing this trip when the temps are going to be so darn hot? Thanks everyone!

Why? Because BA is a great town!!! LOL!!

Totally agree: nearly as wonderful as our pueblo magico, lol.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

Ack! I'm leaving tomorrow night, and have one last question (I think...):

What is the recommended way of tipping in hotels? Tip every day (as one would do in the US), or tip at the end of the stay? Also, where should I leave the tip so they are sure to take it? For instance, when I left tips on the table, they never touched it in Italy.

Also, more importantly, how much is a recommended tip for housekeeping? Pesos or Dollars?

Thanks! :)

mc! I keep forgetting to tell you that I wish you a wonderful trip...I have no doubt you are going to love Buenos Aires and I cannot wait to read your thoughts on things when you get back home.

We tipped the maids each day .
My husband saw them each morning because they brought our breakfast to the room .. pesos..

Tip in Pesos.
Everyday is best, I only tip the front desk at the end of stay, providing we stayed more than 4 days in the same place

Thank you Scarlett and Graziella! :) We're only staying for 2 nights (boo!) but it's a start! I'm really excited about going (can you tell by the exclamation points?) :D

What's the recommended amount? Don't wish to undertip...

And mikemo, thanks for your message on ffrr. Sorry I didn't get a chance to respond yet over there.

My flight's in a little over 12 hours, so I'm a little anxious. Other than my fellow fodorites and my family, no one else knows we're going!

And thanks to everyone who's helped me on my trip questions, including the above and cmcfong and countless others.

We use the peso equivalent of $1. USD per person per day in cash at the end of the stay (even in private homes with housekeeper, etc.). A bit more if the service is twice daily or above and beyond.
Typically wedge cash visibly between pillows.
Buen viaje.
M

mcnyc,
I would def recommend you take Ambien, bring ear plugs and a neck pillow for an easy 8 hours sleep.
Also, stay hydrated and walk around lots inflight while you are awake.
M

Thanks mikemo, about the tip for housekeeping, although I'll pass on the Ambien. I actually find plane rides relaxing, strange as it may seem. I just can't wait to get on the plane and get there already.

Well, I'll be back in 2 weeks to tell tales! :D