I thought there would be an existing thread for this but I can't find it - what are the tipping expectations in Mexico? (restaurants, drivers, bell people, etc.) thanks

I'll be interested in responses to this. In the past on our trips to Mexico we tipped pretty much as we did in the US. But its been 8 years since our last trip and we are returning this winter. Where are you going?

Some random thoughts. And as YT suggested, the amount you're expected to tip may be influenced by where you're going and where you're staying. But it's still up to you.
Do not tip taxi drivers unless they do something extra like stop at OXXO or carry luggage. Mexico custom. Tourists that ignore that custom hurt local's availability of taxis. Besides, they will do their best to overcharge you anyway.
Do not leave foreign coins.
I don't stay at all inclusive resorts so won't try to comment.
Locals/nationals tend to tip around 10% in restaurants, gringos on vacation more, sometimes too much, especially in resort areas like Cancún & Puerto Vallarta. If you're in the 15% range you'll be fine in restaurants.
Hotels I'll typically leave $50-$100 mxn daily for housekeeping, depending on what my room costs, although at a recent stay at the Gran Hotel in Mexico city I left $200 mxn for a $250 usd/night room. Bell boys $20-$50 mxn/bag, depending on my room rate. If it's a cart of luggage for a family, $100 mxn wouldn't be too much. We usually just travel with 1 suitcase since we live in Mexico and tend to travel light and for shorter trips than most visitors.
Grocery store baggers work for tips, so some mex coins for them is appropriate. If you're stocking a kitchen at a condo, then, $10-$20 mxn would be OK for a couple of bags (which you provide in most of Mexico). If it's small purchases then still a few coins are appropriate. If you plan to pay with plastic, be sure to have coins for tips.
Buskers, whatever you feel like. 5 pesos is fine. Especially the blind or obviously handicapped.
Old ladies a peso or 2. Unless they're begging in front of of a church. Then nothing. The church can or should take care of their own.
Kids, nothing. Unless they're selling something after school hours. School hours tend to be in 2 shifts, early until noon, late until 6. So just because you see a kid selling chicles at an hour that you as a tourist are not accustomed to in your country, doesn't necessarily mean that they're skipping school to beg/sell.
If you're renting a car, the 'viene viene' guys are worth 2 pesos. They're the guys that direct you out of your parking space. And take your shopping cart back.

thanks Baldonne that is perfect. appreciate it

My experience is Puerto Vallarta, over the years but as recently as this week.

I tip in restaurants similar to at home, around 20% or a bit more (except I'm doing it in peso).

I tip the room maid each time she comes in to clean.

I tip the airport taxi driver about 10%. Around town it's not necessary to tip taxis but I usually add 10 peso to the fare.

There are no bellhops where I stay. I do tip the manager who helps me at the end of the stay. As well as a larger tip for the maid on the last day. I'm in an apartment not a hotel.

I have not had problems being overcharged by taxis. But I do know what fares should be in advance. And if you want to can confirm before getting into the vehicle.

I usually find ways to make a donation, thru the church, the animal society, places like that.

I always have change and enjoy giving to the performing artists and musicians.

suze

"If you're renting a car, the 'viene viene' guys are worth 2 pesos. They're the guys that direct you out of your parking space."
Good to know! Never would have thought to tip for [size=13px]this[/size]. Thanks for the info.