Tipping? How much? Housekeeping staff?

Just curious...when I've travelled other places I tip the housekeeping staff..usually I leave money on my pillow. Same rule here? How much is good. Don't want to be "cheap". Also..what about tipping bar staff, security, at restaurants. Same rules as at home?

I've thought of tipping security as well..just not sure how much. I'm bringing my own "shade" so it's not like I'll need to make sure I have an umbrella but they are out there all day and I often wonder if they get tips..usually it's the bar staff and waitresses that get the tips.

I also have often left gifts for housekeeping and sometimes bar staff. Is that cool? I like to be respectful to the people of the country I'm in and like to show my appreciation for the great job they do in giving me a great vacation.

I tip the same in Negril as I do in the USA. There are some great people that I've known for awhile like my driver, previous taxi drivers, and resort staff that I tip more every time I stay. Usually because they are always looking out for my wife and I, remember our names, eat with us, call us on holidays and would accommodate us even if we didn't have money to tip/give them.

I agree with jsteil....we sometimes forget that a Jamaican's salary is quite small compared to US or Canada. Tipping or small gifts are always appreciated..more than we probably realize. Personally, I truly enjoy getting to know the staff at the resort. Sitting down and talking about "tings" is part of the joy of being fortunate enough to be able to travel. To me...it is part of the cultural experience.

Have fun and pay it forward. It will come back to you in many ways. Blessings sent and have a wonderful time!!

Oops, forgot to mention...I generally leave a tip with security before I leave. One often forgets to realize that their job is watching over us all at night. Not an easy job. This year, I made sure that I tipped him before leaving. It was really appreciated.

Thanks guys...I will do as I do in Puerto Vallarta...I have gotten to know a number of locals and have many friends there..I like to get to know people..as some of you have probably noticed I am a bit of a chatter...I see to be so embarrassed as a teen when my Mom talked to everyone and anyone..funny..she has passed on but it's what of the things I've inherited for her that I appreciate the most. I'm not up with the local lingo but I'm sure I'll attach myself to a few sayings..do appreciate this board for the info I'm getting...I like to immerse myself in a place. :)

I don't think you're as chattie as I on here. Funny thing is I don't talk near as much in person as I do in type. I think a lot of it (for me) is the excitement for the up comming trip. Another reason why I'm posting messages at 5:30am, too excited. Your tipping question was a good one, tipping at 10 or 15 percent for bar and restaurant staff is easy to figure out, but how do you figure out how much to tip security or house keeping?

For housekeeping we usually leave 3 or 4 dollars a day, and a larger tip on our last day...sometimes leave candies as well.
Security we leave a tip on the last day, about $20...same rules at home for the bar and restaurant, tip as you go along, but leave cash.

I always tip on the first day or so, wherever I am. $20 to security, bartender, and housekeeping. They seem to go that little extra for you all week. Drinks made when your walking up , beach area set up, extra tp and towels etc.

Some places (hotels,restaurants, etc), have a 'tip pool' where they must hand in the tips and maybe gifts and they are distributed to staff in varying percentages, depending on duties performed and other criteria. Don't assume a server gets 100 percent of what you give. It works similar to 'at home' with widely differing situations.

We tip servers and bartenders the same as in the states. 20%, maybe a little more in Jamaica. House keeping gets $5.00US daily and an extra $20 each week. Security gets $20 per week. Also little gifts for those with whom we have long time friendships. Along with your money, take time to get to know the staff and build friendships. Investing a little of your time with them reaps greater rewards long term than a bit of your pocket change!

For the housekeepers, I usually tip 1000j for the whole trip, and that's barely enough because I can be a bit messy -- plus whatever Jamaican coins I have, I leave 'em on the night stand at the end. The security guy gets covered by tips for carrying my bags in and out. I hit the servers a few times each per reach but not everytime because I eat and drink so much that I would be broke by the fifth day!

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Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

We tip servers and bartenders the same as in the states. 20%, maybe a little more in Jamaica. House keeping gets $5.00US daily and an extra $20 each week. Security gets $20 per week. Also little gifts for those with whom we have long time friendships. Along with your money, take time to get to know the staff and build friendships. Investing a little of your time with them reaps greater rewards long term than a bit of your pocket change!

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That's my intention Ras Walleye. I truly love meeting people and getting to know them. It makes the holiday. I haven't read much about The Rondel on here. I'm just so damn excited to go!

The reason we tip housekeeping daily is that if you are staying for a week or more you are likely to have more than one housekeeper and the "weekend" person shouldn't be left out.

When tipping you need to keep in mind that the housekeepers only make around $50US a week. I usually tip that per week for them.

I tip daily for housekeeping as well for that reason. I don't want to miss anyone. I do like to leave small gifts as well. I actually picked up several pairs of white ankle socks and a whole bunch of Disney playing cards. In Cubs I made up gift bags and gave it to staff I got to know over the week. Sometimes women get a rap as bad tippers...I consider myself a good tipper. Not excessive tipping though. I have seen people doing that with staff I've gotten to know and the staff feel like they are bring bought.

We tip housekeepers daily, $2. Once or twice a trip we slip security a $5 and will sometimes bring them a ginger beer and cookies from the coner store when we head out for supplies.

Regards,
Bob

We did housekeeping $5 a day when we had a single room, no kitchen... More if we made a mess. When we stay in our favorite place which is 2 bed, 2 bath, kitchen and living room, up it to $20/day. I've often wondered about the wage differences of the employees at that all inclusives where no tipping is allowed vs. those at the resorts where you do tip.

We tip the housekeeper 10.00 per day. As I have several times I WU the money after i get back home. Most times we have same housekeeper aka Jamaician Mom. When we return where always giving great service. In 13 trips to Negril we still can't leave the place with any money no matter how much we take lol.

I have stayed at AI and left tips. I leave a note with the tip/gift thanking them for their work and letting them know the gift is for them. I try and find out their names as well so I can personalize it. I have a terrible memory so use my IPhone to make notes of people's names and what they do.

I usually take care of security immediately, I want to make sure Janet has what she needs and they are the ones that can get it...

WE STAY IN A one bedroom with a full kitchen and large living area. We leave $10 per day and usually bring some type of gift for her.