I tip 20% when possible. More If deserved. At home or abroad. I worked in the service industry in college. Just trying to give back when I can. It's not a stress free or high paying job.
In jamaica the minium wage is something like 50 bucks a week. The tip mean a lot and go a long way.
Slipping someone a tip that you expect them to secretly pocket could get them into trouble if they don't report the tip under the scenario I posted above.
To me the percentage is a guideline I pay zero attention. A tip is not mandatory and a given, it's earned for good service and treating your customer well.
If I get so-so service then you are going to get a so-so tip. If I get great service, the kind where I don't feel like a customer and feel like a guest, then you are probably going get a really nice tip,a big compliment and my business again. Unfortunately if you don't like your job and it shows, or bored with your job, or just not good then just like the real world where most of us work, your not going to get a tip and possibly no further business. If you feel like you have to remind me to tip or kind of start the pressure game, sorry you just struck out big time with me. As far as amounts it totally is up to the level of service with me, we've had really inexpensive meals but such good service that it actually helped make a great evening out and I've tipped 1/2 or more the cost of the meal. I've ate or drank at places we go to in Negril and not had enough cash left to leave a nice tip, but the next day or 2 I make it point to stop back by and see the waitress or bartender and give them the tip from the previous night and thank them for understanding, that one usually gets a hug from them. Most of these are the ones that remember you each year you return and greet you by name when they see you, some have become friends we love to visit with.
We usually leave the house keepers daily tips as they often have days off thru the week or during slow season might be off for a week or more at a time. I believe if you do take care of your house keeper you will see quite a difference in your room. Security is big for me, I do feel like these guys should be remembered, if they don't take the time to know their guests, sleep on the job, and don't make you feel safe, then to be honest I don't want to really know them either. But the good ones that interact with their guests, offer handy tips and advice, the ones you see doing their job and make you feel safe, Yes I give them a nice tip at the end of our stay, these guys have your back while your asleep.
Jamb
WOW!!!!!are we brothers from another mother? those are my EXACT thoughts on everything u said!!!!
Originally Posted by Jambarney
2009 trip http://www.negril.com/cgi-bin/discus.cgi?pg=prev&topic=196641&page=272185
2010 halloween---no TR
trip 2012
http://negril.com/forum/showthread.php/5589-Trip-report-sept-1-14-including-pelicanbar-catcha-legends-samsara-pubcrawl-etc
trip 2013
http://negril.com/forum/showthread.php/8323-gettin-my-groove-on-quot-TRIP-report-quot-boardie-bash-style-april21-may11-2013
.trip 2014
http://negril.com/forum/showthread.php/11962-Trip-report-Boardie-Bash-2014-best-trip-yet
I'd like to know what you tip an airport porter per bag in Jamaican dollars. I normally tip for other things the way I would at home (and sometimes more) so it's no problem.
Irie Sue
While we were there in January, the minimum wage was increased to $56 dollars a week. A High School Student earns more than that at a part time job. We tip generously to all who provide us with services, that includes some who are not customarily tipped such as the gardener who keeps the grounds looking beautiful and the people who do such a nice job peeling and slicing our pineapples at the market and fruit stands. We also keep in mind that while tourists are plentiful in the high season, the housekeepers, bartenders and other staff struggle financially when their hours are cut during the low season. The tips they earn help them to survive those lean months. We are far from wealthy but we take for granted things like running water and electricity that are luxuries to many in Jamaica.
Hey groove how are you mi friend? Miss you buddy, hope there is a trip on the horizon soon for you.
SLP, I can't speak for others but I usually tip 100j per bag they handle. I've never had any complaints or dirty looks.
I usually try to bring home 15 or 20 grand in Jamaican money each trip so I'm ready for the next when I hit the airport, not advising that in any way, just what works for me. Most trips Badnaz also usually finds a bit of Jamaican money in various pockets of my shirts and shorts due to my poor packing abilities and often some what spotty memory from a night out.
Jamb
Porters at the airport and bellmen at hotels $1 US per bag.
Housekeeping $5 US per bed daily. Extra $10 for laundry depending on hotel rules. And and extra $20 per week to our main housekeeper. I do the daily tip because you might not get the same person every day.
Security gets $20 a week and I also try to befriend the gardener and slip him a $20 on top of any acquisitions he may make for me.
Wait staff gets anywhere from 10% to 25% based on service just like here in the states, although I tend to be more generous in Jamaica.
Airport and excursion drivers 20% and taxi men an extra route rate per person.
The key to all of this is besides and more important than your money is your attention. Remember names and greet them so. Engage them in conversation and get to know them. Friendship is priceless.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. KJV Psalm 68:4
Tip mostly same at home as abroad
20 percent across the board at bar and restaurant...never will understand punishing waitstaff if food, atmosphere and wait time for said food and drink is too long i realize all those things are out of their control and throw in the extra 5 to 10 bucks...if I don't like a place I don't go back...waitstaff work hard, mostly, and deserve a tip
Airport transfer 20 each way
Housekeeping 10 a day
And various dollars fives and tens along the way as needed.
If you are unhappy with something I find it best to let people know so they can or try to fix it... holding back on to a 10 bucks in tips doesn't fix anything
[QUOTE=Ras Walleye;128126]Porters at the airport and bellmen at hotels $1 US per bag.
Housekeeping $5 US per bed daily. Extra $10 for laundry depending on hotel rules. And and extra $20 per week to our main housekeeper. I do the daily tip because you might not get the same person every day.
Security gets $20 a week and I also try to befriend the gardener and slip him a $20 on top of any acquisitions he may make for me.
Wait staff gets anywhere from 10% to 25% based on service just like here in the states, although I tend to be more generous in Jamaica.
Airport and excursion drivers 20% and taxi men an extra route rate per person.
The key to all of this is besides and more important than your money is your attention. Remember names and greet them so. Engage them in conversation and get to know them. Friendship is priceless.[/
Tipping security is so important because I feel it's not done enuff. I go ten a day which usually is five to the early man and five to the late guy...As I typed that it made me rethink that security probably deserves more
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