Navigating tipping customs while traveling can be challenging, especially in Argentina, where practices differ significantly from other countries. For instance, while North Americans are known for their generous tipping, and tipping is non-existent in places like Japan, the tipping culture in Argentina is unique and varies depending on the service. To help you understand when and how much to tip, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about tipping in Argentina, including unique scenarios to South America.
We have outlined almost everything you need to know about tipping in Argentina, including who, when, why, and how much. If you need “tips” on exchange rates, ATM fees in Argentina that should help.
Restaurants
In Argentina, tipping 10% of your bill at restaurants is considered the standard. Going above this is uncommon but appreciated for exceptional service. Unlike in some countries, credit card receipts nor POS terminals in Argentina do not have a section for tips, so it’s crucial to carry cash for this purpose.
In some instances, restaurants will charge a cubierto or servicio de la mesa which is a “cutlery” charge anywhere from $0.50 to $3 USD – a clever way of charging something for nothing. Not to be confused with a “service charge,” the cubierto money goes directly to the restaurant and is not part of the tip nor does it go to the waitstaff. Nicer restaurants will use the cubierto charge for bread, sauces and simple appetizers they serve pre-meal.
Restaurants do NOT have a “tip” section on credit card receipts so, if you are planning on paying for the meal with plastic, be sure to bring cash to pay the tip separately.
⚠️Be mindful of the cubierto or servicio de la mesa, a nominal fee that covers table settings, bread baskets or included basic appetizers. It is not a tip for the waitstaff, but rather a clever way for restaurants to increase their revenue.
Cafés
When enjoying table service at a café, a 5-10% tip is customary. For counter service, tipping is not expected, but tip jars have become more common in recent years. If ordering a specialty coffee, drink or otherwise more complicated order dropping something in the jar would be a kind gesture.
Bars
Tipping at bars is becoming more common in Buenos Aires. While not mandatory, leaving a few bills in the bartender’s tip jar or directly handing it to them is appreciated, especially if they’ve crafted specialty cocktails for you.
⚠️When paying for the bill or tipping at outdoor seating, be sure not to leave the large amounts of money on the table. It is quite possible that it will be snagged by someone other than your server. Crime in Argentina is rarely violent and most often petty or opportunistic. For more insights on staying safe, check out this guide on safety and crime prevention in Buenos Aires.
Tour Guides
Professional tour guides, especially those offering bilingual tours, appreciate tips around 10% of the tour price if private. For group tours, a tip of $5-$10 USD per person is common if the guide was entertaining or particularly friendly.
Delivery Person
If you decide to order in, tipping delivery personnel 5% of your order is common. Most of the delivery apps here like Rappi and PedidosYa will automatically suggest it.
Tango Shows
Most people will reserve and pay for a tango show in advance, but keep in mind that a waiter will be assigned to your table and a few others. The service will be similar to a wedding or catering with lots of food and drinks going out of the kitchen at once. Tipping at tango shows, though not necessary, is a nice gesture for good service and is appreciated by the waitstaff.
💡Get the latest info on exchange rates and ATM fees in Argentina to ensure you’ve got cash and are well-prepared for your trip.
Hair Salons/Barber Shops
Very rarely are tips given at a salon or barbershop in Argentina – sometimes ladies who have had something particularly special done will do so, perhaps more for the image of status though. It’s more common to tip if you frequent a friendly neighborhood barber and develop a rapport. Even then, it’s a bonus, not an expectation. At the trendier Buenos Aires Barbershops like these.
Should you tip taxi drivers?
It is not necessary to tip cab drivers in Argentina, nor do they expect one. It is considered polite to round up to the nearest whole (if it is $8,570 pesos, round up to $9,000 or $10,000), so they don’t have to count out coins or small bills for your change (which they almost never have anyway). Sometimes, they will even round down and give you back the difference.
If the cab driver helps load or unload your baggage from the curb, it is nice to give them something in gratitude.
Doormen (porteros)
If you have a doorman (encargado or the more dated term portero) at a rented apartment in Argentina and are only staying for a few weeks, no need to bother with tipping. Long-term tenants typically give annual gifts to encargados, such as bottles of wine.
Doormen and bellhops at hotels, especially the fancy ones, will expect tips just like anywhere else. The amount is completely up to you, but a few thousand pesos ($3-5 USD) here and there are usually fine.
“Car Attendants” (trapitos)
For those with rented vehicles car attendants, or trapitos, are the fellas who will appear when you are trying to parallel park in a popular neighborhood. They will offer to “watch” your car for you. They can charge a few thousand pesos in neighborhoods like Villa Crespo or Congreso and sometimes $5,000+ pesos in Palermo Soho or Recoleta to park on “their” block. At some of the big event venues, it can be upwards of $10,000 pesos. Not that they have done anything to deserve it, but it is wise to tip these guys, even if it’s not much. A “half now” and “half later” approach seems to work, especially when you come back and they are no longer around.
Under the table tipping
If you want to know if slipping the doorman at an exclusive club or the hostess at a packed restaurant will get you in the door, the answer is yes. Not in all instances, but as 38-year-old Federico explains, “We Argentines invented that.” Money can open almost any door for you in Buenos Aires if you want to wave enough of it around, and especially if it’s US dollars. “It really depends on how nice the place is. $20 USD will usually do the trick, but it can vary.”
When it comes to legal scrapes or border patrol issues, it has been suggested that a little back-handed tipping can smooth things over. While this is sometimes the case, you never want to be the one to wink and suggest such a transaction, as it might land you in even more trouble.
Whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant in Buenos Aires or catching a cab in Mendoza, understanding the tipping customs in Argentina will help you show appreciation without feeling awkward. Use this guide to navigate the nuances of tipping in various scenarios and enjoy your trip knowing you’ve got the local etiquette down pat.
For more detailed suggestions and things you should know before traveling to Argentina, check out our Buenos Aires basics guide.
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