Tipping?

6

6Pack Granny

Guest
Am leaving in 4 days for Punta Cana - all inclusive trip. I've heard mixed comments about 'tipping' there. Because they are a 3rd world country I was told that things like toothbrushes, nylons, etc would be great 'gifts' to tip. I've also been told it's a great idea to bring candies for the kids, should we decide to go on a tour. But then I've talked to others who have been there many times and never tipped like this.
I don't want to offend someone by NOT tipping, and yet I don't want to offend them by giving them something other than money. I'd thought about putting together a 'care package' of sorts for the maid(s) to leave at the end of the trip - with a note attached telling her (them?) that it is a gift for their service. Personally I think I'd prefer to do this than to tip with money - it seems more personal and a nicer gesture of appreciation. But then - how and when - or would you - tip the waiters, etc etc.
A friend went to Cuba and left a little candy at the table after each meal.

Any tips, suggestions would be appreciated!! Thanx!
If possible - could someone email me at my email address as it is quicker to access & read and my days are limited!!
 
D

Doug

Guest
money will never offend, plus anything you can get in The U.S. or Canada you can get there. So anice tip (money) would be nice
 
G

GringoCarlos

Guest
I have been in many countries here in the Caribbean, and think Dominicans really appreciate the $$ the most. I just returned from an all-inclusive resort on the North Coast, and did the following (right or wrong):

1) I gave the guy who took our bags, and us , from the front desk to our rooms, RD $ 80 (about US$5) - 3 bags, and 2 people, a ride of about 200 meters, and up to the 2nd floor. I did the same when we checked out,and he came and got us, and then loaded our bags into our vehicle at the front.

2) Every day, I left RD $25 (about US $1.50) on top of the toilet in the bathroom, for the maid - I did this daily in case they changed the maids between rooms every day, so nobody got stiffed.

3) I did not tip the girl at the reservations desk, when we made dinner plans. I have attempted this before,and was gently told, "please - no sir, but thanks for offering." I did not tip the front desk people either.

4) I did not tip the service people in the resort dining rooms, as I was told they are taken care of by the resort for their help.

Hope this helped. If I did something wrong, I am sure someone else will surely let me know here. :)
 
B

Bob Morris

Guest
Re: The DR is nothing like Cuba

We went through this some time ago - when I heard that the US was going to a coin for their $1.00 (Anybody know if that has happened?) At any rate I tipped a US $1.00 to: porters at the airport (per bag), to servers in the cafeteria and bars and to maids.

We were advised by our tour hostess that toothpaste, shampoo and other personal use items were good to leave for the maids. This was particularly true at the end of the stay - so we did that on our last day.

We haven't been back to find out what our reception will be but are booked for Valentine's day arrival.

Incidentally we were advised that coin is not accepted by the banks down there and one local explained why
 
L

Loren

Guest
Re: Dominicans only want money !!

Go to your bank in the U.S. about a week before your trip and tell them to get in for you a fistfull of $2 bills. Also take some sacagewa or anthony coins for small things. The $2 bills make excellent tips and always elicit a positive response. I have been remembered on subsequent trips because of this practice - and rewarded with even better service.
 
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