When you travel to another country, it's always a bit of a learning curve to understand the customs. Tipping is one of those typical things that can often be tricky when you've just arrived. To make your trip to Chile as enjoyable as possible, we'd like to provide you with some information on how tipping works here. Is it customary to tip in Chile? Where should you tip or not? How much should these tips be? In this article, we'll provide you with all the answers.
Tipping in restaurants and bars is common in many places in Chile. It is definitely appreciated in tourist areas and even expected, as many foreign tourists give tips. It is also common for a tip, usually 10%, to be added to the bill. Always check carefully if the tip is already included in the total amount. If you're satisfied with the service, you can definitely leave a tip in Chile. However, if you're only having a drink in a bar or café, a 10% tip is less expected. In this case, you can also choose to round up the amount.
Unlike in restaurants, tipping is not common at street vendors in Chile. However, you can certainly round up the amount you need to pay. Street vendors in Chile are often small business owners, and any extra support is appreciated. Street food is often relatively inexpensive, so rounding up usually involves small amounts.
Giving a small tip after a tour is not expected, but it is a nice gesture. Especially if you've been out for the whole day, it is customary to give a tip of around 5 to 10%. In Chile, it may sometimes happen that a guide explicitly asks for a tip, but even if this isn't the case, it will still be greatly appreciated.