Tipping in Punta Cana: A Gratuities Guide for Restaurants, Hotels & more

How much should you tip while visiting Punta Cana? When and how should you tip at restaurants, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts? And what happens if you don’t tip in Punta Cana? Find out the answers to these questions, plus some unique tipping tips that will save you money and ensure that your vacation goes smoothly, with this guide to tipping in Punta Cana.
tipping in Punta Cana
Contents

General Rules for tipping in Punta Cana


Tipping in Punta Cana is fairly similar to tipping in other places around Latin America; usually, you tip a few dollars per person. Service charges are included at most restaurants outside the resort area, but when in the resort be sure to leave them a good tip if you had excellent service!

Keep in mind that many upscale hotels add a service charge to your bill (usually between 10%–15%), so if you’re staying somewhere like that, you won’t need to worry about extra tips. Unless you want to show extra appreciation. Check with reception to find out if any of their restaurants do this.

Preferred tipping currency


The United States dollar is preferred when tipping in Punta Cana. If you have Dominican pesos feel free to tip using it however it is uncommon to tip more than 250 Pesos (5 Dollars).

US dollars are preferred to other currencies as it is easier for the locals to exchange. We recommend you to have low denomination USDs for tipping.

When To Tip in Punta Cana?


Feel free to leave a tip in Punta Cana if you receive attentive service, a little extra won’t hurt! Most of our customers recommend giving $1-2$ per drink or more if you received exceptional service.

You’d normally leave tips on top of your bed for the cleaners, at the pool bar, and while leaving your table after breakfast.

Make sure to always carry small bills and coins so that you can tip on a dime.

Tipping in Punta Cana Hotels and All-Inclusive Resorts


Tipping can be tricky in all-inclusive resorts. Some have included a gratuity in your package price; however, most will not include these expenses in your final bill. If you’re staying at a hotel or all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, keep in mind that tipping is a must.

The suggested gratuity amount varies based on how much you spend while in Punta Cana, though 2 to 5 dollars is standard at most resorts.

Appreciation Etiquette


When it comes to tipping etiquette, don’t forget that tipping is just an appreciation of excellent service. If your servers are sloppy or rush you through your meal at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, then you may want to think twice about whether to leave a tip at all—or at least reduce it.

Coming to Punta Cana?
Book your Excursions & Tours in advance. We provide roundtrip transportation from all hotels in Punta Cana.
No Payment Required - Schedule your activities today using our pay later option!

Tipping your tour and excursion guides


The amount varies depending on how many hours your guide has spent with you as well as his or her personality (if you enjoyed their company). If it’s a private excursion, contact your tour company beforehand to find out what’s customary.

2–5% of your tour price is an acceptable tip for your tour guide. Here is what this looks like:

And so on…

Tipping in Bars and Restaurants

As with restaurants back home, a gratuity is expected at bars in Punta Cana. A 10% tip is customary for standard service at a bar; tipping 15% or more shows extra appreciation. Remember that you don’t need to tip every time you order a drink—but you should definitely give extra when your server goes above and beyond.

Always look at your bill. Many restaurants already include the tip in your final bill so keep an eye for that.

Tipping taxi drivers


In most countries around the world, tips are not expected or required. When ti comes to tipping in Punta Cana It is customary to tip taxi drivers but it is not required. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but if you want to make your driver’s day, you can tip a few dollars.

Learn how to get around Punta Cana

In conclusion


Tips can make a vacation memorable by giving you a chance to show your appreciation to all those who went out of their way to provide excellent service.

Many of the employees you’ll interact with while staying at a Punta Cana all-inclusive make less than $180 USD a month. Tipping is a great way to help a server, guide, or any hospitality employee in the Dominican Republic provide for their family.

As a general rule of thumb, you should consider tipping if you had a great service.

Pre-book Your Punta Cana Adventures & Tours

Plan your Punta Cana adventure with us. We offer direct pick-ups from your resort. Secure your spot today!
Monkeyland and Zip Line tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Zip Line & Monkeyland Adventure

Monkeyland and Zip Line tour. Includes our Zip Lines, a visit to the Coconut House, and a full...
Jungle Buggies Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Triple Jungle Adventure Park Punta Cana

You will be taken far into Punta Cana's jungle off-the-beaten-path by the Jungle Buggies trip. Squirrel monkey interactions,...
Playa Rincon tour from Punta Cana or Bayahibe
Book Now, Pay Later

Playa Rincon, Samana, and Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Punta Cana

Experience the beauty of Playa Rincon on a day trip from Punta Cana. Relax with a traditional Dominican...
Doctor Fish Ocean Span in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Ocean Spa in Punta Cana

Experience ultimate relaxation at Ocean Spa Punta Cana with massages, floating mats, and yoga aboard a luxurious catamaran!...
catamaran sailing brunch punta cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Private Catamaran Sailing & Brunch in Punta Cana

Experience the best view of Punta Cana from above on this amazing parasailing activity....
Beach Horseback Riding from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Punta Cana Beach Horseback Riding tour

Imagine horseback riding through the white sandy beaches of Punta Cana along with your significant other, or even...
Dorado Water Park
Book Now, Pay Later

El Dorado Water Park in Punta Cana

Escape to fun and relaxation at El Dorado Waterpark! Drift along the lazy river, cool off in the...
Chocolate tour in punta cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Chocolate Master Class in Punta Cana

Learn from expert chocolatiers, work with premium cocoa, and craft chocolate from bean to bar in this immersive,...
All Terrain Eco ATV tour by Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Honda UTV Off-Road Tour from Punta Cana

A powerful UTV buggy, which will drive you and your family easily and safely through the natural landscapes...
Power Adventures Combo from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Snuba Diving, Snorkeling, Parasailing and Party Boat in Punta Cana

Discover the sky and sea to the fullest with this excursion where you can meet the coast of...
Book Now, Pay Later

Scape Park & Can-Am 4×4 Off-Road Adventure (Daily)

Enjoy many incredible activities at Scape Park, a natural theme park with a variety of attractions including, Hoyo...
Book Now, Pay Later

Private Catamaran Booze Cruise & Snorkeling

Punta Cana Party Boat & Snorkeling excursion is for people who love great music, friendly people, delicious tropical...
The best things to do in punta cana. The ATV ride
Book Now, Pay Later

Four Wheeler ATV tour in Punta Cana

Ride a four-wheeler deep in the countryside in Punta Cana to sample the area’s local produce, coffee, cocoa,...
Book Now, Pay Later

Unique Night Off-Road Adventure & Cenote Party

Embark on Adventure Boogies’ Night Tour! Tackle extreme trails, enjoy a Taino show, swim in a cenote, and...
Dolphin Encounter in Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Dolphin Encounter in Punta Cana

When traveling to Punta Cana, the ideal thing to do is the Dolphin Encounter Program because it was...

Latest posts

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Coming to Punta Cana?

Schedule your Excursions &
Tours before arriving.

Our activities include roundtrip transportation from every Punta Cana resort!
ATV Tour from Punta Cana

Coming to Punta Cana?

Did you know you can plan and schedule your activities before arriving? Doing so will save you time & money!

Enter your email below & we’ll show you how: