Tipping in Jamaica

[KMuscara]

Hi Everyone,

 

I thought maybe you could help me.

 

I am getting married at the Half Moon in Montego Bay. I am working on my budget and going through vendors/people to tip.

 

The wedding coordinator, photographer, officiant, Steel Drum Band, and food all contains a 15% tip included in the cost. Do I tip on top of that? We are giving our wedding coordinator a gift for all that she is doing.

 

What do you think? In the articles I have been reading it says to tip bartenders, servers, etc. I would think that the 15% gratuity cost of food & beverage would be split amongst them.

 

Very unsure!

 

Hope you can help! Thank YOu!

Kelly

[Catalyst]

Sounds like a good plan to me. Tipping is such a grey area because you never know what or how much is appropriate, or at least I don't!

 

My personal rule is in instances where gratuity is already included I tend to give tips on top of the already charged gratuity only if the person performing the service exceeds my expectations.

 

Otherwise I tend to go with 15% as a standard and go up or down based on level of service.

 

I would include a little extra in your budget for further tips and then award them - or not- as you feel is warrented.

 

I think I saw a really good idea in another thread where a bride made up cards with the extra tips in them and handed them out - or not- as needed.

 

hope that helps!

-Kay

[blumenthale]

I agree with Kay. If the tip is included I only give more if they went above and beyond my expectations. Some individual tipping may be nice for the servers and bartenders, who knows if they ever see the tips included in the bill. In general, in Jamaica, you will get better service with a few dollar bills to your maids, bartenders, etc. Start off with a tip when you meet them, then encourage their good behavior with the promise of a nicer tip when you leave. It works wonders. I would give your WC cash, they probably get all sorts of body lotion and other well intended gifts that they don't need, unless she specified something she wanted.

[KGraham27]

If the tip is already included in the bill I would only tip on top of that if that person exceeded my expectations. I don't think you need to tip everyone though. Budgeting for extra tips is a good idea just in case.

[ErinB]

Check with your resort first.

 

Some have very strict policies on tipping; an employee can be fired on the spot if they are seen taking a tip at some. If you choose to offer gifts, be sure to include a note so there is no question.

 

If the tip is included, ask how it will be split.

 

If you have any events off property (golf, taxis, etc) be sure you have cash to tip.

[jamaica0510]

I didn't think about tipping the WC. We are getting married off resort and have a wedding planner handling everything. Should I be tipper her, and how much? We are getting married at half moon beach in Negril. Do I tip the photographer which is included in her package?

[soulmatekate]

I think you are supposed to tip anyone who does not own their own business or anyone who goes beyond their normal duties and impresses you.

[Espejo2be]

I think i'll be getting a gift for the WC but other than that I will just tip they go above and beyond my expectations. Can't afford to give big tips on top of those already included in the packages.

[Lizk23]

This might be a dumb question but i thought i remebered a friend of mine that went to Jamaica once telling me that the employees at the resort loved when he gave them American money even moreso than getting Jamaican money as a tip. Is this true?

[akua420]

Yes, its true. We're taking a stack of $1 bills. 

Originally Posted by Lizk23 

This might be a dumb question but i thought i remebered a friend of mine that went to Jamaica once telling me that the employees at the resort loved when he gave them American money even moreso than getting Jamaican money as a tip. Is this true?