Tipping on private tours

[KSinMex]

I'm working on our budget for our upcoming cruise. We have some small group private tours booked and I was wondering what is considered normal for tipping. I understand that this is pretty subjective, but suggestions would be appreciated!

[hondorner]

That's a tough question because tipping practices vary so much from country to country. In some areas, they may expect nothing. In every area, I suspect they will accept whatever you offer, even if they expect nothing -- I've never known them to turn down a tip.

 

My rules of thumb are a maximum of 10% of the value of the excursion for the guide, and a maximum of 5% of the value for a driver. If there is only a driver/guide, a maximum of 10%. On a $100 per person excursion, that would be $20 and $10 total for the two of us.

 

However, that's a maximum, and I often give less. Another rule of thumb, useful almost everywhere, is $5 pp for the guide and $2 pp for the driver, or $10 guide and $4 or $5 driver total. On a recent western caribbean cruise another cruise line, I gave the guides and drivers $5 and $2 for the two of us; they weren't that great.

[KSinMex]

Thank you so much for the detailed advice. We will be cruising Rio to Buenos Aires.

[LHT28]

10% of the excursion price

[wristband]

I also agree on the 10%. Up/down depending on the level of service, their knowledge and effort to make you feel your time in port was well spent. A driver can make a big difference - or disappear and cut into your limited time - so tip accordingly for the "silent partner."

 

Almost all private guides we have used were eager to please and voice concern at the end of the tour that we received what was proposed in hopes you will tell others and post on CC & Trip Advisor of your positive experience. Unlike a ship tour, you enjoy great flexibility to alter plans during the day and take advantage of certain stops that may suddenly open up.

 

Also, consider buying your guide lunch when stopping for a bite or an expresso if you take a much-needed break to rest your feet.

[kazu]

10% is normally what we do too.

 

there have been exceptions when we had such extraordinary service that we could not resist and exceptions where we gave less.

 

Let your enjoyment of your tour be your guide ;)

[ronrick1943]

If they did a good job, 10% at least. Great job and you really enjoy the guide more.

Rick

[phillygirl63]

I think 10% to the guide and 5% to the driver, if any, is an acceptable amount to start from and then adjust up or down depending upon the quality of service. Some private tour companies will advise you in advance of their gratuity recommendations for specific tours. It was that way on our recent Baltics cruise.

[newlondon]

Actually Don, DW and I use a wheel chair in airports, embarrassing but necessary; I always try to tip but have been turned down several times in Dubai and twice in Joburg.

[PSULion]

If you have a driver only, I think $5 or $10 a head is appropriate assuming the driver is good, and depending on the length of the tour.

 

On a tour with a driver and a guide, I usually just tip the same to the guide, and I always assumed they shared with the driver (who is more likely a "professional" driver that receives a better salary I would think, but don't really know).

 

If the guide is exceptionally good, an extra $5 I am sure is appreciated.

 

John