Tipping is greatly appreciated, provides considerable supplementary income for Cubans in the tourism industry, and is usually expected.  Insight Cuba understands that tipping is often a personal matter, but we advise each participant to be cognizant of setting unrealistic expectations for how much future tourists should give. The following are suggestions you may use:

In restaurants, a 10% tip left at the end of a meal for wait staff is appropriate and often expected.  At the end of your trip, you’ll have the ability to tip your local guide what you deem appropriate. Depending on your level of satisfaction, 10 Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) to 50 CUC per person is greatly appreciated by our Cuban guides. As for your driver, 75 CUC to 135 CUC per week from the entire group is an acceptable gratuity.  While leaving more for your guides and drivers is kind, it could lead to unrealistic expectations for groups in the future.

Last updated on April 28, 2011 by Insight Cuba