Is tipping expected?

Most Cuban workers earn incredibly low salaries – around CUC$8 to CUC$12 a month – so tips are an extremely important and coveted source of supplemental income. With the rise in tourism, all sorts of workers now expect and work for tips, including taxi drivers, porters, waiters, guides, and restaurant musicians. Taxi drivers in particular expect any small change on a fare. So if the meter reads CUC$2.30, you are expected to pay CUC$2.50, although you are certainly within your rights to ask for CUC$.20 or so change. Porters should be tipped between CUC$.50 and CUC$1 per bag. Some restaurants include a 10% service charge, although you should tip the waiter an additional 5% to 10% depending upon the quality of service, or even more (as this is how they actually survive, since they will not see any of that 10% service charge).  The maid should be tipped around CUC$1 a day, and also tip the waiters who serve you every day at breakfast as they are also working on miserable salaries.

A minimal tip will be included in your program for your driver and guide.  If you enjoy their services, we would suggest tipping them personally at the end of the trip.