Is $10 USD a good tip in Mexico?

Is $10 USD a good tip in Mexico? Well, it really depends. I mean, it's a lot for most everyday things. Think about it – would you tip $10 on a $20 lunch back home? Probably not! While someone would definitely appreciate the gesture, it might feel a little… over the top, you know? Like, maybe even make things a bit awkward.

I remember once in Playa del Carmen, I accidentally tipped our taxi driver $10 – I’d just gotten pesos and dollars mixed up in my wallet. He looked at me like I’d grown a second head! He was super grateful, don’t get me wrong, but it was clear it was way more than usual.

For a regular meal, 10-15% is perfectly fine, just like in the US. And honestly? Using pesos is usually better. It’s their currency, after all! Plus, smaller bills are always helpful. It's like, imagine trying to break a $50 in a tiny little shop – not easy, right? I usually try to keep a stash of 50 and 100 peso notes handy specifically for tips and smaller purchases. Makes things so much smoother. So yeah, while $10 isn't necessarily bad, it's probably a bit much in most cases.