Tipping in Belize:What Travelers Should Know (From a Local Tour Guide)
Walk With Me. I’ll Show You My Belize.
— By Alvin J. Brown, Licensed Belize Tour Guide
How Much Should You Tip in Belize?
Tipping in Belize isn’t a fixed rule—but it means a lot. Whether you’re dining out, going on a tour, or checking into a resort, a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way for the people behind your experience.
As a licensed guide and someone who worked behind the scenes in the hotel industry, I’ve seen both sides—and I want to help you understand when, how, and why to tip in Belize.
A Quick Personal Note
Direct Tipping vs. Service Charges: What You Need to Know
One question I used to get a lot when working in hotels was:
“Do I still tip if there’s already a service charge?”
Here’s the truth:
Yes, some restaurants and hotels include a 10% service charge on your bill. But that amount often gets pooled or split among staff—and sometimes it doesn’t go directly to the person who served you.
That’s why I always encourage direct tipping—especially if someone gave you exceptional service. It’s not just about money. It’s a personal sign that you noticed their effort.
Let me share something personal.
A few years ago, I was working in the reservation department at a hotel. I helped a guest plan their stay, answered all their questions, and made some last-minute adjustments.
A few days later, my manager walked up and said, “Alvin, someone left you a tip.”
I was surprised. I hadn’t even met the guest in person.
It was $50 USD—a thank-you for helping them feel seen and taken care of. That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that sometimes a small act of kindness speaks volumes.
Suggested Tips in Belize (Local Guide Breakdown)
🧑🍳 Restaurants
- Local spots: 5–10% is fine if service is simple.
- Tourist-oriented restaurants: 10–20% is appreciated for good service.
- Check for a service charge, and tip directly if someone stood out.
🧳 Hotels
- Housekeepers: $3–5 BZD/day
- Bellhops: $2–3 BZD per bag
- Concierge/front desk: Tip if they go above and beyond
🚌 Tours & Activities
- Group tours: $5–10 BZD per person
- Private/full-day tours: $10–20 BZD or more if it was outstanding
- Porters at ruins/airports: $2 BZD per bag
🚖 Taxis
- Tipping isn’t required unless they help with luggage or offer extra service
Another Kind of Tip That Means the World
Not all tips have to be cash.
One of the most powerful things you can do is leave a review—especially if you mention the person by name.
Whether it’s your guide, your server, or the front desk staff who made your stay better, writing a few kind words on Google, TripAdvisor, or your hotel’s page can really matter.
Reviews help us grow. They help others trust us. And sometimes, they even lead to bonuses or recognition from our managers.
Most of all, they remind us that what we do makes a difference.
So if you ever feel unsure about tipping—or want to do something even more personal—consider writing a review. It’s a lasting way to say thank you.
Tag Them in Your Travel Memories
These days, many travelers document their Belize trip on social media—and for those of us in tourism, even a few seconds of being tagged in a story or post can feel like a moment of recognition.
Whether it’s your tour guide, driver, or bartender—tagging them in your content gives them a little spotlight. And trust me, Belizeans cherish that.
We don’t always say it, but when someone shares a photo or video and includes our name, it’s a proud moment. It shows we were part of something meaningful.
“Hey, look—that’s me!”
Or in Creole: “Si me deh!”
That’s more than attention. That’s appreciation.
So if someone helped make your trip unforgettable, let the world know. A tag may only last 24 hours on Instagram—but the feeling lasts much longer here.
Tipping in Belize Comes from the Heart
In Belize, we don’t tip because it’s expected—we tip when something feels right. It’s a gesture of appreciation, and when it’s given directly or spoken out loud in a review, it stays with us.
Your kindness—whether $5, $50, or just a few honest words—goes further than you might imagine.
