Tipping in Argentina is voluntary. Nothing is added to the bill automatically and nobody may demand it, which makes the country easier than places where a service charge is expected everywhere. There are habits, though, and they differ for a short taxi ride, a driver who spends half a day with you and a waiter in a restaurant.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps
Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. The usual gesture is to round the meter fare up and leave the small change. If the driver handled heavy suitcases or waited for you, something extra is appreciated.
In the apps, a tip is offered on screen once the ride is over. It is optional.
Remis, hired drivers and private transfers
Not compulsory either. Many passengers leave something when the service went beyond driving:
- a long trip or several hours together;
- help with a lot of luggage, a pushchair or a wheelchair;
- waiting, extra stops or a change of plan handled with good will.
The amount is up to you. For a group, one tip from everybody together is normal, not one per person.
Restaurants, hotels and tours
In restaurants there is a customary share of the bill, left on the table or handed to the waiter. The line called cubierto or servicio de mesa on some bills is a table charge kept by the restaurant, not the tip. Hotel porters and tour guides are commonly tipped as well.
How to leave it
- Cash in pesos is the simplest for the person receiving it.
- Foreign banknotes are accepted, but foreign coins are useless here because they cannot be exchanged.
- By card or QR: some places let you add the tip to the payment. Say so before the card is charged.
Keep a few small peso notes on you. Our guide to currency exchange and payments explains how to get them.
On LatamTransfer transfers
The price we agree is per vehicle and does not include a tip. Whether to leave one is your decision, as with any private transfer.