The Peso and OBH

[fortbethel]

How will the merchandise table take our currency? Are we expected to tip with greenbacks or pesos

[gluvmiller]

I've been to Mexico a handful of times and I've always tipped with USD. I believe it is worth more to the locals than pesos. I am always sure to have a stack of $1 and $5 and a handful of $10 and $20. You will get MUCH greater service and stronger drinks if you tip. For example, during the music there will be wait staff walking through the crowd delivering drinks. I found it better to tip when I ordered a drink from them than tipping when I receive it. My drink came faster and stronger.

[fortbethel]

Thanks for the cocktail insight. Our drinks are included with our room price so is $1.00  tip a drink fair?

[gluvmiller]

Absolutely. But I do typically find a waitstaff I like and tip them $5 or more at the start and then repeated $1. The spa I'll tip a little heavier. And then I really try to hook up the housekeepers. I'll bring baseballs and school supplies and tip. This has several benefits. Obviously it help the local kids, but the housekeepers are so thankful you'll notice exceptional room service including getting super stocked w better alcohol.

[fortbethel]

Wow! You've got it down!

[fortbethel]

But how do you handle it when this 'waitstaff' person thinks the initial $five is a payment for the drink? How do you say, 'no it's a tip' in Spanish? All meals and all drinks are included in our room price right?

[fortbethel]

And also how do I know you're NOT the waitstaff?! J/k couldn't resist! Lol

[gluvmiller]

Oh, you're funny. They understand we're not paying for the drinks. And for the most part, they've been exposed to Americans who tip. We're not all bad as we're made to believe. And you def don't need to speak Spanish. These resorts, especially those that are American owned, make sure they hire staff that speaks English if their position interacts with customers. That is where our ignorance comes into play. I have tried for so long to learn Spanish. I took 5 years of French in highschool and still to this day it screws up my Spanish.

[fortbethel]

Very cool. Thank you so much for this info. You're a kind person and I will pass this kindness on but with tennis balls not baseballs. Times are a bit tight. How do the house keeps know that the school supplies and balls are for them? Do you leave a note?

[gluvmiller]

Well, we have to stop and appreciate how blessed we are. Not only have I been lucky to have been born to intelligent parents in a culture that has allowed me to prosper, but I've also been lucky to have the right people to teach me through out my years. I have to chalk it up to getting exposed to the Grateful Dead at 13 years old. That paved the way to a life that inspired me to explore and take chances and also pay attention to the community around me.

Yes, i leave a note and I also tell the front desk so their managers don't think they're stealing from me. I know people who have also left it with the housekeeping manager to give to their staff.

[Jamison]

Well, we have to stop and appreciate how blessed we are. Not only have I been lucky to have been born to intelligent parents in a culture that has allowed me to prosper, but I've also been lucky to have the right people to teach me through out my years. I have to chalk it up to getting exposed to the Grateful Dead at 13 years old. That paved the way to a life that inspired me to explore and take chances and also pay attention to the community around me.

Yes, i leave a note and I also tell the front desk so their managers don't think they're stealing from me. I know people who have also left it with the housekeeping manager to give to their staff.

[fortbethel]

I'm going to leave' 'Elmer's' glue. Not the best stuff to huff but then again I can't remember. ;)