Tipping can be one of the trickiest parts of travel— some regions won’t accept tips at all, whereas others will tack on additional fees until you’re bone-dry. The Caribbean is made up of several different cultures and islands, and our team at WhereToStay wants to clear up any misconceptions or potential questions so you can feel confident on your next Caribbean vacation. Tipping isn’t required at any villa, and is totally discretionary. Gratuity should be based on the service you receive, so it may vary depending on your budget and requests. If you’re having an amazing vacation though, tipping the villa staff or service staff is a great way to spread the love.

Anguilla

Housekeeper: $15 to $25 for each day of service
Maintenance staff: $10 per day or per visit
At high-end, fully staffed villas, management may include a 5-10% service charge in your bill. Additional gratuity is completely optional, but most guests add a 5-20% cash tip.
Restaurants: 15-25% of the cost of the meal, depending on service

Barbados

For villas with minimal staff, tipping up to 5% of the rental charge for the week is the norm. At villas with a full staff, follow these guidelines:
Butlers: $175.00 per week
Chefs: $150.00 per week
Cooks: $125.00 per week
Housekeepers: $100.00 per week
Maids/Laundress: $80.00 per week
Gardeners: $75.00 per week
Security Guards: $50.00 per week
Restaurants: a service charge of 10-15% is included at most restaurants, but feel free to tip more if your wait staff was exceptional.

British Virgin Islands

Housekeeping: $5 per day, per occupied room
At high-end, fully staffed villas, management may include a 5-10% service charge in your bill. Additional gratuity is completely optional, but most guests add a 5-20% cash tip.
Restaurants: 12-15% is customary, but may be included in your bill

Cayman

Villa Staff and Excursions: 10-20% gratuity, at your discretion
At high-end, fully staffed villas, management may include a 5-10% service charge in your bill. Additional gratuity is completely optional, but most guests add a 5-20% cash tip.
Restaurants: a service charge of 10-15% is included at most restaurants, but feel free to tip more if your wait staff was exceptional.

Dominican Republic

Housekeeper: $1-5 per day
Restaurants: a service charge of 10-15% is included at most restaurants, but feel free to tip more if your wait staff was exceptional.

Grenada

Restaurants and Villa Staff: 10% gratuity is the norm across the island

Jamaica

Villa Staff: Tips are given in cash on the day of departure, or prepaid at booking. Give 10% of the rental cost in high season and 15% in low season.
Restaurants: 15-20% of the meal, based on service

St. Barts

Housekeeper: $10-$15 per person, per day
Concierge: $50 for good service, or more if they were exceptional
Chef and Activities: up to 10%
At high-end, fully staffed villas, management may include a 5-10% service charge in your bill. Additional gratuity is completely optional, but most guests add a 5-20% cash tip.
Restaurants: 10% of the meal, based on service

U.S. Virgin Islands

Housekeepers: $2-5 per day                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Caretakers: $25 and up
Villa Greeter: $10-$50 if they’re exceptional
At high-end, fully staffed villas, management may include a 5-10% service charge in your bill. Additional gratuity is completely optional, but most guests add a 5-20% cash tip.
Restaurants: 10%-20%, based on service

St. Lucia

Villa Staff: $50 per couple, per week
Restaurants: 10% gratuity, on average

St. Martin

Housekeepers: $100-$200 per week
Caretaker: $50-$100 per week
Villas with a Full Staff: the manager will distribute tips, and 5-10% of the pre-taxes rental rate is recommended
Restaurants: 15-20% is customary, but may be included in your bill

Turks and Caicos

Housekeeping: $50-100 per week, $100 per day at luxury villas
At high-end, fully staffed villas, management may include a 5-10% service charge in your bill. Additional gratuity is completely optional, but most guests add a 5-20% cash tip.
Restaurants: 10% is customary, but may be included in your bill

Tips & Tricks

If you receive a bill that includes a service charge, it’s at your discretion to pay additional gratuity. Every tip, for staff or service, is entirely up to you. Consider it your gift to the island!