A Conversation for International Tipping Etiquette

Tipping in the Turks and Caicos

Post 1

Baileyboo

Being in the Food & Bev business, and being a resident, here are some tips for you if you ever venture to the beautiful turquoise waters of Providencials, Turks & Caicos:
Tip! Please!
Many tourists seem confused about tipping in the Caribbean, don't be. The natives here are more likely to be paid at the lowest end of the pay scale (I know, I write the checks) and they rely on tips.
However, the service standards are not always up to speed. In fact, speed shouldn't be used in the same sentence as service. But remember, you are entering a twilight zone of a third world country that has been operating at a slightly faster speed than standstill for many many years.
People aren't going to start running around just because that's how you are used to things back in the US or Canada (I haven't travelled anywhere else)
But you will get your drink, and you will get fed, and if you make an attempt, you'll find that most of the native staff are quite friendly and happy to chat.
Standards on Provo are to tip 15-20%, but buyer beware, it's split across the Island as to whether a service charge is included on your bill. Check that out before you tip - because no one is going to tell you if you double tip. That's just the way it is.

Also tip taxi drivers. I know, you will already be paying a fortune but that's also just the way it is. Your taxi driver could be a very integral part of your trip if you don't rent a car. They'll tell you what's going on, they'll take you there, AND they'll pick you up, sometimes they'll even just wait for you at the bar if they've got nothing better to do. Just sort out what you're paying before you go, fares do fluctuate from driver to driver (even though they're metered, it's just another decoration, like signal lights) And make sure you have your return arranged, because after midnight, taxi drivers disappear with the police, and if you aren't booked, you just may be walking.

Otherwise, enjoy our beautiful Island. We've got the best beaches in the world. And think about it, you don't even know where the Turks and Caicos are, do you think any terrorists do either??

Oh, Bailey has one more comment. We have a lot of dogs here, a lot. If you aren't scared of them, they won't bother you. We haven't lost a tourist yet. If the people around here were just a little responsible with birth control for their pets, we'd be a lot better off. If you have the chance, go ahead, give them some french fries. They can be bribed...


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Tipping in the Turks and Caicos

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