Tipping In Antigua and Barbuda - A Complete Guide
Quick Guide
🏝️ All-Inclusive - Check At Front Desk (Differs)
🍽️ Restaurant - 10-15% Including Service Charge
🍹 Bar - 10% Customary
🚕 Taxi - 10-15% Expected
🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - 50¢ USD/Bag Expected
🚪 Hotel Doorman - $1 USD Once Expected
🛏️ Housekeeping - $1 USD/Night Expected
📸 Tour Guide - 10-15% Expected
Tipping is customary and even expected in a lot of scenarios here. The only exceptions are in certain all-inclusive resorts where tips are sometimes prohibited.
Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for Antigua and Barbuda using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in All-Inclusives, Restaurants, Bars, Taxis, Hotels etc.
Antigua and Barbuda Tip Calculator
Good Tip For Antigua and Barbuda
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Tipping in All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts often include tips in the bill so there’s usually no need to tip unless you want to.
However, it’s always better to check the fine print or ask at the resort front desk as sometimes tipping is prohibited. Resorts often enforce this policy so staff members don’t treat tipping and non-tipping guests differently.
Tipping in Restaurants
Restaurants often add a 10% service charge to the bill. Don’t confuse this with the ABST (Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax).
If the service charge is included, no extra tip is expected but an extra 5% cash tip is somewhat common and always appreciated. This extra cash tip will go directly to your server, unlike the service charge which will be shared between all staff.
If there’s no service charge, tip 10-15% depending on service. You can go higher than 15% for outstanding service but it would be considered impolite to tip less than 10%.
Tipping In Bars
It’s customary to hand your bartender a cash tip of around 10%.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
Your taxi driver will expect a 10% tip, 15% would be considered a great tip.
If you pick up a taxi from the airport or a large hotel (taxis can be identified by TX on the license plate), it’ll usually be meterless as fares are fixed. In any case, always agree on a fare before you set off and be clear about the currency you’re talking about (USD or EC$).
Taxi drivers here are often qualified tour guides so if your taxi imparts some local knowledge, tip accordingly (closer to 15%).
Tipping Porters/Bellhops & Doormen
Some hotels and resorts might prohibit tipping (ask the front desk or check your booking). If that’s not the case, the porter or bellhop will expect a tip of around 50¢ USD per bag.
Similarly, the doorman will also expect a tip or around $1 USD (you only need to tip them once).
Tipping Housekeeping
Even though your hotel bill may include a service charge, it’s still customary to tip housekeeping around $1 USD per night (unless it’s specifically banned by your resort - check the fine print or ask at the front desk).
Don’t confuse the service charge with the sales tax or tourism guest levy.
Tipping Tour Guides
It’s customary to tip your tour guide 10-15% of the cost of the tour. It’s considered impolite to tip less than 10% but you can go higher than 15% if you’re very impressed with the experience.
Which Currency To Use
You can use the official currency of Antigua and Barbuda, the East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) but the US Dollar (USD), to which the EC$ is pegged, is accepted everywhere.
Prices are usually displayed in both EC$ and USD.
Cards are widely accepted but cash tips are preferable.
Enjoy your trip to the Caribbean! 🇦🇬⛵🏝️
