If you’re coming to Brazil for the first time, you might be asking yourself “Should I tip here? How much? Is there a general policy for it?” In this article we will help you to understand when and where it is expected and how much it is expected. Remember that as important as the tip itself, it is crucial to be cordial and kind with the ones that are serving you.
Check it out:

Restaurants

Usually the waiters are tipped in 10% here in Brazil and very often the bill is already pre-tipped. To discover if that is the case, you can ask the waiter “A gorjeta já está inclusa na conta?” (Is the tip already included on the bill?). You can also ask for a “check” where they will bring a paper detailing all the items you just ordered. If the gratuity is included, this should be listed as a separated item.

If the tip is already included in the bill but you feel like the gratuity is too small for the service you received, you can give more money directly to the waiter who served you.

Ps: Sales tax is already included in the menu prices so it will never going to be added in the end of the bill.

Bar and Nightclubs   

Different from restaurants, bars and nightclubs don’t often include the tip on the bill. However, once again we suggest you to ask if it is already included on the bill. To tip a bartender that made your first cocktail is a nice gesture and perhaps it can ensure you to receive stronger drinks for your next rounds.

In some bars and nightclubs you may receive a card when you entry the place (they will mark your orders on it) , remember to keep this card all the time because if you lose it, you might have to pay hundreds of reais!

Taxi

Here in Brazil the taxi drivers don’t usually receive tips. However, it is very nice to leave the change. It is very common to round up the fare. If you appreciate the driver’s service, you can help him asking for his number/card so you can use him again for future rides.

Hotel services

Just like many other countries in the world, here in Brazil is recommended to tip the person who carried your luggage from/to the room. We suggest you to give a tip of R$2,00, R$5,00 in those cases (or the equivalent of $1 per bag).

It is not very common to tip the chamber maid here, but if you do appreciate her service, you could tip R$5,00. Preferentially leave the money in an envelope specifying the destination of the money.

A concierge is a person who works assisting guests at the hotel by arranging tours, making reservations, confirming flights etc. It is not necessary to tip the concierge if he recommended you a restaurant, bar or gave you a map of the city. However, if he was making an effort to make reservation on a very trendy restaurant or bar, then is polite to tip him.

Organized tours

Organized tours such as boat trips, slum tours, walking tours and similar usually make a request of a tip at the end of the tour. The guide will usually pass a hat or similar object collecting the tips. It is up to you to decide how much you want to give to the crew –if you want to give something.