Guide to Tipping in Bolivia

Tipping in Bolivia and Salar de Uyuni

A guide to tipping in Bolivia and Salar de Uyuni.

Want to know how much to tip in Salar de Uyuni and across Bolivia? This guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting Bolivia and how much to leave.

Do I Need to Tip in Bolivia?

Bolivia’s tipping culture may differ significantly from your home country’s etiquette. But tips, or propinas in Spanish, are very much part of Bolivia’s service and tourism culture.

Travellers to Bolivia will come into contact with a wide range of people during a trip, many of whom will add to the holiday’s smooth running and enjoyment. Leaving a tip is not mandatory but rewards and acknowledges great service. Tips are always appreciated in Bolivia.

Bolivia’s average monthly wage is around $600-700, while the minimum monthly wage is $360. That’s why small tips make a big difference to some people, many of whom work in the informal economy.

Knowing what to tip the people you’ll meet, from guides to cleaners and hotel staff to servers, will be easy once you’ve read this Bolivia tipping guide.

Remember: tipping is not obligatory in Bolivia. It is a reward for good service. Never feel pressured into giving a tip; only give what you feel comfortable tipping.

Should I Tip in USD or Bolivianos?

Bolivia uses the Boliviano as its currency. The Boliviano is the best tipping money in Bolivia, especially for smaller tips.

It’s common to see USDs in Bolivia, which are widely used. Still, most people use the Boliviano in their everyday lives. Furthermore, small tips left in Bolivianos don’t require the beneficiary to exchange them.

Keep and carry small denomination Boliviano notes in good condition so you’re not left short if you want to tip a porter or driver. You can use USD in emergencies or for larger tips. Remember, if you’re caught short, leaving a USD tip is better than nothing.

Are Tips Included in Restaurant and Bar Bills in Bolivia?

Some restaurants and hotels include a voluntary 10-15% service tip within the bill. You can remove this or pay it, but check before paying.

If you want to tip in a Bolivian restaurant, we recommend removing any included tip from the bill and then paying a tip in cash worth 10-15% of your total bill. That way, you’ll know the money goes to your server.

Bar and café workers don’t expect tips, although you may see tip jars. Consider giving a Bolivian or three for every drink you have as a way of saying thanks to a friendly worker.

Should I Tip a Taxi Driver in Bolivia?

Most taxi drivers in large Bolivia cities use a fixed meter to calculate fares. Most locals don’t tip taxi drivers. Round the fare up a few Bolivianos if your driver has been kind and helpful.

A transfer driver who takes you from an airport or station to a hotel and is helpful with bags and so forth doesn’t expect a tip, but a $1-2 per bag tip, around 6-10 Bolivianos, per person is always appreciated.

Your Bolivia tour may include a driver for several days. If they drive well and safely, are friendly, etc., then a pooled (not per person) tip of Bolivianos 50-90 ($7-13 per day) would be very welcome.

Porters at long-distance bus stations sometimes grab bags and demand a tip for their work. This is customary–watch what others pay and hand over something similar, usually around 5-7 Bolivianos ($1) per bag.

Do I Tip Hotel Staff in Bolivia?

A friendly and helpful porter who carries your bag to your room is typically given $1-2 per bag, around 6-10 Bolivianos.

For breakfast waiting staff, leave 6-10 Bolivianos ($1-2) on the table per person per breakfast. Leave the same amount for cleaning staff on your bedside table – this is not expected in many hotels, but the staff will be grateful.

Similarly, tip hotel or airport porters 6-10 Bolivianos ($1-2) for each bag carried. Also, tip a concierge if they help with hailing cabs or other ways.

Tipping in Bolivia: How Much?

Here are some guideline tipping amounts for the various service providers you may meet during a Bolivia tour:

• Restaurants:                            10-15% for good service
• Bartenders:                              A few Bolivianos (2-4 soles per drink)
• Taxi-hailing concierges:          5-7 Bolivianos ($1)
• Housekeeping:                          6-10 Bolivianos a day ($1-2), daily, left on the bed or table
• Airport porters:                        5-7 Bolivianos ($1) per bag
• Hotel/lodge cleaners:                Not expected, but 6-10 Bolivianos ($1-2) per night is always appreciated
• Taxis:                                          Tip not expected, but can round up the fare
• Transfer driver:                        6-10 Bolivianos a day ($1-2), depending on the journey length
• Group tour drivers:                  50-90 Bolivianos ($7-13) per day total from the group (not per person)
• Specialist guides:                       80-160 Bolivianos ($12-25) per day total from the group (not per person)
• Trek assistants/cooks:               50-100 ($7-15) per day total from the group (not per person)

How Much Should I Tip on the Salar de Uyuni?

Bolivia’s Salt Flats—the Salar de Uyuni—are a huge draw for visitors to the country, with their incredible scenery, beautiful wildlife, and photographic attractions.

Most tours have only a Spanish-speaking driver or an English-speaking driver guide. Tipping varies between them because they offer different service levels.

• A driver who drives well but offers no explanations: 50-90 Bolivianos ($7-13) per day total from the group (not per person)
• A driver who drives well and offers some information: 60-110 Bolivianos ($9-15) per day total from the group (not per person)
• An English-speaking driver-guide: 100-160 Bolivianos ($15-25) per day total from the group (not per person)

Remember: Large individual tips may cause issues within teams. Also, tipping is voluntary in Uyuni. Some people may ask for more—do not feel pressured into giving extra amounts.

Why Do Guides Get the Largest Tips?

On many Bolivia trips, you encounter a number of specialist guides, from trekking to Uyuni or the Amazon.

In most instances, these guides have spent a number of years studying at Colleges or Universities to qualify as guides. Generally, these guides will be with you for a few days, sometimes just for a day trip.

Again, the depth of knowledge of their area or specialist skill, command of English, and friendliness should help determine the tip. 

Guides on ‘free’ trips depend on tips for an income and should always be tipped around USD 5-7 per person (35-50 Bolivianos).

Should I Tip Street Performers in Bolivia?

Buses, parks, and even traffic lights are often colourful and musical experiences thanks to Bolivia’s street performance culture, especially in large cities. You might get serenaded in a restaurant, café, or terrace.

The age-old courtesy of a passed hat at the show’s finale is your chance to reward the enjoyed spectacle. A few Bolivianos will be fine but do contribute if you have stopped and watched the performance.

People might leave a trinket to buy on buses, from tissues to pens. Pay for it if you wish to buy it, or say no gracias, and the vendor will take it back. Leave the item on your seat if they haven’t returned and your stop nears.

Tipping in Bolivia

Tipping in Bolivia is entirely voluntary. While anyone travelling to this wonderful country will encounter the tipping culture, it shouldn’t be a source of worry, stress, or confusion while away.

The above tipping guidelines for Bolivia are just that. Only give what you think is fair. Many people working in Bolivia’s tourism industry provide wonderful service. Tipping recognises their work and your appreciation for those who help create an unforgettable holiday.

Contact us for more about holidays to Bolivia.