TIPPING IN ANGUILLA ISLAND
In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette that is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades.
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Many establishments in Anguilla add an automatic service charge to the bill, however, this amount does not always make it to the wait staff. Tipping can be done at your discretion to the person who served you and depending on the quality of service provided.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Caribbean Dollar? The Currency in Anguilla is the Eastern Caribbean Dolla (XCD or EC$). US Dollars are widely accepted with most restaurants listing items in the dollar, and ATMs dispensing the US Dollar. The exchange rate is fixed at US$1 = EC$2.70. Restaurants in Anguilla automatically add a 15% surcharge to your bill. This amount unfortunately does not always make it to the wait staff. You can leave an additional 5% or more for the person who served you if you received exceptional service. Leaving the bellman $1-$2 per bag is reasonable and $3-$5 a day for the housekeeping staff. It is always nice to tip your concierge especially for difficult or complicated requests, $5-$10 is a nice tip. Yes, tipping taxi drivers is common practice in Anguilla and 10% of the total should be sufficient. Tipping your tour guide between 10-15% is advised by not required in Anguilla. There are many companies providing services on the island and you may want to consider tipping the people who help you on your day trips and excursions. Tipping throughout Anguilla is very common, just like in the USA, so be expected to tip when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries. Normally the rule of 15%-20% of the total bill is the general rule.
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
