Tipping

This was my first all inclusive trip and I knew that although you didn't have to tipping was greatly appreciated in Cuba, but then I was racked with questions, how much to tip? Who to tip? Do I have to tip every time I get a drink??? Its actually very easy, most of the bars have a pot where you can leave a tip and at the restaurants you can just leave the tip on the table like you would in a restaurant back home.

We tended to tip when we went to get our first drinks, you only have to tip a peso or so and when you do most of the time they will thank you for it, I didn't see any difference in service for people who did tip and people who didn't, I am not saying that it doesn't happen but we just never witnessed it. We left either a tip on the bed for the maid or a little gift each day, I also made a habit of tipping the nice girl who serves you drinks at the beach.

When people mention tipping this doesn't necessarily mean you have to tip in cash, Cuba is a poor country and you will find that they are more grateful for everyday things we take for granted, clothes, make-up, toiletries medicines. On the run up to my holiday I started saving the freebies that you get through the post and most women will have a box of bits that is covered in dust under the bed with lots of old shampoos, nail varnish, make up, so I dug that out and went through it all, and I went out there armed with a whole bag of bits and bobs. If you have any old shoes, clothes or hats these seem to be like gold dust for the staff, but don't treat them like a charity when you give them these gifts they have as much dignity and respect as you or me, I was chatting to one woman who had a deal going with one of the waitresses, in exchange for some baby clothes she was getting some of the restaurants herbal tea bags that she really liked. I also heard of people offering clothing in exchange for presents at the markets.

Also they love their designer bits (don't we all) so if you have any old labels that you no longer need then take them with you, and for the guys raid your boyfriends wardrobe and dig out any shirts that he no longer wears.

I am not talking about loading your case with gifts but a few bits here and there really goes a long way for them. On our last day we left all of our toiletries and medicines, the maids do really well for tips and gifts so if you can try and leave bits for the entertainment staff as well.

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