In what circumstances are tips insulting?

[donmiguelito]

I've always hesitated to give tips to some people in the DR thinking they would be insulted.

When I travel within the US, Europe, or canada, I only tip the "traditional" group (waiters, bartenders taxi, maids, bellhops, etc) and never give it another thought. I would never think of tipping the front desk person checking me into my room in San Diego,CA, but sometimes I feel a little strange walking away from the desk at the Jaragua without giving the guy a little something. Same with the gal who seats me for dinner.

My TV remote was not working my last visit to SD so I called for someone to bring me a new one. The maintenance guy came up right away with a new set of batteries--he looked like he may have been a supervisor or something. I had to force him to accept a $200 peso tip, he kept on saying he was only doing his job (ok, I really didn't have to force him to take it but he certainly didn't accept it like the room service guy would have)

Can any of you who live on the island share your thoughts to help us visitors operate within cultural norms?

DM

[korejdk]

I don't live on the island, yet I am there once a month...I my experience 90%+ do accept propinas...I do come to encounter an "odd" dominican who wouldn't accept a propina, but that's rare...My take - do offer the propina but in a polite way.

[POP Bad Boy]

.......to meet that "odd" Dominican! Where does he live?

[Alyonka]

When I was inside the Monument in Santiago, a Dominican came up to me and asked if I had any questions. I immediately started thinking how much he was going to charge So, I asked him how much it was going to cost to take my picture. He looked like he was offended, and said it was "FREE" as "EVERYTHING" in this place and he was actually working there. Well, I guess, he really likes his job and cares about it.

[Chip]

200 pesos is way too much. An RD50 peso tip would more than suffice for most occasions. The locals get away with RD10-20 typically. If a person gives you a dirty look, chalk it up to you being less pariguayo than them.

i met that man in the monument...you didnt give him time to get into his act....you give whatever is in your heart ...i never ask for anything....talk about feeling guilty lol

if you like the service tip them ...if you dont ...errrrr dont.....thats what a tip is innit

[donmiguelito]

Originally Posted by John Evans

if you like the service tip them ...if you dont ...errrrr dont.....thats what a tip is innit

Not that simple in my sometimes warped mind. I'm asking about times you like the service, but feel it may be inappropriate to tip.

I come across several professional people a day who provide great service I would never tip. For example, unless you're a sweet little old lady, I think a commercial pilot would be a little put off if you slip him a few dollars as you get off the plane- even if you do it in a very sincere way.

[bachata]

Originally Posted by Chip

200 pesos is way too much. An RD50 peso tip would more than suffice for most occasions. The locals get away with RD10-20 typically. If a person gives you a dirty look, chalk it up to you being less pariguayo than them.

That wold be insulting to tip some one the way you are suggesting in your post. You better keep that miserable tip to buy a water bottle. when the sun rays bur your skin in this tropical country.

JJ.

[Gringo]

Believe it or not!, I had Internet service installed in my office about five or so years ago and the installer would not except a tip... 1st and last time for that I suppose.