All About Tipping in Argentina (2025 Edition)

Oct 6
3 min read

When I first moved to Buenos Aires, I remember sitting in a café, staring at the receipt, and thinking: Do I leave something? How much? Am I about to massively overtip or offend someone?

If you’re visiting Argentina, chances are you’ll find yourself in the same spot at some point. Tipping here is different from the US, Europe, or the UK—it’s lighter, more relaxed, and nowhere near as stressful. Still, there are a few unwritten rules that can make things smoother.

So here’s my up-to-date (2025) guide, written from my own experience, to help you tip like a local without second-guessing yourself.

The Basics (Start Here)

Always tip in pesos. Unless you’re on a high-end private tour, tips in dollars or euros just create hassle for the person receiving them.
Cash is king. Credit card machines don’t usually let you add tips. If you must, ask before the card is swiped.
It’s not obligatory. Tipping is appreciated, but no one is keeping score. Think of it as a gesture, not a rule.

Restaurants & Cafés 🍽️

10% is the standard. That’s what most Argentines leave.
If service really stood out, 12–15% is generous but not expected.
Paying cash? If you want your server to keep the change, just hand over the money with a smile and say: “Está bien así, gracias.”
Cubierto charge: Many restaurants add this per person. It’s not a tip—it’s a service fee that goes to the house.

For a quick coffee, I usually round up the bill (e.g., from 2,700 pesos to 3,000). Small but appreciated.

Bars 🍷

At most bars, tipping is low-key. If there’s a tip jar, drop in some coins. If not, don’t worry. Rounding up your tab is always a safe move.

Taxis 🚕

No tip is required.
Rounding up is common (e.g., fare is 2,350, you hand 2,500).
If they helped with luggage or went out of their way, leave a little extra.

Hotels 🏨

Here’s where it’s useful to have small bills ready:

Porters: Around 800–1,500 pesos per bag.
Housekeeping: Similar amount per day (daily or at the end of your stay).
Concierge/reception: Only if they’ve gone the extra mile.

Tours & Guides 🎒

Rule of thumb: 10% of the cost of the tour.
For walking or food tours, pesos are fine.
For multi-day or private experiences, guides often welcome USD. For example: $40–60 USD for a full day, more if it was exceptional.
Free tours aren’t really free. In 2025, a fair tip is around 4,000–6,000 pesos per person.

Other Situations

Hair salons/spas: Not expected, but 10% is a kind gesture.
Bus luggage handlers: Expect to tip when handing your bag over. Around 500–1,000 pesos is enough.
Trapitos (street car guards): A small tip (200–400 pesos) avoids hassle.
Doormen (porteros): Only for long-term residents. End-of-year bonus or gift is customary, not for short-term visitors.
Street performers: If you stop to watch tango dancers, musicians, or buskers, leave a few hundred pesos.

Final Thoughts

The best way to approach tipping in Argentina is with the local attitude: relaxed and appreciative.

If you tip, people will be grateful. If you don’t, nobody will make you feel guilty. 10% in restaurants, rounding up in taxis, and acknowledging good service elsewhere is more than enough.

So next time you’re sipping Malbec, finishing off a steak, or enjoying live tango in San Telmo, you’ll know exactly what to do when the bill—or the hat—comes around.

Tipping in Argentina: Quick Cheat Sheet (2025)

Situation	What’s Customary	Notes
Restaurants & Cafés 🍽️	10% of the bill in cash	Not added automatically. Round up for small tabs.
Bars 🍷	Optional (coins / round up)	Tip jars more common in trendy spots.
Taxis 🚕	Not required	Round up to nearest 100–200 pesos.
Hotels 🏨	800–1,500 ARS per bag for porters	Housekeeping: similar amount per day. Concierge only if above-and-beyond.
Tour Guides 🎒	~10% of tour price	Pesos for small tours, USD okay for high-end/private.
Free Walking Tours 🚶	4,000–6,000 ARS per person	This is their main income.
Haircuts / Spas 💇	10% (optional)	Appreciated but not expected.
Long-Distance Bus Staff 🚌	500–1,000 ARS per bag	Tip at luggage drop-off.
Trapitos (car guards) 🚗	200–400 ARS	Prevents “accidental” scratches.
Doormen (Porteros) 🏢	End-of-year only (for residents)	Visitors don’t need to.
Street Performers 🎶	A few hundred ARS	If you stop and enjoy, contribute.