1. TIPS FOR TIPPING IN BUENOS AIRES
1. Restaurants
In restaurants, 10% gratuity is considered the norm. Going over 10% is rare and considered
pretty generous. Leaving less (or leaving nothing) if the service was particularly bad, is also
quite common. At fine-dining restaurants, where you are almost guaranteed to receive great
attention, there should be no reason not to tip. Large parties or big groups of people (8+) will
usually leave a little extra, but beyond that, 10% is a pretty golden standard.
In some instances, restaurants will charge a cubierto which is a “cutlery” charge anywhere
from 10-20 pesos – a clever way of charging something for nothing. Not to be confused with
a “service charge,” the cubierto money goes directly to the restaurant and is not part of the tip
nor does it go to the waitstaff.
Restaurants do not have a “tip” section on credit card receipts so, if you are planning on
paying for the meal with plastic, be sure to bring cash to pay the tip separately.
When paying for the bill or tipping in a restaurant, be sure not to leave the large amounts of
money on the table and walk away, especially if you are dining outside. It is quite possible
that it will be snagged by someone other than your server.
2. Cafés
If you receive table service at a café (which is most common), again 10% is normal: for the
person behind the counter taking orders or making drinks like a Buenos Aires barista, usually
nothing. Keep in mind, “to-go” coffee is uncommon in Argentina and lidded paper cups don’t
really exist – more than likely you’ll be seated a café with a suit-and-tie wearing server and a
tip is customary.
3. Bars
Tipping in Buenos Aires bars is becoming more common. Don’t worry, you won’t be
snubbed or ignored for the rest of the night or have something fishy floating in your vodka
tonic if you don’t tip, but bartenders will appreciate it. The barkeeps will give you exact
change, down to the dime, and don’t necessarily want your coins scattered on their bar. If you
want to leave a tip there is usually a jar available. Again, try not to leave money lying around
hoping the bartender will see it – more likely sticky fingers will find it first. Better to put it
directly into his or her hand.
If you are drinking high-end specialty cocktails that require some serious panache or know-
how, tipping is appreciated.
Disponible: http://landingpadba.com/tipping-and-gratuities-in-argentina/ Referenced
3/25/15
