Tipping in Argentina: A British Person's Guide to Not Embarrassing Yourself
How tipping works in Argentina compared to the UK: when to tip, how much, where it is expected, and the three situations where getting it wrong matters.
Rosie CarterWriter · Palermo, Buenos Aires
British tipping culture is awkward. Argentine tipping culture is warmer. In the UK, we leave a tip because we are supposed to. In Argentina, you leave a tip because you genuinely appreciated the service. The amounts are lower, the expectation is lighter, and nobody chases you out of the restaurant for not leaving 15%.
Restaurants
10% is the standard. Leave 10% of the bill as a tip (propina). It is not mandatory, not added to the bill, and not expected on coffee or quick counter service.
Always in cash. Tips cannot be added to card payments in Argentine restaurants. The waiter brings the bill, you pay by card, then leave the tip in cash on the table. Carry small bills (ARS 1,000-2,000 notes) for this.
When 10% is too much: if the service was genuinely bad. Argentina's restaurant culture means waiters do not rush you, do not bring the bill until asked, and may forget your coffee. This is not bad service. This is porteño rhythm. Bad service is rudeness, ignoring you completely, or getting the order wrong without apology.
When more than 10% is right: for exceptional, personal service. Your waiter recommended a wine and it was perfect. They remembered your children's names. They held your table when you arrived 30 minutes late. Then 15-20% is a genuine thank-you.
Taxis and Cabify
Round up. A fare of ARS 8,700 becomes ARS 9,000 or 10,000. Nobody expects 10% on a taxi. The rounding is appreciated.
Cabify and Uber: tips can be added in-app. Most rides result in 0-5% tip. Drivers appreciate any tip but do not expect large ones.
Delivery (Rappi, PedidosYa)
ARS 500-1,000 per delivery in cash when they arrive. Or tip in-app. Delivery drivers work long hours on bikes in Buenos Aires traffic. A small tip makes their day measurably better.
Your building portero
This is the most important tipping relationship in Argentine expat life. Your portero (doorman) receives packages, manages maintenance, knows when you are on holiday, and quietly keeps your building functioning.
Monthly propina: many buildings have an informal arrangement where residents contribute a monthly propina to the portero team. ARS 5,000-15,000/month, often collected by a building representative. Ask your neighbours.
End-of-year tip: in December, it is customary to give the portero a larger tip equivalent to a month of their salary. ARS 100,000-300,000 is typical. This matters. The portero remembers.
Moving day: tip the portero when you move in (ARS 10,000-20,000) and when you move out (same). This buys goodwill for everything in between.
Hairdressers and beauty services
10%. Similar to restaurants. Cash, after the service.
Petrol station attendants
Argentina has attendants who pump your petrol. Tip: ARS 1,000-2,000 per fill-up. They also check your tyres and clean your windscreen without asking.
Hotel staff
Bellboy: ARS 2,000-5,000 per bag. Housekeeping: ARS 2,000-5,000 per day left in the room. Concierge: ARS 5,000-10,000 for significant help (restaurant reservations, tickets).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tip in Argentine restaurants?
Not mandatory, but 10% is standard and expected. Always in cash, left on the table after paying by card. Not tipping at all is noticed but not confronted.
Can I add the tip to my card payment?
No. Argentine restaurants cannot add tips to card transactions. Always carry small cash bills (ARS 1,000-2,000) for tipping.
How much should I tip my building portero?
Monthly: ARS 5,000-15,000. End-of-year: equivalent to a month's salary (ARS 100,000-300,000). Moving in/out: ARS 10,000-20,000. This is the most important tipping relationship.
Is Argentine tipping like American tipping?
No. Argentine tips are smaller (10% vs 15-20%), not mandatory, and the cultural expectation is lighter. There is no guilt or confrontation around not tipping.
Sources & Links
Further reading — legal & visa
We cover the lifestyle side. When it comes to visas, residency, and the paperwork — these guides from Lucero Legal are the most thorough we've found.
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