Best way to tip guides?

[old_faithful]

What is the best way to tip guides? Cash? Travelers checks? Our last days are at a beach resort followed by a busy day in town. No time to stop by a bank the last few days. Nervous about carrying all that cash. Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[sayhello]

I would not do travelers checks. They are really hard to cash these days. Fewer and fewer places accept them. I've found that most of the Guides are pretty pragmatic, and manage to stop somewhere where there is an ATM towards the end of the trip (and mention the availability). I've never had an issue with that. They *will* also accept the local currency.

That said, they'll take whatever you have. So do whatever makes you feel comfortable. No point in spending the entire trip worried about the tip!

Sayhello

 

[BluesTraveler]

How much do people generally tip?

 

[carpenta]

There is a tipping guide on the ABD web site. If one is worried about carrying all the cash than there is no rule about tipping up front.

 

[TXTransplant]

There is also a tipping guide in the back of the spiral bound book they send you with the details of your trip.

I tipped in cash. Didn't carry it around with me - just went to the ATM on the last couple of days of the trip.

 

[DisneyKevin]

The recommended amount for each Guide is $6 - $9 per day per guest.

If traveling outside the US, someone usually asks which currency they prefer and that usually depends on where they are going after your Adventure.

As a gratuity, we always try to make it easiest for them by providing what they can use.

Most guests feel that the Guides deserve the recommended amount and more.

They do an awesome job.

 

[acndis]

On our SE Asia ABD, we totally broke protocol and gave Chris and Henry their tips at the Welcome. We did not want to keep track of the cash the entire trip and based on our other ABD experiences, we were pretty sure they would earn it. Chris thought it was hysterical and did not mind a bit. It does kind of defeat the purpose of presenting for a job well done but it made our lives MUCH easier. Oh, and Chris and Henry totally deserved it! Hoping Chris will somehow find his way to Peru with us in December.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

We take the tip money out in US funds (we're Canadian) before we leave but we have a range that we might give and we put it in the provided tip envelopes and take them with us. This time we won't be sealing the envelopes before we leave and we will leave the money buried in our suitcases until the last day. We tipped our guides the full amount last time and that was a mistake as we didn't feel they deserved it after the complete screw up on their part on the last day. We want to be able to adjust accordingly as the need arises on the last day. Also, there is no way we will go near an ATM on our trip, that just screams out to a pickpocket that we've got cash on us. Thanks but no. If the guides do a stellar job, they'll get the full tip. If not, I've got no issues adjusting downwards to reflect it.

 

[Woodview]

I think pickpocket people would be looking at your smart phones or cell phones that you all seem to

have sticking out of your pockets .. rather than watching people using ATM 's

( ATM 's go inside the bank and use the ones in there if you are withdrawing money )

 

[DisneyKevin]

I use ATMs all the time in Europe and have never had an issue.

I have also had someone attempt to pick my pocket three different times....Venice, Paris and Rome and I was nowhere near an ATM.

There is usually an ATM either in your hotel lobby or very near the hotel.

the ABD guides make it look incredibly easy, but if you watch closely, you will see how hard they work and how hard they work to make it look easy to their guests.

Your ABD guides get very little rest as they work just as hard (or harder) when guests aren't around.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I prefer not to pay international transaction fees so won't be using any ATMs anywhere. As for how hard the guides work, we are perfectly aware of how hard they work while they are with us and while they are not with us but all that consideration goes out the window the minute they lay the blame for their screw up at our feet. This happened to us on our last ABD and it's why we are not going to seal our tip envelopes until the final morning when the final decision about their tips will be made.

 

[SingingMom]

....Reminds me of my dearly departed Uncle Sam, who used to ask if the event was an "open envelope" or "closed envelope" affair.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I prefer not to pay international transaction fees so won't be using any ATMs anywhere. As for how hard the guides work, we are perfectly aware of how hard they work while they are with us and while they are not with us but all that consideration goes out the window the minute they lay the blame for their screw up at our feet. This happened to us on our last ABD and it's why we are not going to seal our tip envelopes until the final morning when the final decision about their tips will be made.

I was addressing your concern of pickpockets, not trying to convince you to use ATMS. You are welcome to your reasons for using them or not using them.

As any money given to a Guide is a gratuity, it's at your discretion as to how much to give or not give. Again, I wasn't trying to convince you of anything.

I was just speaking in an open forum where someone asked about the best way to tip the Guides.

This is a common question many new ABD guests have and I was sharing my experience.

I think the majority of guests feel that the Guides go above and beyond to insure that everyone has a terrific time and are looking for advice as to how, when and how much to reward their hard work.

I'm sorry that you had a less than terrific experience.

 

[carpenta]

Remember what "tips" stands for....."To Insure Proper Service". The competition that offers family trips do not require guide tipping. The final payment is the final payment.

 

[DisneyKevin]

ABD does not require gratuities.

They are recommended.

I'm fairly certain all tour guides would happily accept a gratuity, no matter where they work.

 

[Skelling]

Just was reading about this and it states that tips are included in the price of the trip.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Just was reading about this and it states that tips are included in the price of the trip.

The tips that are included in the price are the tips for housekeeping and the waitstaff at included meals. The tips we are talking about here are the Adventure Guides, those are not included in the price of the trip.

 

[Skelling]

The tips that are included in the price are the tips for housekeeping and the waitstaff at included meals. The tips we are talking about here are the Adventure Guides, those are not included in the price of the trip.

Well I will read that again, as I do not recall seeing it broken down into guides and service.

Thank you

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Well I will read that again, as I do not recall seeing it broken down into guides and service.

Thank you

This is taken directly from my trips "Trip Tips and FAQs" page regarding Gratuities. I'm on the Central Europe trip.


Adventure Guide Gratuities

Gratuities for your Adventure Guides are not included. Based on the quality of service you have received, we suggest the following gratuity guidelines. Please note that this is for each member of your traveling party, per Adventure Guide, per day.

Per Adult/Child/Per Adventure Guide/Per Day—$7 - $10 USD

Example:
• For an 9-day adventure, the Adventure Guide gratuity per Guest, per Adventure Guide: $63 - $90 USD.
• A family of 4 for a 9-day adventure: $252 - $360 USD per Adventure Guide.

For two guides, this is a total of $504 - $720 USD.

The Adventure Guides gratuity can be paid in U.S dollars, local currency, travelers' checks or PayPal. Please check with your Adventure Guide if they accept PayPal.

All Other Gratuities
Gratuities have been taken care of on your behalf for all services included in the itinerary. There is no need for you to worry about tipping the bellmen, housekeepers, waiters, drivers and local experts.

 

[Skelling]

@Cinderella's Slipper 2015

The screen shot is from the same section of trip tips & FAQ

Adventures by Disney has taken care of gratuities for all included meals and activities, such as tips for porters, housekeepers, drivers, activity providers, local experts and all crew. Gratuities for your Adventure Guides are also included.

This is the West to East Danube River Cruise