How are people paying gratuities these days?

[Mike100]

In this new world, how do you tip the guides? An envelope of cash? For European trips do you give dollars or the local currency?

 

[sayhello]

I've found that most of the American Guides take Paypal. So I ask, and use that if I can to pay them in dollars. Most of the Guides from the local country will take Paypal, too, and I'm sure to convert to the local currency on my side, so they don't get charged a conversion fee. If they don't take Paypal, I'll go to an ATM and get them the local currency. If you give them dollars, it will cost them to convert it.

Sayhello

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Having traveled quite extensively in Europe, I think you will want some euros/pounds/francs for incidentals anyway, so it isn’t a big deal to get a little more to tip the guides.

I know that going to the ATM won’t necessarily give you the best rate, but mentally I just chalk that up as part of the cost of travel.

Dollars would be preferred in other parts of the world though. Condition matters though for some countries (eg Peru and parts of Asia), so if you are going to go this route be sure to get crisp, clean bills from the bank.

 

[leannak]

That seems like so much cash for them to collect at one time! If I were a guide I'd like it to be popped right into my account. But maybe there are issues for them with taxes etc.

I do wish they'd take Venmo etc., but either way it would be nice to know in advance so we could plan.

 

[mndisfam]

Do guides in the US take PayPal?

 

[jina]

is there a standard tip amount for the guides? $x/day?

 

[sayhello]

is there a standard tip amount for the guides? $x/day?

This is from the ABD website:

... Gratuities should be based on the quality of service you have received. We recommend the following gratuity guidelines:

Please note: This is for each member of your traveling party, for each Adventure Guide and for each day.

Per Adult/Child, Per Adventure Guide, Per Day - $9 - $11 USD

Example:

• For a 10-day adventure, the Adventure Guide gratuity Per Guest/Per Adventure Guide is: $90 - $110 USD.
• A family of 4 for a 10-day adventure: $360 - $440 USD per Adventure Guide.

For 2 Adventure Guides, this is a total of $720 - $880 USD.

For destinations outside of the U.S., gratuities for your Adventure Guides may be paid in U.S. dollars, local currency or via PayPal. For destinations inside the U.S. (domestic), gratuities for your Adventure Guides may be paid in U.S. dollars or via PayPal/Venmo. Please check with your Adventure Guides for their preferred method of payment.

It's interesting that they now list PayPal as an option. And Venmo, also, for the US. I don't think I've seen that "officially" listed before.

Do guides in the US take PayPal?

As I noted above, apparently they do now. And also Venmo. I used PayPal my last couple of ABD's, but now it appears to be official

Sayhello

 

[Micca]

• For a 10-day adventure, the Adventure Guide gratuity Per Guest/Per Adventure Guide is: $90 - $110 USD.
• A family of 4 for a 10-day adventure: $360 - $440 USD per Adventure Guide.

For 2 Adventure Guides, this is a total of $720 - $880 USD.

I'd just give them a couple of Faberge Eggs and call it good.

 

[sayhello]

I'd just give them a couple of Faberge Eggs and call it good.

I know you're joking but, honestly, the Adventure Guides are SO WORTH IT!!! Seriously, I usually tip more than the recommended amount! They earn it!

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