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Tips are called propina. I would never 'tip' the owner of an establishment. If they work on an hourly basis for the owner, it's a different story ..
Water taxi or dive captain tip: yes
Room service: yes, if it's not already added
Restaurant: same as above or you can add a couple $$ extra
Would that be correct folks?
I think tipping conventions in Culebra are similar to the states. Remember, service intervals are slower than home, so calibrate expectations to island time.
Tipping story. Several years back, I and four buddies came to Culebra over New Years. I'm the old hand while they were all on their first or second visit. We had reservations at Juanita Bananas, considered one of the high end spots on the island. When we arrived, it was obvious that they were slammed and undermanned, due to a couple of illnesses. The acting maitre'd, a lad of about 21, was doing triple-duty as greeter, waiter and busboy. He was also a friend of mine, having been semi-adopted and under the tutelage of my hosts during earlier trips. Even tho' he was under constant, significant heat from humor-challenged patrons, he managed to keep us in cold Presidentes during our hourlong delay in getting seated.
At the end of our meal, I divided the tab by the 5 of us and added 20% for a tip. One of our number, known to make copper wire from pennies, declared he wasn't tipping for what he considered inferior service. I said fine and kicked in his share. He got pissy and said he wanted to send a message. My response was he better send a message to whomever he planned to travel with next time. An alcohol-fueled discussion on the way back to our cottage followed. The next morning, sober, I explained to him that friends made on the island insure the type of welcome I want in a place I return to, again and again. He apologized and repaid me for his share.
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No to Air Flamenco (or any other airline). Yes to most everyone else.
I understand what people say about not tipping the owners, but I don't agree with it. Is that owner serving me well, making me laugh, taking care that I have a great time even though they know I go there (like those of us who live here go to most places) over and over again? Then they get a tip.
Owning a business, at least around here, doesn't mean you are loaded with bucks. In fact, it often means you work longer and harder than any outside employee you have (often stepping in when said employee doesn't show up for one reason or another). Which of course, a good business owner does if they want to stay in business with happy customers! But should they be penalized for owning the place? In my opinion, no.
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Personally I don't have a problem with tippiing well for good service. But it kinda pisses me off when MJ charges me a toll to cross the bridge. Usually I've got ice in the car and can't afford to hang around and argue the point.
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Tippling is a favorite pastime. Huh?...Wha?...Oh.
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We haven't met yet, but MJ sounds pretty intellectual for a troll. I understand she's full of wisdom, knowledge and beauty; not what I recall from my childhood readings about trolls. But, never met one.
I can't remember the last time I NEVER tipped someone. I'm usually pretty generous, but I find myself in certain situations where I don't even know where to begin. Restaurants are easy, 20%, because it's common knowledge. But, dive boats for instance, this is our first trip and it was never discussed in our open-water diver courses. I did, however, score a 98 on my exam; man, I'd hate to take that one again.
Anyway, thanks for the info.
41 hours and counting! Trent.
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Frank, your toll just increased. And don't try the chicken trick again or you can just stay on your own side of the bridge!
Trent...these guys just say this stuff because they hope I'll lower their toll fees. Don't believe anything they say. Really. Except for Doug & Debbie, who pays their toll annually in books brought & sent, and are paid up years in advance. Sushi works too.
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See Frank, it takes so little to keep the troll happy. Get with the program!
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Looks like I will have to swim the channel to get my food and drink. Watch out for the dripping bathing suit at Milkas and El Eden.
"Clean up on Aisle-3, Clean up on Aisle-3"
Oh wait, did they not put in the PA system at Milka's yet?
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...they haven't numbered the aisles either...;)
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Sounds like my kind of shopping. I welcome the adventure.
Hey, I'm signing out! See you in Culebra!
12 hours and psyched! Trent.
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Well, if I own a business, I charge what I consider fair and what I expect to make - otherwise, why be in business - right? Now part of that fair deal is good service - otherwise why be in business - right?
Now if I am paid by the hour, I can give shitty service and good service, depending on my mood - otherwise why work by the hour - right?
So that's why I like to tip people who are going out of their way (like said waiter at Juanita Bananas) to be super nice. - the owner, if he gives me bad service, well that was the last time I went there ..
MJ - do you really expect people to give you more than you ask for? I certainly don't ;) and so far nobody has, even though I think I give great service ..
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I never *expect* people to give me more than I ask for, but I often find it to be the case, and always a wonderful surprise. But then again, I don't ask for much and I AM the luckiest woman in the world, so there ya go.
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Author: gina and sal (---.cmdnnj.fios.verizon.net)
why do you all say no to airlines?
My husband and i flew Vieques Airlink and it was just only us on the plane and the pilot was kind enough to take a detour to show us more of the island and we thought that was definitely worthy of a nice tip!