Tipping in Curaçao
XCGLast reviewed · Feb 2026
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Curaçao. Around 10% is a common guide, but always check the bill because service charge is often not a staff tip.
Rounding commonMost common situations
Restaurant
Standard:10%
Exceptional:10-12%
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+Service charge on the bill is not always a staff tip
+Cash tips may be more direct for staff
−Round up or leave 10-12% only if service was good
Bar
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:10%
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+A small extra on the tab is common
−Casual drinks often only need rounding up
Taxi
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:5-10 XCG
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+Longer rides may justify more
−Percentage tipping is not automatic
How to tip in Curaçao
•Check the bill before tipping extra
•If service charge is not a staff tip, around 10% is common
•Use XCG cash when you want the tip to go directly to staff
Quick tips
Curaçao uses the Caribbean guilder (XCG / Cg)
Service charge on the bill may not go directly to staff
USD is still widely accepted, but local prices are now in XCG
Other situations (8)
DeliveryRound up
Hairdresser / Barber10%
Spa & Massage10-20%
Hotel Staff1-2 XCG per bag
Tour guides18-27 XCG
Valet Parking1-2 XCG
Airport Services1-2 XCG per bag
Car Services / Uber5-10 XCG
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Tipping questions in Curaçao
Tipping Terms Glossary
- Service charge
- A mandatory fee added to the bill by the establishment, separate from optional tips.
- Round up
- To increase the total bill amount to the nearest convenient whole number or denomination.
- Exceptional service
- Service that exceeds standard expectations, often warranting a higher tip percentage or amount.
- Cash preferred
- A preference for cash tips over card tips, often because card tips may not reach staff directly.