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Tipping in Trinidad and Tobago

TTDLast reviewed · Apr 2026

Tipping is common in Trinidad and Tobago, but many hotels and restaurants already include a 10% or 15% service charge. If service is not included, around 10% is standard in restaurants.

Tipping customary

Most common situations

Restaurant
Standard:10%
Exceptional:10-15%
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+Many hotels and restaurants already add a 10% or 15% service charge
+If service is not included, around 10% is standard
−No extra tip is usually needed if service charge is already included
Bar
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:10%
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+Sit-down bars may follow restaurant norms
−Casual drinks often only need small change
Taxi
Standard:Not expected
Exceptional:Round up
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+Taxi tipping is lighter in Trinidad than in tourist-heavy Tobago
−Most rides do not need more than a small round-up

How to tip in Trinidad and Tobago

•Check the bill first because many hotels and restaurants already include service charge
•Leave around 10% only when service is not included
•Keep taxi tipping light and use TTD cash for small direct tips

Quick tips

Service charge is common in hotels and sit-down restaurants
Tobago is generally a little more tip-oriented than Trinidad
Small cash tips are more useful than percentages for porters and taxi round-ups

Other situations (8)

DeliveryRound up
Hairdresser / Barber5-20 TTD
Spa & MassageRound up
Hotel Staff10-20 TTD per bag
Tour guides50-100 TTD for a full day
Valet ParkingRound up
Airport Services10-20 TTD per bag
Car Services / UberRound up

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Tipping questions in Trinidad and Tobago

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.