Tipping In The British Virgin Islands - A Complete Guide
Quick Guide
🍽️ Restaurant - 15-20% If Good + No Service Fee
🍹 Bar - $1/Drink or 15-20% If Good + No Serv. Fee
🚕 Taxi - 10-20% Customary
🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - $1/Bag Expected
🛏️ Housekeeping - $2-3/Day If No Service Charge
📸 Tour Guide - 15-20% Customary
🛥️ Private Charter - 15-20% Customary
It’s customary to tip in the British Virgin Islands, especially if you’re a tourist. In some situations it would be rude not to tip but it remains optional in some scenarios.
Due to the tight island community, word can get around and the reality is generous tippers will have a smoother, more enjoyable trip overall.
Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for the British Virgin Islands using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in Restaurants, Bars, Taxis, Hotels, Private Charters etc.
British Virgin Islands Tip Calculator
Good Tip For The British Virgin Islands
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Total With Tip
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Tipping in Restaurants
A 15-20% cash tip is considered customary for good service but don’t feel the need to tip extra if a service charge has already been added to your bill. Also, you can skip the tip if you’re dissatisfied.
Service charges aren’t always included, it depends on the restaurant so check your bill carefully.
Some servers will insist that service charges aren’t tips. That’s definitely not that case but do bear in mind that a lot of restaurants split service charges between all staff so it won’t all go directly to your specific waiter/waitress.
Tipping In Bars
Getting one or two drinks? Give a cash tip of around $1 per drink.
If there’s table service or you’re buying a lot of drinks, stick to the restaurant rule of 15-20% in cash for good service. You don’t need to tip on top of a service charge if there is one.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
A 10-20% tip would be considered customary for your taxi driver. Tip closer to 20% if you’re really pleased with the driver, if they handle your luggage or provide you with local advice.
Tipping Porters/Bellhops
Like in the US Virgin Islands, it’s customary to tip hotel porters around $1 per bag even if the hotel adds a service charge on to your bill.
Tipping Housekeeping
If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s customary to tip your housekeeper around $2-3 in cash per day (don’t feel the need if your bill includes a service charge).
Staying in a villa with a full staff? A 5-20% cash tip on checkout is considered customary. If management have added on a service charge (typically 5-10%) those 5-20% cash tips become more optional but they’re still common (you might opt to tip on the lower end of that range instead).
Tipping On Tours & Private Charters
A 15-20% tip based on your tour or charter’s retail cost is considered good etiquette.
On a private boat charter, your crew will make or break your trip so tip in that range accordingly.
Tip closer to 20% if your crew went above and beyond and stick to 15% if you’re not particularly impressed with the service.
Remember, your charter crew will usually be paid a salary but they do work long hours and they’re expected to go above and beyond for guests.
You can usually tip your charter crew via cash or card but cash is preferred. It’s usually the responsibility of the Captain to ensure tips are evenly distributed between all crew members.
Which Currency To Use
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the British Virgin Islands.
Whilst cards are widely accepted, cash tips are usually preferred and some bars, transport options and smaller establishments are cash only.
ATMs aren’t as prevalent as in the US Virgin Islands but they’re available in major towns and tourist hubs like Road Town, Spanish Town, ferry/cruise ship docks and airports. Just bear in mind that ATM fees are common.
Have a safe trip to the BVI 🇻🇬🏝️⛵
