Whenever I go on a holiday I always give 'tips' but I don't believe in all this you should give this much etc... I understand that workers in the Dominican Republic are not earning as much as 'we' do but I don't think because I earn more I should give tips 'willy nilly'.

I'm a caring and understanding person whose passion it is to help others who are less fortunate than me and I do this in a number of ways when on vacation. On my last two trips to the DR I left most of my clothes and shoes, all of my remaining toiletries and the few dollars I had left. I'm not trying to proove to people about what I give but illustrating a point that whatever you give whether big or small it is greatfully recieved.

I have spent many weeks in India visiting some of the poorest places in the world and I have given everything that I possibly could. I gave money, clothes, shoes and toiletries and the people were overjoyed.

At the end of the day it's not how much you give but rather how you give it ( a good heart etc...).

Yvonne

It is funny you brought this up...as i was going to do something similar.

Life in the islands is tough for the majority of inhabitants. Yes, there is a portion that live a very nice life, some due to hard work and dtermination, some simply being in the right place at the right time...some coming from families with long lines of finacial success or well connected to the government.

But for most...life is a struggle....but in the Dominican Republic...that struggle does not mean they are unhappy!

The average wage paid to someone who you are most likely to come in contact with...namely a resort worker...is $8000RD which at todays conversion of 33 pesos to the US dollar...is about $242 per month.

This amount is based on 10 hour days, 24 days a month, thus an hourly rate of $1.00 per hour.

It is a common misconception that life in the tropics is cheap.....hardly the case! Most everything is imported...thus expensive.

I thought I would put into perspective, the average monthly costs to an everyday Dominican and put it as a % of monthly income.

This is for a person who has the most basic of dwelling (something we might find uninhabitible), drives an old car...most likely a Corolla and has a family to feed.

One tank of Gas (10 gallons) 21% of monthly income

Rent for the month... 63% of monthly income

Food for the month... 38% of monthly income

One beer a Day.... 16% of monthly income

If you add that all up that comes to 138% of monthly income just for the basics...yes...a beer a day is a basic!!! This does not include clothing, school needs, and a little set aside for something special. You may say that the accomodation is included at the resort....in some cases yes...but they still have a home somewhere that requires payment in many cases.

So this is where tips are appreciated....simply to get through the month. Tips can also be consumer goods, trinkets and children's supplies...all go to balancing the budget.

No one should ever feel obliged to tip....but please do not assume that because the person serving you looks well groomed and well mannered, that thier life beyond the resort is equal to thier appearance. When all you have is yourself...you present yourself in the highest means....fashion, attitude and appearance.

Cheers from the beach

PCMike

Good post Mike and I have a question. Our" brochures "say" gratuities included. It was mentioned before that supposedly these "tips" are divvyed up between the workers...does this really happen? And if so, how much? I think that people who really think this happens would like to have some insight to this.

Another point is why are people so concerned about tipping the maids and not other workers. Yes the bartenders get a mention too but I'm guessing that most of the staff in various positions have families to support. I have said many times that it's more than just the maid that makes your stay enjoyable and we make sure we seek out these other often overlooked staff members to "make their job" a little more appreciated.

Cheers,

Debbie.

Thank you SO MUCH Debbie for making mention of that. Every worker, beach cleaners, animation team, bartenders, gardners are all instrumental in making our vacation the best it could be... and not one of these people would'nt bend over backwards for you if they were asked...

So a buck or two would make many smiling faces among this valuble staff...

Peace

Lea

In this country, a bonus is paid monthly which is called a propina (tip) and is based on a percentage of corperate income...most earning a propina amount of 1% of that income...thus if the monthly income is 8000RD...the tip is approx $36.00US on average...or about $1.50 per day worked.

Cheers from the beach

PCMike

I ordered an omelet for breakfast. The cook burned himself while cooking it. Felt bad so I tipped him 2 dollars . You should have seen the smile I got. Priceless!!

We've always tried to "pay forward" to all the staff that we feel have stepped up to the plate and tried to make a difference.

Short story from out trip In Jan:

We were "lounging" around the pool on our second day and the grounds staff were working diligently cutting back old growth and clearing debris. I had actually observed a few guests complaining about "the mess" and yet others in the pool (hubby included) scooping up leaves and helping! A gardener was working on a palm tree.....he had several coconuts......with virtually zero English he came over and showed us all how to "open" the coconut. In a fraction of a second he had "popped" it and we were all taking a sip of fresh coconut milk! We all enjoyed it so much and he seemed to really get great delight out of showing us something that was so second nature to him. A little kindness from hubby and crew got us an experience I won't soon forget! Hubby sought him out later in the week and discretely thanked him (in his pigdin Spanish) with a handshake and small "token" of our gratitude for making our vacation a little extra special.

It's easy to miss those who blend into the scenery.

Hi PCMike,

Your replies always seem so helpful, informative and full of local info, are you based in DR?

One question: would they prefer tips in US$ or DR$?

I'd point out that a US$3 tip looks like 1% of their monthly salary, it's nothing to me and maybe much to them. I can't even buy a beer in London for US$3

BUMP...

Lordcocoloco...