Protocol for tipping in Turks & Caicos

Okay, so this is a pretty common question that we get when visitors are asking about protocol for tipping at condos, hotels, resorts, restaurants.  How does it work in Turks & Caicos? Here’s the skinny… When you’re staying at a hotel or resort, there is a 10% service charge added to the bill. That is a baseline ‘tip’ for all service staff to share. If the service was extra good, leaving an additional cash tip in the room at the end of your stay/meal is a nice gesture but not required. If there is no 10% fee attached to your bill, you may want to ask management how and who to tip since. For restaurants, check your bill or ask the staff whether or not a service charge is included. Sometimes there is and sometimes not, and, like most places, it is up to your discretion how much to tip (many restaurants automatically charge anywhere from 10 % to 15% on the bill so be sure to check). Tipping rates are similar to what they are in North America. Finally, all restaurants and hotels charge an additional 12% government tax. This is not a service charge or gratuity. It goes right to the government. In Turks and Caicos there are no income or property taxes and government is funded by these kind of ‘consumption’ fees and taxes.