Viral Video: Cancún Beach Club Worker Demands 35% Tip — Here’s The Real Tipping Etiquette

Share The Article

We at The Cancun Sun saw a viral clip making the rounds this weekend: a beach club worker in Cancún allegedly demanded a 35%–40% tip and, when the guest declined, hurled classist and racist insults.

The video—posted by a user identified as @carlosdruckerg—sparked a bigger conversation about tipping, discrimination, and what’s actually required by law when you dine and play in the Mexican Caribbean.

First, the incident. In the recording, you can hear the staffer itemize the bill and insist the guest “should” leave 35%–40%—well beyond what most travelers consider standard in Mexico—before threatening to call security.

The clip quickly spread across TikTok, X, and Facebook, igniting debate over aggressive tipping requests in tourist zones and the different treatment some domestic visitors say they receive compared to foreigners.

@carlosdruckerg

Cosas que pasan en los beachclubs en México😱😂

♬ Mozart/Requiem "Lacrimosa"(1394506) – Mint

What the rules actually say

Here’s the key point every traveler should know: tips are voluntary in Mexico. Mexico’s consumer watchdog, PROFECO, has reiterated repeatedly that a tip (propina) is a gratificación voluntaria—a voluntary gratuity—not an obligation. If a venue tries to impose a fixed amount or percentage, that can be considered an abusive practice and you’re within your rights to challenge it or file a complaint.

This principle aligns with Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Law, which bars coercive or unfair practices against consumers. In plain English: a business can suggest a tip, but can’t force you to pay one—especially not an inflated percentage.

So… how much is normal to tip in Cancún?

In everyday practice around Cancún and the Riviera Maya, many diners leave 10%–15% for good service, occasionally more for excellent, above-and-beyond attention.

That’s guidance—not a mandate—and it should reflect the service you actually received. For a deeper dive into local norms (including when tip is already baked into a bill), check our simple primer on the unspoken rules of tipping in Cancún and our explainer on whether to tip when there’s a service charge or at an all-inclusive.

What to do if a venue says a huge tip is “mandatory”

If you ever feel pressured to leave an excessive tip—or told it’s obligatory—use these steps to stay calm and in control:

• Scan your bill for “servicio,” “service charge,” or an auto-gratuity line. If you choose to keep an included service charge, you can adjust any additional tip accordingly—or decline any add-on entirely. (Remember: gratuity is voluntary.)
• Ask politely to remove any pre-added “propina” you didn’t agree to. A simple, “La propina es voluntaria; por favor retírela de la cuenta,” usually does the trick. PROFECO has said consumers can challenge tip charges imposed without consent.
• Pay only what you authorize. If paying by card, confirm the total before you insert, tap, or sign. Mexican law requires clear, itemized billing and prohibits coercive practices.
• Document the interaction (receipt photo, note the time and place) and consider filing a complaint with PROFECO if staff refuse to remove a forced tip or if you experience discriminatory treatment.

A quick reality check for visitors

Tourism is a major livelihood in Quintana Roo, and many workers do depend on tips. Most service staff are gracious, and most experiences are positive.

But a 35%–40% “mandatory” tip is not the norm and not required. If service was great, feel free to be generous; if it wasn’t—or if you’re being pushed into an outsized gratuity—know that Mexico’s consumer rules back you up.

Bottom line

That viral video is a useful reminder to tip thoughtfully, not fearfully. In Cancún, a courteous 10%–15% is common for good service.

Anything more should be your call—not a threat, not a “house rule.” And if someone tries to make it mandatory, the law is on your side.

For more practical context on when, where, and how much to tip across hotels, beach clubs, tours, and all-inclusives, start with our guides on tipping etiquette in Cancún and service charges vs. tips at all-inclusive resorts—and travel smarter on your next beach day.