Helpful Tip about Tipping on the Islands

[#1TravelMom]

As Covid sidelined some of our cruises, we opted for resort vacations on some of our favorite islands.  We have been to Roatan many times(land and cruise) and just learned this last year.  An American who owns an ice cream shop on West Bay told us this when we said he couldn't take a bill from us that was torn.  We also asked on other islands and found the same to be true.  When you tip drivers, guides, etc., please use bills that are in good shape.  If the bill has writing on it, excessive creases, and especially tears, they will get less for the bill when it is exchanged.  It can be a considerable amount.  A $10 bill with a tear and writing may only get half the value in local currency or be turned down all together.  We have become friends over the years with guides/drivers on several islands.  They said they never want to seem ungrateful when given a tip.  They all said they would never ask a tourist to give them a different bill.  When you get cash for tipping on the ship or on island, ask your bank for bills that are in good shape.  It may take a few extra minutes on your part, but will be greatly appreciated.

[LHT28]

Good  point

We usually try for "Fresh" bills  for travelling

Most banks here seem to have bills in good condition so not usually a problem for us 

[mom says]

This doesn't just apply to Caribbean islands. Many foreign banks all over the world will reject bills that they consider damaged or defaced.

[navybankerteacher]

6 minutes ago, mom says said:

This doesn't just apply to Caribbean islands. Many foreign banks all over the world will reject bills that they consider damaged or defaced.

Just like the self-checkout machine at our local supermarket — it rejects any torn or badly worn, creased or stained bills.

[wowzz]

Hopefully the US will swop to polymer notes, thus negating this issue. 

If, at the same time the US government said that all paper dollar notes would no longer be legal tender within 5 years, the entire criminal industry would be thrown into chaos !

[Mum2Mercury]

I had no idea this was true.  

[KreinKrunker]

Also, they may not take an older bill.  Tried to spend a $50 in Cozumel last spring.  It was printed in the 1990's, president's heads were smaller, and no colors.  Was asked if I had another bill, as the bank would not take it.  

[#1TravelMom]

On 9/17/2022 at 7:52 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

I had no idea this was true.  

I know.  We have done more than 50 cruises and many resorts over 35 years. We just learned this.  We have become friends with guides on so many islands.  When I now ask them about this, they all agree they need bills that are not damaged.  All of them have said that they have rarely, if ever, told a tourist.  They just never want to offend anyone.