Tipping gas server

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 5:30 pm

Its been a long time since we drove in Mexico, at least 10 years ago. At that time on the Pacific in the Manzanillo area I know that it was common practice to tip the chap who put gas in your car at the Pemex station. I remember tipping but for the life of me cant remember how much.

Is this still the common practice and if so what is an appropriate amount for the tip?

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:46 am

I'll generally go 10-15%, but only if the guy doesn't try to cheat me. (A common occurrence in the area.)

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:50 pm

The pump jockeys make a commission on the amount of gas they pump, so I don't tip them unless it is a really difficult job, like filling 30 50-liter tambos underneath the camper shell, or if they clean the windows.

Senior Member Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 38

I absolutely concur. the attendants used to always check oil and go out of their way to help. nowadays, they just pump and take your money. I don't tip unless I pump them for useful info, or they do something extra. I check my own oil, tires, etc. and there's plenty other deserving folks for tips to go to.

Starting Member Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 1

Lesson learned in Playa pemex.We rented a car for trip to Costa Maya and on return of rental car full.Have been to Playa several time's and are usually aware of some of the problem's you can get into in Mexico.We had 500 peso's,got gas for 150 to 200 peso's.The guy cleaning our window's watched and told the attendant..He claimed i only gave him a 100.After much debate,i left,but my wife was in charge of the money and knew we gave him 500...I returned and confronted him,and informed him i"ll call the police,low and behold he had one 500 peso bill and gave it back to me.To my surprise.If you have some one cleaning your window's,keep your cash out of sight,and alway's check before and after you pay the pump...

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 8:58 am

To avoid being ripped off, we usually request a specific amount of gas. If you say you want 200 pesos, they can't turn the pump back and say you really got 500 pesos worth of gas.