USVI-On-Line

Without going into a big debate, who should reasonably expect to get a tip from the time we get off of the plane in STT, until we get to the villa?

When on vacation I tend to be a more liberal tipper than normal, but there have been times when it was obvious that if I was willing to splash the cash, eager hands were willing to try and invent reasons that they should be in the receiving line.

We will each have one checked bag with us, will take a taxi to Red Hook where we'll catch the ferry to Cruz Bay, where we'll meet the villa rep.

If I have a bunch of bags (i.e. am traveling with kids) I spring for a tip for the guy with the dolly to help with bags. If I am am to handle my stuff on my own, then I pass on the help and save that tip.

I tip the cab driver. I tip the ferry guys if they hold my luggage for me while I wonder around CA. If not, then I don't tip.

I don't tip the villa rep.

We just decided last night, and our answer to your route (same as ours) is none.

Out of airport to taxi solo.

No taxi tip.

Taxi to ferry solo.

Last year the preceding cost us $20 in tips. That is an entire night of drinks from our favorite bartender (lots of buybacks)

I don't want to seem tight, but if we do all that solo, then I don't see the need.

We tipped all taxi drivers, and the porter at the STJ ferry dock on departure day. We shlepped our own bags the rest of the time. I didn't feel the need to tip the villa rep. Was that wrong?

Taxi - yes, we book a private taxi for the group and the guy loads all the bags, stops for a six-pack for the ferry ride, and calls the villa rep. We tip him around $15 for the group. The stopping for beer part is worth the cost of the tip in my hub's eyes.

Villa rep - no, not to date. Pretty interesting comments on the subject a week or two ago over at News of St. John on the subject

Porters - arriving we handle our own bags, departing we use a porter. I think hubs tipped $2 per bag, maybe $3? I can't remember.

Hey Augie

You can tip me in rum – I’ll carry your bags. We don’t use taxi’s and such, so no tip there. I’ll tip at restaurants, boat charters and the captain & divemaster of the dive operation I use ( 6 Paq last time).

FlaGeorge wrote:Hey Augie

You can tip me in rum � I'll carry your bags.

You're hired!

We tip everyone...we're like a walking ATM.

As Christopher (of Christopher's Taxi) told us last trip, "it is important to keep the island green."

By the way, how can you drink for an entire night at a bar for only $20? Do you bring your own liquor?

Last year I recall this scenario:
Got in late, we had lots of bags, we did not ask for the dolly/porter from the luggage pick up line to the taxi but we got it anyway-tip #1, we had a private taxi, tip#2, we were very late to Red Hook (11:30pm) so no guys trying to get your luggage from the taxi to the ferry (which is only a few steps) so no tip there but that could have been tip#3, I can't recall if we tipped for the ferry, we usually don't but this was a small ferry that offered to take the latecomers over right away and it was a fast ride. Tipped the villa rep since he drove us to the rental with our luggage at midnight. We were just glad to finally be there after an 8 hour delay in Miami and still have the taxi and villa rep waiting for us. This year it will only be taxi driver that gets tipped and hopefully no one just grabs our bags. We will get a porter when we leave if the airport is crowded and they will get a tip. You just have to be firm if someone tries to grab your bags and you don't want them to.

Pete (Mr. Marcia) wrote:
By the way, how can you drink for an entire night at a bar for only $20? Do you bring your own liquor?

Depends where you go to drink and what you drink. It is our little secret

Just curious as to how much you all tip the taxi drivers (from airport to Red Hook)? We go carry-on only, so there's no handling of our bags. Do you do tip differently if it's a private taxi?

We tipped the same as we do at home. Usually 15-20% of the bill. We gave it to the driver at the end of the trip. Do ask how much the trip is going to cost before you get in and loaded up!

How much should we tip for a private water taxi? We've never gone this route. We always take the public ferry.