Tipping in Medellín: The Sneaky Restaurant Scam

• 🇨🇴 Tipping in Medellín isn’t mandatory, but many restaurants add a 10%+ service charge without asking.

• 💳 Watch your bill closely—some spots sneak in "servicio" (tip) hoping tourists won’t notice.

• ❓ Always ask "¿Incluyeron el servicio?" If you're weren't asked, its rare not to be asked.

• 🚫 Bad service? You’re not obligated to pay the 10%—push back if they auto-charge it.

• 💵 Paying in cash? Easier to control the tip and avoid hidden fees on card payments.

• ✋ Expats & foodies beware—this practice targets foreigners, so check receipts at every meal.

(EDIT) Since people misunderstood the point, I'll lay it out here - I am not at all encouraging you not to tip, I'm encouraging you to look at your bill, especially if a restaurant doesn't ask you to include the tip. The point is point out dishonesty when it happens.

If you’ve eaten at a restaurant in Medellín, you’ve probably noticed something strange when the bill arrives. The server politely asks if you’d like to incluir servicio (include the tip), which generally is about 10%. For most servers and restaurants, they see it as a grade of their service and they're thankful when you say yes. However, there are some places just assume you’ll pay it—and worse, they don’t even mention it.

This isn’t just bad etiquette; it’s a shady practice that takes advantage of tourists (and even locals) who might not catch the extra charge, especially if you're drinking a little. Let’s be clear: tipping should always be optional, not silently added to your bill. Tipping culture wasn't a thing here until one of us foreigners brought it here. Who left this in your carry on? Ugh.

How the Scam Works

Here’s how it usually goes down:

You ask for the bill (la cuenta).

The waiter will ask you cash or card.

The waiter brings over a card machine or a check with the total.

You hand over your card or cash, assuming the price is what was listed on the menu.

Boom—you later realize they added a 10% tip without asking.

In most places, the waiter will actually ask, "¿Incluir servicio?" which is how it should be done. But in others, they just tack it on like it’s mandatory.

(EDIT - Thanks for the perspective, Mike) In Colombia, you have to realize one thing, while they have a 'service charge' that is not only the wait staff that gets it. This service charge is split between all staff. In the US, a tip generally goes to the wait staff and they tip the staff as they see fit. Here it's on the owner to divvy up the service charge to the staff. Truly shady restaurants are going to be consistently bad.

And here’s the kicker, restaurants assume foreigners will just roll over and accept it. Taking advantage of people who are coming from places where tipping is expected, like the U.S. There is also the common thought - these people are rich and can afford it.

Why This is a Problem

First, it’s dishonest. If a business is going to add a fee, they should be upfront about it. In many countries, service charges are clearly stated on the menu or mentioned before ordering. Here? It’s often a surprise. They're taking advantage of people who don't know the culture and are likely in 'vacation mode'

Second, it removes the incentive for good service. If waiters know they’re getting 10% no matter what, why bother going above and beyond? Tipping should reward great service, not just exist as a hidden tax.

Third, it targets tourists. Many visitors don’t scrutinize their bills closely, especially if they’re not fluent in Spanish. Some places even double-dip—adding a 10% servicio and then asking for a tip on the credit card slip, hoping you’ll add another tip out of habit.

Again, my issue is not with the tipping, it's with the not asking and just assuming.

How to Avoid It

Check the bill closely – Look for "servicio" or "propina" on the receipt. If it’s there and you weren’t asked, call them out. You will likely get nothing more than a "Que pena", but this will be your opportunity to let your tip dictate

Ask Before Paying – When the bill arrives, say "Incluyeron el servicio?" (Did you include the tip?). If they say yes and you didn’t agree, you can refuse.

Pay in Cash – Some places are less likely to sneak in a tip if you’re handing over cash. Plus, you can leave exactly what you want.

Tip What You Think is Fair – If the service was bad, don’t feel pressured to pay 10%. A few thousand pesos (or nothing at all) is fine.

The Bottom Line

Tipping in Medellín should be transparent. All restaurants need to ask "¿Incluir servicio?" instead of just assuming. The way the check system works here, you don't get to add a tip to the bill unless you leave cash. Until then, keep an eye on your bill, question shady charges, and don’t let them guilt you into paying for bad service. Tip whatever you want. You're not obligated to leave a tip. It's a great gesture to the staff if you do. I've never seen a staff member be anything but gracious after you say yes to the service fee.

Because at the end of the day, a tip is a reward, not an obligation. And if a restaurant tries to trick you into paying one? Well, that’s a good reason not to go back. If you have good service and the food is good, leaving a tip is a way yo show appreciation. Leave what you want, but don't feel obligated to do so.

Have you been hit with this scam? Share your stories in the comments.