Welcome to Tropicasa Realty's newest series - Mexico Homeowner Tips - where we'll be sharing advice and resources to help you settle into your new Puerto Vallarta property with confidence.
The lower cost of living in Puerto Vallarta means that many people are able to employ help, which not only makes living in Mexico easier but also helps to support the local economy. From gardeners to housekeepers, nannies, or even a regular handyman on call, it is not uncommon to employ full time, part time or casual workers in your Puerto Vallarta home. With the holidays upon us, it is not only a courtesy but often a legal requirement to pay a holiday bonus in December. Here is an easy guide to holiday tipping and required Christmas bonuses in Mexico.
Housekeepers: Domestic employees that come on a regular schedule are entitled to an "aguinaldo" (holiday bonus) under Mexican Federal Law which must be equivalent to two weeks salary. Example, if your housekeeper visits twice weekly, he/she is entitled to 4 days of normal salary as a bonus in addition to their regular pay. Additionally, December 25th and January 1st are Federal holidays, so a day off with pay is appropriate. On December 24th and 31st, work hours will generally end at 2pm to allow employees to celebrate with family and friends.
Gardeners: If you have a weekly gardener, the same rules as above apply for an aguinaldo. If you have a gardener that comes on a casual schedule – for example, when called for a couple of hours to trim plants or palms – then a tip of half to a full price of a visit is generally very much appreciated.
Nanny: If you have a childcare provider working in your home, either full time or part time on a regular schedule, they need to be provided with a two week aguinaldo, to receive December 25th and January 1st as paid days off, and should not be expected to work past 2pm on the 24th and 31st of December.
Handyman: If you have a handyman on call that comes to help occassionally, a tip starting around 300 pesos or more (depending on how frequently he visits your house in Puerto Vallarta) would be appreciated.
Officially, aguinaldo bonuses must be paid by December 20th, to allow for people to utilize them as part of their holiday plans. For causal help, it is nice to make that December 20th date, but, anytime between now and January 15 would be very much appreciated.
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