Havana Local Custom Tips by Kaspian

Please Pay the Band

In Cuba, Mexico, and other Latin countries, bands will expect to receive a tip from you if you are sitting on a patio, cafe, the beach, or a small bar enjoying their music. This is custom and standard, it's how they make a living and they're not getting paid by the venue. Generally $5 for a table of three people is a decent enough tip. The band will consider it stealing if you don't give them something, they're troubadours or mariachis, and they incorrectly assume you already know about the payment arrangement. Even locals give them some money if they stop to enjoy the music. I've seen way too many Western tourists treat them as common buskers or bums trying to rip people off. There can be loud arguments. It's a cultural misunderstanding, with both sides feeling cheated in the end. Know before you sit down that you will be expected to pay and have some money ready to give them when they do a break in their set.
Bonus Tip: If they have a CD for sale and you buy one (approximately $10-15), you won't be expected to give them a tip on top of that. (Get them to sign it for fun, it makes a nice souvenir!)