Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Once of the many benefits of living in Mexico is that services are much less expensive than in the USA or Canada, meaning that many people who own a home in Puerto Vallarta can employ a maid, gardener or handyman to help around the house.

Now that the holiday season has arrived, it is a good time to discuss Aguinaldo, the Mexican Christmas bonus due to all employees, including the domestic staff that help make life so easy and convenient for many of us.

Under Mexican law, all employees (including maids, gardeners, cooks, etc.) deserve a Christmas bonus. It also is an important way to show your appreciation for their hard work and to help build a strong relationship.

Mexican employees are entitled by law to receive 15 days pay for their Christmas bonus. So, for example, if you have your housekeeper visit your home two times per week, her Christmas bonus should be equal to four days of her usual daily rate, or two weeks of her normal salary. The Christmas bonus must also be paid by December 20th, so be sure to check your calendar to pay his or her bonus prior to that date.

And while not required by law, it is common practice to include a small Christmas gift to those that work in your home. Candy, flowers, perfume or a gift basket of treats would all be appropriate types of gifts, but certainly use your imagination and your personal relationship with your maid or gardener as your guide.

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Since 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate. Tropicasa Realty is the region's representative for "The Leading Agents of the World" and with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with AMPI. Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office - Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas. While in PV they can be reached at (322) 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.

Click HERE to learn more about Tropicasa Realty, or visit tropicasa.com.