Tipping

Tipping in Costa Rica is not obligatory as restaurants usually add a service charge on the bill of approximately 10%. This is considered an appropriate amount for a tip when dining out, but you can always leave a few extra colones if you think the service deserves it. If you’re going to tip in dollars, check that day’s currency exchange rates when considering how much to tip.

• Ubers/taxis: Unless you’re paying cash, an Uber fare is usually considered to include the tip. With the red taxis, the journey is less certain. The meter is still running even when you’re sitting in a traffic jam that is going nowhere and, often, the drivers of the red taxis won’t know exactly where you want to be as there are no street names or numbers in Costa Rica. If you’ve had a good journey in a red taxi, you can always tip a bit, but it’s not expected.

• Tour Guides: This will depend upon how long you spend with a tour guide and where. However, if you spend a day with a guide, it is customary to tip them approximately $6-$7 though higher end tours may warrant a larger tip. If you’re taking a tour bus, the tip for the bus driver is approximately $3.

• Cafes and bars: Often these places are too informal for a customary tip system, but as you might see in the U.S., there will often be a tip jar next to the cash register. They will be grateful if you throw in some coins or even a small denomination bill or two.

• Hotel bars: If you’re staying at the hotel, you aren’t obliged to pay for your drinks on the spot. They can be added to the tab, but if you’re paying by the drink, or are a day guest to the hotel bar, it’s customary to leave approximately $1 per drink.