When you travel to another country, it's always a bit of a learning curve to understand the customs. Tipping is one of those typical things that can often be tricky when you've just arrived. To make your trip to Costa Rica as enjoyable as possible, we'd like to provide you with some information on how tipping works here. Is it customary to tip in Costa Rica? Where should you tip or not? How much should these tips be? In this article, we'll provide you with all the answers.
In restaurants in Costa Rica, tipping is customary. A tip of 10% to 15% is typical. Many restaurants automatically add a 10% 'service charge' to the bill for taxes or service. If there's already a 10% tip included, giving extra tip afterward isn't expected, though it's optional. Often, menus indicate whether a service charge will be added to the bill. If no service charge is included, it's customary to tip between 10% and 15%.
At bars, it's typical to tip 5% to 10% when ordering drinks along with snacks. If you're only ordering a drink, rounding up the bill is a common way to leave a small tip.
In Costa Rica, tipping transportation staff is customary for good service. It's typical to give a 10% tip to taxi personnel for longer rides. For shorter rides, rounding up the fare is appreciated. When using a shuttle service, it's polite to tip the driver around 10%.
In many places in Costa Rica where Uber operates, the price is predetermined, and tipping isn't expected. However, if you're satisfied with the service, giving a 10% tip is appreciated.
In Costa Rica, it's customary to give a tip of about 5% to 10% after a tour, especially if you're satisfied with the service. You can give the tip directly to the guide. Some tours have a designated box or envelope for tips, which is convenient if you prefer not to hand a tip directly to an individual. This way, the tip is distributed among the tour staff.
In Costa Rica, tipping is customary, and the amount varies depending on the activity and service quality. Of course, tipping also hinges on personal preferences and budget. You might be more inclined to tip during a three-week vacation in Costa Rica compared to after three months of traveling. Tipping isn't obligatory; it's considered an extra gesture and seen as a nice touch.