Tipping and Gratuities
Like most countries, a lot of people in Costa Rica will have their hand out waiting for the tip (la propina). Ah yes, the classic question, to tip or not to tip. This has got to be one of the most common asked questions at my travel agency by people coming to Costa Rica. How much should I tip? Well, as always, there is no simple answer to this question, unlike the US and Canada where it is a standard rate of 15% in restaurants, $1 a bag for bell hops and $1 to $5 a day for maids. Costa Rica has a completely different way of dealings with tips. Costa Ricans Don’t Tip
Yes, it sounds cheap, but tipping is not part of the culture here in Costa Rica. Yes, it’s true, 10% is always included in the bill at restaurants, but other than that, tips are not given to service providers. This is a point that always makes me chuckle, as Costa Ricans also enjoy complaining about the service they receive, yet they are never willing to give a reward for someone who actual does provide good service. Also, having a guaranteed tip in restaurants, I find that waiters and waitresses don’t really care what kind of service they provide, and why should they?
Tourists Do Tip
Just because Costa Ricans don’t tip, doesn’t meant Costa Ricans who work in the travel industry don’t expect tips from tourists visiting Costa Rica. And as the tourism industry grows, tipping is become more and more common, and expected by Costa Ricans. Even taxi drivers are starting to ask me for a tip, which was unheard of four years ago. So how much should you tip when in Costa Rica? This is definitely up to you. What is important to note however, is that even giving $1 makes a difference to someone working in Costa Rica.
Guideline for Tipping in Costa Rica
Restaurants
Costa Rica is a little bit easier as the number one tipping spots are restaurants and bars, and generally they already add ten percent (10%) to the bill before you get it. It is almost always right there below the food/drink and just above or below the Tax (impuesto).
So what do you do? Nothing? Tip a little?
The majority of Ticos eat out and never leave anything extra, so it is simply not expected. That is their culture and many Tico friends think I am nuts to add anything. I feel that 10% is a bit low, so when I am in a restaurant, I evaluate the service and may add another 5% (easy to do… just take the 10% shown and add back half). If the service was just so-so, I will not add anything. In any case, you will never get “the look” from a waiter normal only receives the 10%.
Hotels
For anyone handling my luggage, I give $.50 per bag. I give bit more if the person had to climb stairs or walk a mile to get to our room.
The maids, (mucamas), don’t make a great living, so when I check out; I always leave about a dollar per day of visit. Sometimes if I am going to be there for several days, I may give her something on the first day. Amazing how the room seems to get better attention!
The parking guys watching you car
Everywhere you go in San Jose and in many other areas, there are these guys who sort of guide you into your parking space, supposedly watching your car while you are eating, shopping, whatever, and guide you out, and times stopping the traffic for you. I always give them 300-500 colones, about a dollar or a little more. Like the hotel maids… they won’t be retiring on their tips and their lives are hard.
Airport
After you leave customs, you exit the airport and have to turn in your cart. If I am traveling light, I just carry it myself. But if I have 3 or more bags, I get a skycap to assist me to take the stuff to my car or through to the Arrivals area if I am being picked up. Same deal as the hotel handlers, $.50 per bag.
Taxi drivers
Minimum: Nothing, as it is usually not expected
Maximum: 500 Colones (around $1)
Bellhops
Minimum: 500 Colones
Maximum: 1000 Colones
Personal Drivers
Minimum: $1 for airport transfers and $5 for longer transfers per person
Maximum: $3 for airport transfers and $10 for longer transfers.
Bartenders
Minimum: Nothing. They do not expect tips after every drink.
Maximum: $1 a round, anything more s really not necessary
Both colonies and US dollars (not coins) are always welcome as tips.
