Like most countries, a lot of people in
Restaurants
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!
Those parking guys
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 200-300 colones, about $.50 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.
US dollars (not coins) are always welcome as tips.
