Our guide on tipping culture in Costa Rica for your next trip.
Costa Rica has a more relaxed tipping culture compared to the United States, and tipping practices vary depending on the situation. While tips are appreciated, they are not always expected.
Tipping in Costa Rica is not as ingrained as in the United States, but it’s appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for good service. By understanding when and how to tip, and carrying small denominations of cash, you can show appreciation while respecting the local customs.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to tipping in Costa Rica, including how to tip, mistakes to avoid, and when tipping is appropriate.
Read here Things to know before visiting Costa Rica, 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary and best Costa Rica Sim card for tourist
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
General Tips for Tipping in Costa Rica
Carry Small Bills: Ensure you have small denominations in both Costa Rican colones and U.S. dollars for tipping.
Use Local Currency: While U.S. dollars are widely accepted, tipping in colones is more convenient for locals.
Be Discreet: Hand the tip directly to the person you wish to thank rather than leaving it on the table or counter.
Know When to Tip Extra: Exceptional service, personalized attention, or assistance warrants additional tipping.
Respect Local Customs: Understand that while tipping is appreciated, it’s not as ingrained in Costa Rican culture as in the U.S.
Mistakes to Avoid
Overtipping: While generosity is appreciated, tipping excessive amounts may feel awkward for locals.
Not Checking the Bill: Many restaurants include a service charge, so tipping extra is optional.
Forgetting Small Coins or Bills: Tipping culture relies on small, thoughtful amounts rather than large sums.
Tipping Culture In Costa Rica
1. Tipping at Restaurants
What to Expect:
A 10% service charge is typically included in restaurant bills by law, which covers the tip for the staff.
Ticos (locals) usually do not tip beyond this amount.
How to Tip:
If service was exceptional, leaving an additional tip of 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
For casual dining or local sodas (small eateries), rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t tip excessively as it is not expected and may feel out of place.
Always check the bill to see if the service charge is already included before tipping.
2. Tipping in Hotels
What to Expect:
Hotel staff, including bellhops and housekeeping, often appreciate tips for good service.
How to Tip:
Bellhops: $1–$2 per bag.
Housekeeping: $2–$3 per day, left daily.
Concierge: $5–$10 for exceptional service, such as arranging tours or difficult reservations.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Forgetting to tip housekeeping daily; staff might change each day, so tipping at the end of your stay might not reach the intended person.
3. Tipping Tour Guides and Drivers
What to Expect:
Tipping is customary for tour guides and drivers, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
How to Tip:
Tour Guides: $5–$20 per person for a full-day tour, depending on the quality of the experience and group size.
Drivers: $2–$5 for short trips or $10–$20 for longer drives or all-day services.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Not tipping when the guide or driver has provided an exceptional experience—they often rely on tips as part of their income.
4. Tipping Taxi and Rideshare Drivers
What to Expect:
Tipping is not a standard practice for taxis or rideshares in Costa Rica, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
How to Tip:
Round up to the nearest 500 colones or leave a small tip (around $1) for excellent service or assistance with luggage.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Offering large tips—this is unnecessary and not expected in Costa Rican taxi culture.
5. Tipping in Spas and Salons
What to Expect:
Tipping is appreciated for personal services like massages, manicures, or hairstyling.
How to Tip:
Spas: 10–15% of the service cost for therapists or staff.
Salons: 5–10%, depending on the service.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Skipping the tip entirely for excellent service, especially in upscale spas catering to tourists.
6. Tipping Street Vendors and Local Shops
What to Expect:
Tipping is not customary when buying from street vendors or local markets.
How to Tip:
No tip is required, but you can round up or leave a small extra amount if you feel generous.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Expecting vendors to have change for large denominations if you’re leaving a tip.
7. Tipping for Activities
What to Expect:
Activities such as zip-lining, whitewater rafting, or wildlife tours often include guides or instructors who rely on tips.
How to Tip:
$5–$10 per person for guides or instructors, depending on the length and quality of the activity.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Forgetting to bring small bills for tipping after outdoor adventures.
8. Tipping Gas Station Attendants
What to Expect:
Gas station attendants pump your gas and may offer additional services like washing your windshield or checking tire pressure.
How to Tip:
$1–$2 if they provide extra services.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Feeling obligated to tip if they only pump gas and provide no additional assistance.
9. Tipping in Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
What to Expect:
Baggers at grocery stores are often not salaried and rely on tips.
How to Tip:
Leave 100–500 colones (roughly $0.20–$1) depending on the size of your purchase.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Forgetting to tip if they assist with bagging and carrying your groceries to your car.
10. Tipping for Delivery Services
What to Expect:
Food and package delivery drivers typically appreciate tips, though it’s not mandatory.
How to Tip:
$1–$2 for food delivery or 10% of the delivery fee.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Offering coins in very small amounts, which may come across as disrespectful.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.