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You are here to learn all about tipping in Costa Rica. You assume you must leave a tip when you eat out or have drinks. Be aware that your bill already includes the tip. In most countries, you’re expected to tip, even if you’re unhappy with the service. In others, tipping is simply not done. Tipping in Costa Rica (is mandatory, as it is included in your bill. You can tip extra if the service is outstanding.
You just arrived at the international airport in Costa Rica. As soon as you walk outside arrivals, 10 guys jump on you, trying to help you with your suitcases. Of course, they want to be paid for their services. How much should you pay them?
You’re having a great lunch with friends at this fish restaurant in Jaco Beach, and the service is outstanding. Should you tip at all, and how much?
Confused about tipping? Join the club.
“Propina” is the right word for a tip in Costa Rica. A 10% service charge is customary in most parts of the world. In Costa Rica, the 10% propina is not customary; it’s LAW. Our Law No. 4946, enacted in 1972, establishes the right to a 10% tip for workers in restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. This 10% is included in the bill as “Service 10%” and is not an additional tip the customer must add.
The 13% IVA – Impuesto al Valor Agregado (or VAT – Value Added Tax in English) is calculated after adding the 10% service tax. So you pay the sum of consumed products + 10% + 13%.
Restaurant and bar employees
In Costa Rica, restaurant and bar employees have a minimum salary. The tip is supposed to be “earned” by giving you extraordinary service. But that’s not the case in Costa Rica; service charges or tips are ALWAYS included in your bill. Therefore, there is no need to tip on top of the bill unless the service is outstanding. It is pretty customary to leave any loose change as a tip. Be aware that many smart waiters give you plenty of unnecessary loose change, so you can leave a generous tip without noticing.
I have also seen waiters not return change if you pay them cash, taking for granted that the difference is an extra tip. Don’t fall for that story; it is unacceptable.
Taxi drivers
Tipping taxi drivers isn’t necessary unless you always use the same driver. Many expats ask a driver they feel comfortable with for their cellphone number so they can use him/her as a private driver. In that case, it’s a good habit to tip them without overdoing it. 10 – 15% should be sufficient when they’re nice to you, don’t take the long way to get you home, or help you with your luggage.
If you use the Uber online taxi system, you can tip them as soon as you finish the ride, but be careful not to tip too much.
Guachiman
In Costa Rica, when you park your car on the street, even with a parking meter, you will find someone watching over a bunch of cars. We call them a guachiman (Watchman). If you don’t give them any money, they might scratch your car the next time you go to that same place. If you look foreign, they’ll remember you and your vehicle. 200 – 300 Colones should be sufficient to keep them happy, and they will watch your car next time, too.
Tour guides and dive masters
If you hire a private guide or driver, it is common to tip between $5 and $15 per day. Some tip their tour guide or divemaster 10% of the cost of the tour.
Bellhops and skycaps
The service charges you pay the hotel cover bellhops, but they expect you to tip when they help you bring your luggage to your room. A couple of bucks should suffice. The skycaps at the airport expect you to give them $5, but if they only take care of a couple of suitcases, don’t give them more than half that unless you have a truckload of luggage.
Are you a good tipper?
North Americans are customarily good tippers because the system works basically on tipping. Europeans rarely tip well. You must tip them well if they do the job well; it’s a system that works based on performance. That’s how tipping in Costa Rica functions (except in the bars and restaurants). But don’t let them take advantage of you because you’re a gringo but don’t over-tip either. You will not always find the great service you expect, and you should feel free to say so.
No tips for real estate agents
There is no need to give our real estate agents any tips. We sell real estate for a commission paid by the seller. When you look at properties with any of our agents, just make sure you buy property from us, not our competitors.
We appreciate your business and will do more for you after the purchase than you could ever imagine. Check our testimonials, and you’ll understand what I’m talking about. Ready for business? Then contact us now.
Featured image was A.I. generated.
