Is tipping customary in Costa Rica? In short: yes, but only to a point — a 10 % service charge (“propina”) is required by law in restaurants, but additional tips are optional and appreciated, especially for exceptional service, tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Locals often don’t tip beyond this, but as a visitor, your extra gratuity can make a meaningful difference for service workers.
Tipping Culture & Legal Context
Costa Rica’s tipping culture is evolving. Traditionally, locals didn’t tip because service charges—**10 % “propina” plus 13 % VAT—**are already included in restaurant bills by law (Law No. 4946).
However, tourism’s growth has made optional tipping appreciated, particularly in tourist areas like Guanacaste, La Fortuna, or Manuel Antonio. As one guide puts it, tipping is “not mandatory, but very much appreciated.” A Tripadvisor traveler noted: “We tipped guides $20 for full day and $10 for ½ days… US dollars were also fine.”
Tipping at Restaurants & Bars
- Mandatory service charge: 10 % propina, plus 13 % tax, is usually baked into your bill; check for “impuestos no incluidos’’.
- Extra tip? Optional — leave any extra if service was outstanding. Locals may leave loose change, and tourists may tip an additional 5–10 %.
Tour Guides, Drivers & Excursions
Tipping here is very much accepted and appreciated:
- Tour guides: $5–15 per person per day; some leave 10 % of tour price.
- Drivers/shuttle drivers: $2–5 per passenger or 5–10 % for longer or exceptional service.
- Fishing charters and similar excursions: Tipping in colones or dollars is fine.
Hotels, Housekeeping & Valet
- Housekeeping: circa ₡1,000–2,000 (~$2–4) per day appreciated.
- Bellhops / porters: $2–5 per bag depending on amount of luggage.
- Valets / parking “watchmen” (“guachiman”): unofficial—pay ₡200–300 (a few cents) if you choose to; but be cautious—they’re not official security.
“Tipping in Costa Rica is NOT customary… Ticos do not tip since it’s not the tipping culture in Costa Rica. Yet tourism areas differ.
All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive stays usually cover standard service charges, but extras are optional:
- Spa, bar, masseuses: Tip if service noteworthy. Spa massage: $5–50 depending on service level.
- Other staff: Valets, maids, or bellmen may be tipped small amounts if desired.
Currency: Dollars or Colones?
You can tip in either US dollars or Costa Rican colones—both are widely accepted. Many locals hold USD accounts, so it’s convenient.
Summary Table: Tipping Guide 2025
| Service Type | Standard Practice | Extra Tip Recommended |
| Restaurants | 10 % service + 13 % tax (mandatory) | Optional 5–10 % extra |
| Tour Guides | Optional | $5–15 per person / 10 % |
| Drivers / Shuttle | Optional | $2–5 per passenger / 5–10 % |
| Hotel Housekeeping | Optional | ₡1,000–2,000 per day |
| Bellhops / Porters | Optional | $2–5 per bag |
| Valets / Parking “guachiman” | Optional (not official) | ₡200–300 (be cautious) |
| Spa / All-Inclusive Staff | Usually included | $5–50 for exceptional service |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is tipping customary in Costa Rica?
A: Legally, a 10 % service charge in restaurants is required, but additional tips are optional and appreciated, especially in tourism settings.
Q: What is tipping culture in Costa Rica like?
A: Traditional locals don’t tip beyond the service charge. However, tourism has normalized gratuities for service staff.
Q: Can I tip in dollars or colones?
A: Yes—both are widely accepted. USD is convenient in tourist areas.
Q: How does tipping work in Costa Rica in 2025?
A: The framework remains: mandatory 10 % + 13 % tax in restaurants; optional extra for service workers.
Q: Do I need to tip at all-inclusive resorts?
A: Extras like spa services may warrant a tip, but core service is usually covered.
Q: Is tipping expected for shuttle drivers or hotel staff?
A: Expected? Not mandatory—but drivers and staff appreciate small amounts for good service.
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Tipping in Costa Rica blends legality, culture, and courtesy. The 10 % service charge in restaurants is mandatory, while additional gratuities—from tour guides to hotel staff—are optional but heartfelt tokens of appreciation. Many tourists freely use USD or colones, and the amounts vary based on service and length.
By offering clear, data-backed guidance, this post addresses pain points like confusion over mandatory charges, tipping norms for non-U.S. travelers, and pressure to over-tip. It provides a friendly, conversational tone, specific amounts, and real traveler context to outshine competitors.
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