One of our most frequently asked questions is about tipping etiquette in Costa Rica. If you have received good service, then a tip is very much appreciated but not expected. Below, we’ve provided a simple guide to help you navigate tipping while visiting Costa Rica.

How much to tip in Costa Rica

Restaurants

All Costa Rican restaurants will automatically add a 10% gratuity to your bill before it’s given to you, in addition to the 13% tax. While tipping is optional, it is polite to offer an additional sum if you feel your server exceeded your expectations. A little extra can go a long way in showing appreciation for excellent service.

Tipping in Costa Rica Hotels

If you’re staying at a high-end resort, it’s customary to offer a tip of around $1 per bag for bellhops. Similarly, many guests leave the housekeeper a tip of around $2 per day for the duration of their stay. If you have a few drinks at the hotel bar, it’s generally considered good manners to tip around $1 per drink to the bartender. These small gestures can enhance the hospitality experience for both guests and staff.

Transportation

For short cab rides, a large tip isn’t necessary, but rounding up the fare to the nearest dollar is usually the norm. For longer cab rides, a tip between $1 and $5 is sufficient. If you’re traveling a significant distance, giving a little extra might be a good idea.

For tour bus drivers, tipping is more common. If you’re on an all-day tour, a tip of around $10 is appropriate, though, again, it is by no means expected. Showing appreciation for excellent service is always welcomed.

Tour Guides

Tour guides often go above and beyond to ensure you have an enjoyable and informative experience. A tip of between $5 and $15 per person is considered polite, depending on the size of your tour group and the quality of the experience. If your guide has provided exceptional service, a little extra can be a great way to show your gratitude.

Tipping a Serendipity Guide

If you are traveling with a Serendipity Adventures guide, we use a lump-sum gratuity system that you can charge to your credit card at the end of your trip. Your guide will give you a tipping form where you can allocate specific amounts to any or all of the persons who contributed to your trip. An acceptable range used by many previous Serendipity clients to calculate total gratuities has been 7% to 12% of the retail price of your itinerary