tipping in Costa Rica
In Spanish, the word “propina” means tip. Tipping is an important part of the culture in Costa Rica. It is usually expected in certain services, and always appreciated. But what is good tipping etiquette? How much big should a gratuity in Costa Rica be? This guide will explain everything you need to know.
tipping etiquette for hotels in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica Tip $1 - $2 per day
It is important to leave a gratuity for staff at hotels in Costa Rica. Tip the bellhop at the hotel around $1 per bag. The maid should receive around $2 per day and it's a good idea to leave your largest tip on the first day to guarantee exceptional service. Most of all, be courteous to the hotel workers and let them know you appreciate their services.
Currency in Costa Rica
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon (plural colones) and this is divided into 100 centimos. Bank notes go up as high as 50,000 colones and coins start from an almost worthless 5 colones.
tipping in restaurants in Costa Rica
At a restaurant Tip 10%-15% in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica some upscale restaurants will add a 10% service charge to the bill for the waiting staff. However, if the service was excellent, consider leaving more. A standard gratuity is 10-15%. In Costa Rica waiters will not bring your bill unless you request it. They do not want to “hurry” you, so realise that you need to ask for your bill when you are ready to go. Please don't confuse this with bad service.
Dining in Costa Rica
The backbone of Costa Rica cuisine is black beans and rice (gallo pinto). Many Costa Rican dishes are variations of this delicious dish. In addition, vegetables and fruits are almost always added into daily meals. Another important fact is that Costa Ricans make lunch the “main” meal of the day. After lunch many people in Costa Rica take a nap (siesta) and then go back to work after that.
tip etiquette at spas in Costa Rica
At a Spa Tip 15% in Costa Rica
The customary amount to tip in spas is 15% of the amount of the service provided. As you would anywhere else, make an appointment ahead of time for your spa services and then be on time. If you are going to be late or need to cancel, do so as soon as you know. Let the spa staff know of any medical issues you may have.
Spas in Costa Rica
If you are looking for a place to relax, look no further than Costa Rican spas. The Tabacon Grand Spa and Hot Springs is a great place to ease your tension and relax. Here you will find a variety of spa packages to meet your needs. Here are some other spas for you to see in Costa Rica.
For a Tour Tip $3-$10 per person, per day
If you take a tour in Costa Rica, you will be expected to tip your tour guide. Depending on the tour and the size of the group, you should leave a gratuity of around $3 to $10 per person a day. Also, don’t forget about the tour bus driver (if you have one). It's good tipping etiquette to tip him or her around $5 to $10 for an all day tour.
Touring in Costa Rica
The Arenal National Park is a popular tour where you will see Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Of course, you must visit San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. If you want to go on a tour, there are longer eight-day tours or shorter one-day tours of Costa Rica. Decide what you can fit into your schedule and then go for it!
In Costa Rica Tip $1-5 Dollars
Generally, for short taxi rides in Costa Rica you should round the amount up to the next dollar and let the taxi driver keep the change rather than tipping. However, if you are travelling a longer distance or if the traffic is bad, you should probably leave him a little more. Around $1 to $5 dollars extra will suffice.
In Costa Rica Tip 10-15% at Hairdressers
If you are getting your hair cut and styled in Costa Rica, you should tip your hairdresser 10-15% of the final bill. If you are very pleased with your hair, feel free to tip your hairdresser even more. If you are not pleased with your hair, feel free to voice your opinion, but still tip around 10% or slightly less.