Do I need to tip in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, tipping is customary across dining and many service interactions.

How much should I tip in restaurants, bars, and taxis in Costa Rica?

In restaurants, 10% is common for good service. At bars, check whether service is usually included before adding extra; for taxis, riders usually round up to a convenient amount.

What counts as a bigger tip for exceptional service in Costa Rica?

In restaurants, people may tip more for standout service.

How do people usually leave the tip in Costa Rica?

Cash in CRC is often the easiest option, though card tipping is common in cities and tourist areas. Leave extra only for excellent service.

Tipping in Costa Rica

CRCLast reviewed · Mar 2026

A 10% service charge is included in restaurant bills by law. Extra tipping is optional and mainly for excellent service.

Tipping customary

Most common situations

Restaurant

Standard:10%

Exceptional:5-10%

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+10% service charge is included by law

+Extra tip only for excellent service

−No additional tip expected in most cases

Bar

Standard:Service included

Exceptional:Round up

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+Service charge is often already included

−Extra tipping is usually just rounding up

Taxi

Standard:Round up

How to tip in Costa Rica

•Check if the 10% service charge is already included

•Leave extra only for excellent service

•Tip directly in cash if you choose to add extra

Quick tips

10% service charge is mandatory in restaurants

Extra tipping is not expected but appreciated in tourism

Locals rarely leave additional tips

Other situations (8)

DeliveryRound up

Hairdresser / BarberRound up

Spa & Massage10%

Hotel Staff1-2 USD per bag

Tour guides10%

Valet ParkingRound up

Airport ServicesSmall cash tip

Car Services / UberRound up

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