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 customaryMost 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
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
Tipping Terms Glossary
- Service charge
- A mandatory fee added to the bill by the establishment, separate from optional tips.
- Round up
- To increase the total bill amount to the nearest convenient whole number or denomination.
- Exceptional service
- Service that exceeds standard expectations, often warranting a higher tip percentage or amount.
- Cash preferred
- A preference for cash tips over card tips, often because card tips may not reach staff directly.