Tipping in Costa Rica: how much should you tip?
Service usually includedCentral AmericaCosta Rican colon (CRC)
Tipping in Costa Rica is Service usually included
Restaurants: 10% service included.
Restaurants: 10% service included.
Tipping isService usually included
Restaurants10% service included
Local currencyCosta Rican colon (CRC)
RegionCentral America
A 10% service charge is legally included; extra tipping is optional for great service.
Customary tips in Costa Rica
| Where | Customary tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% service included |
| Cafes & bars | round up |
| Taxis & rideshare | round up |
| Hotels | small change |
Costa Rica tip calculator (CRC)
Work out a tip in Costa Rican colon (CRC) using the local default of about 5%. Switch to By total to round your bill to a convenient amount.
Tip calculator for Costa Rica
$0.00Tip
$0.00Total
$0.00Per person
Effective rate: 5%
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
Tipping in Costa Rica is service usually included. A 10% service charge is legally included; extra tipping is optional for great service. As a visitor, the safest approach is to check the bill for an included service charge, then decide whether a small extra amount is appropriate for the service you received.
How to tip like a local in Costa Rica
- Pay tips in Costa Rican colon (CRC) where possible — cash is almost always welcome.
- Restaurants: 10% service included.
- Taxis and rideshare: round up.
- Hotels: small change.
Quick tips for travelers to Costa Rica
- Check your bill for a service charge before adding a tip.
- Cash in Costa Rican colon (CRC) is the safest way to tip.
- When unsure, rounding up the bill is always polite.
FAQ
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
A 10% service charge is included by law; extra is optional.
Nearby country guides
Reviewed 2026-08-10. Customs can vary by venue and region.