Tipping in Costa Rica
In Spanish, the word propina means tip. Tipping is always a personal choice, and visitors are encouraged to tip an amount they find appropriate. The level of service and your budget are important factors as well. Below is a suggested tipping guide for your travels in Costa Rica. We encourage you to reward guides and service professionals based on their performance.
FAQs
How much do I tip in Costa Rica?
Tipping is not customary in Costa Rica, but in the tourism industry tipping for professional services is universal. It is considered polite to tip guides and drivers for performance and services rendered. While largely a personal decision, a tour guide may be tipped $2-$10, depending on the size of your group. Note that all restaurant bills include a mandatory 10% tip, and leaving extra is uncommon.
Last updated: Dec 21, 2025