Travelers to Costa Rica are often informed that hotels and restaurants add a percentage (usually 10%) onto your bill which serves as the tip for the employees. Technically, this is true. A 10% fee is usually added onto the end of your bill as gratuity and technically once 
you’ve paid your bill, you’ve paid the tip.
However, what you may not be told is that the tip you are leaving isn’t going straight to the waitress or the maid. It is getting split up amongst all the employees – the cook, the busboy, and even upper management! So, while your waitress will get some sort of a tip for her hard work in running back and forth from your table to the kitchen, it will be pratically nothing by the time it makes it into her hands.
Even if it is only a couple of dollars to show your appreciation for her hard work, a small tip can go a long way. It can make for improved relations with Ticos, and you never know when your generousity will come back to you!
Tips aren’t expected in many situations, such as at small restaurants, since it is not the custom for many Ticos. Considering the fact that the average daily wage for a Tico is less than $18 dollars a day, a couple extra bucks goes a long way.
If you are going to be doing tipping, you can either use 500 colon bills or $1 bills which are readily accepted. (You may find it easier to part with a dollar bill than a 500 colon note.)
Tips on How to Tip:
Give maids a good tip – they are the pretty much the lowest paid workers there are. Leave about $2 a day, more if you ask for extras.
Your waitress is a standard 10–15% of the bill, unless the service is horrible, and then leave as little as you like.
On your first drink at a club you plan to spend the evening at tip on the first drink, and tip well. You will continue to receive quality service even after the bar is packed.
Drivers, parking guys, doormen, and the guy who carries your bags at the airport can all use a little $2–$5 tip. Tour guides deserve a good tip as well, anywhere from $3–10, or more if it is a private tour.
Tipping is up to you – use your discretion, and remember, a little $2 from you could go a long way.
Tipping un
Facebook
Twitter