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2026 guide
Costa Rican law mandates a 10% service charge (el servicio) on all restaurant bills. It is not optional — it is automatically added and legally required. Most diners leave a little extra for exceptional service. Outside restaurants, tipping norms are similar to other Central American countries: appreciated, not obligatory.
The 10% servicio at Costa Rican restaurants is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. The confusion arises because it often looks like an optional line item — it is not. Always check your bill before adding extra on top.
Restaurants
10% service is legally included in all restaurant bills. An additional 5–10% in cash for exceptional service is appreciated but optional.
Taxis & Rideshares
Metered official taxis (la maría — red with yellow triangle) don't require tipping — round up if you like. Uber is popular in San José; in-app tips are optional but welcomed.
Hotels & Porters
Spa & Massage
Full guide includes hotels, spa, bars, tour guides & delivery — plus useful phrases in the local language.
All 6 scenarios with exact amounts, cultural context, useful phrases in the local language, and a currency reference.
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Yes — a 10% servicio is legally required on all restaurant bills. You are not obligated to tip further, but rounding up or leaving an extra 5% in cash for exceptional service is appreciated and goes directly to the server.
Metered official taxis (red with yellow triangle, la maría) don't require a tip — rounding up to the nearest 500 colones is a standard courtesy. Uber drivers appreciate a small in-app tip but it's entirely optional. Avoid unofficial taxis (piratas) — use the official red taxis or Uber for safety and transparent pricing.
Both Costa Rican colones (CRC) and US dollars are accepted for tips throughout the country. USD is particularly common at tourist-facing restaurants, hotels, and tour operators. Colones are more appropriate in local sodas (traditional restaurants) and when taking official taxis.
For a half-day tour, $5–10 per person is appropriate. For a full-day guided tour (zip-lining, volcano hiking, wildlife safari), $10–20 per person for the guide is reasonable. Private guides who provide personalised service for a full day merit $15–25+ depending on the experience.
Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, larger restaurants, and hotels. Smaller sodas, local markets, and rural areas often prefer cash. For tipping specifically, cash tips always ensure the money reaches the intended recipient — card tips may be handled by management. ATMs (BAC, Scotiabank) are readily available in San José and tourist towns.
Planning a taxi ride in Costa Rica?
Check taxi fares in Costa Rica