Let’s talk about tipping.
I am a member of several online Costa Rica travel forums. They are a good resource. Though you have to take them with a grain of salt. It sometimes amazes me at how much misinformation is out there. I hope this post helps to clear it up. Who to tip, and how much
First off, bring some small denominations of US dollars (we cover this in out helpful hints). This is tip money, until you get some colons. Ones and fives.
Though the locals seem to be preferring colons over dollars these days, they won’t turn down a tip in dollars. I cover money elsewhere in this blog.
At the airport: There are sometimes some folks around outside the terminal. They will often ask if you need help. Sometimes, they will just grab your bags and go! That always makes me a little uncomfortable. These guys expect a tip. If someone assists, give them a couple of dollars. Do not let them bully you into a larger tip. Hopefully, you have hired a private driver ahead of time. They can intercede on you behalf.
A private transfer from SJO into the city, gets a minimum tip of $10.00. More if the driver has been particularly helpful.
Long distance drivers: If your driver is taking you on a particularly long ride (Say, San Jose to Monteverde), you should tip them well. Figure that you are their only work for the day. Also if he/she is taking you on a three hour drive, they have to travel empty three hours in the other direction. So with wait times loading, unloading, stops, and so on, they have a huge time of time invested in you. Probably eight to ten hours. Figure $25.00 as a low starting point. More if they perform other tasks, such as waiting at a market along the way, frequent stops, lunch, etc.
In the early 2000’s we operated a satellite office in Costa Rica. This was over twenty years ago. At that time, we paid our driver $500.00 per month. This was the going rate. He was on call 24/7. He relied heavily on tips. He supported his family of six with his earnings. This was considered a very good job, and he was happy to have it. Something to keep in mind.
If you stop for lunch, the etiquette is that you pay for the driver’s lunch. And no, this doesn’t factor into his tip. If he wasn’t working, he would be eating at home. Also, these drivers are usually bi-lingual and very nice folks. I love meeting the locals anywhere I travel. Enjoy lunch with your new friend. It is time well spent. You will definitely learn something along the way.
Hotels: Housekeeping and Bellmen. The same as the US. $3-5.00 er day for the maid. Bellman should get $5.00 minimum, or $2.00 a bag if you have lots of bags
Waiters: This is a little tricky. Tax (13%) and service fee (10%) is included in your restaurant bill. Menus will usually specify if these charges are included. Or there will be two prices side by side. One is without tax and fees, the all inclusive.
This 10% service fee is spread throughout the house. Front and back staff. This is a starting point. If you wish to give a helpful waiter a little more, discreetly leave cash on the table. If you choose to add it to your credit card bill, be aware that this usually gets bundled with the service charges for the whole staff.
Day Tour guides. These folks definitely get tipped. They are paid by the tour company, but rely on your gratuities. It differs, depending on if you are on a private tour, or a group tour. For a short group tour (three hours or less), 15% is usually good. If it is a cheap tour, round up. If there is a driver involved, give him a buck or two. It is just polite.
If you are on a private tour, you need to come up with a little more. Just as if you have a private driver (see above) you are most likely the sole work that they have that day. So tip accordingly. If it is $100.00 tour, then the guide is relying on your tip. 20% is a starting point. More if your guide is particularly good, or your have several people in your private group.
If there is specialized equipment involved (rafting, kayaks, etc), chances are they spent time getting that together prior to the tour. Likewise if is is a long ride back and forth to the tour, consider all this when calculating your tip.
