Tipping & Taxes
All restaurants in Costa Rica include a 13 percent sales tax and a 10 percent gratuity for the wait staff. It is not customary to leave an additional tip, but Costa Rican patrons and foreign tourists will extend the gesture for superlative service.
On the other hand, gratuities are expected from most service-oriented personnel. Airport luggage porters should receive about 500 colónes ($1.50) per bag, while hotel staff, like bellboys and chambermaids, expect between 150 - 600 colónes ($0.45 - $2.00) a day, depending on the quality of service. Tour guides and chauffeurs are always tipped for their services, but taxi drivers will only expect a gratuity if they have provided assistance beyond getting you to a known address.
