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Costa Rica Tips
This Weeks Costa Rica Tip is on... TIPPING IN COSTA RICA!
RestaurantsTipping in Costa Rica can be slightly complicated for North Americans. Restaurants add ten percent (10%) to the bill before you get it, and you are required to pay it regardless of whether of not you enjoyed the service. If you look on your bill you can find it below the food/drink and just above or below the Tax (called impuesto). So what do you do? Add nothing? Give extra? To some North Americans 10% seems low. Some people give 15%, and maybe 20% for excellent service. If you are in a local restaurant where they do not expect you to give more, it might be nice to give the waiter/waitress a little extra to brighten their day. Most Costa Ricans never add to the 10% tip, and many Ticos will think you are crazy to add anything. Be careful here. If you are treating Tico friends to a nice meal, you may come off as pretentious for tipping too much. Personally, if the service is great we will give an extra 5-10%. If it is anything below par we will not leave anything extra. Keep in mind, Ticos do not expect more than whats on the bill! HotelsFor those handling my luggage, I usually give about 200 colones per bag. I give more if the person had to climb stairs or walk a long way to get to our room. The maids usually make less than $2 per hour, so when checking out it is courteous to leave a tip. They never expect it so about a dollar per day of visit is more than enough. ParkingEverywhere you go in Costa Rica you will find seemingly random people who will sort-of guide you into your parking space, and watch your car while you away from it. They do not seem legitimate, however locals agree that refusing to give at least 100 or 200 colones may provoke them to damage to your vehicle. Its better to be safe than sorry, so we always give them a little tip. |
Questions and Costa Rica Tips you will find the answers to in the book:
"Is the water safe to drink?"
"Are the people friendly?"
"Is the food spicey?"
"Is there a McDonald's there"
"How much should I tip?"
"Is it safe to bring my jewlrey?"
"What is the currency? Where is the best place to exchange money?"
"What if I loose my ID or my passport? What do I do?"
"Is there swine flu in Costa Rica? Is it safe to travel there?"
"What kinda of entertainment is in Costa Rica? What do the locals do
for fun?"
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