Tips are not included, and tipping is entirely up to you.
We have provided some general guidelines below, but we suggest you base your tips primarily on:
If you do not believe in tipping, please do not feel obligated. Nobody should expect a tip.
It is helpful to bring small denomination U.S. bills ($1, $5, $10, and $20). These are not always easy to obtain in Costa Rica and are useful for tips and small purchases, such as fruit or beverages from street vendors.
You may wish to visit your bank before traveling to obtain smaller bills. If you need local currency while in Costa Rica, you can also ask your guide, driver, or hotel receptionist to direct you to an ATM. It is best to do this while you are in larger towns, as more remote areas may not have ATMs.
When paying with U.S. dollars, you will often receive change in Costa Rican colones rather than dollars, so having smaller bills can be helpful.
Even knowing that tipping is a personal choice, we have found that travelers often feel uncertain about appropriate amounts. We hope this printable guide provides a helpful reference.
