Tipping Etiquette in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, it's customary to tip a variety of service providers. In Spanish, the word "propina" means tip. Of Course, tipping is always a personal choice. Avanti San Jose Costa Rica Car Rentals advices all of their customers to tip only when the service warrants it. The level of service and your travel budget are two important factors to consider when deciding on a tip. Avanti San Jose Costa Rica Car Rentals also encourages customers to tip only the amount they feel appropriate.

A Guide to Tipping

Not sure who to tip when traveling in Costa Rica? The following are a few guidelines to remember when you're out and about with friends in your Avanti San Jose Costa Rica Car Rentals.

1. Waitress or Waiter: Most mid-range and upscale restaurants include 10% service gratuities directly on the bill. Travelers in San Jose Costa Rica car rentals can leave an extra 10% tip if the service is exceptional. Note: it's not customary to tip your maitre d' or hostess.
2. Taxi Driver: If you've had a little too much to drink during a night out, Avanti San Jose Costa Rica car rentals encourages you to call a cab. For short distances, simply round up to the next dollar when leaving a tip. If it's a longer haul, add an extra $1 to $5.
3. Bellhop: If you're staying at a first-class hotel during your upcoming San Jose Costa Rica car rentals vacation, remember to give your bellhop a little extra for helping you unload your baggage. It's far to tip $1 per bag.
4. Maid Service: Many travelers in San Jose Costa Rica car rentals don't think to leave a tip for the maid when traveling, but this is actually one of the most common service providers to provide a gratuity. It's customary to tip $2 a day. If you want to guarantee yourself exceptional service, tip the most on the first day.
5. Room Service Attendant: Too tired to make it to the restaurant during your San Jose Costa Rica car rentals vacation? Room service is always a great option. Just remember to provide your room service attendant with a tip that's 10% of the meal value.
6. Massage Therapist: If you've enjoyed a massage or spa treatment during your San Jose Costa Rica car rentals vacation, remember to thank the therapist for their expertise. It's customary to tip about 15% of the value of the treatment.

It isn't customary to tip:

1.Concierge: You don't need to tip the concierge provider at your hotel.
2.Parking Valet: While it is customary to tip the valet in North America, you don't have to in Costa Rica. You should, however, tip parking lot attendants a $1 or $2 for watching your vehicle.
3.Coat Check: If you need to check your coat at an establishment, don't worry about leaving a tip when you pick it up ?the attendant won't be offended. Should I tip my tour guide?
Travelers in San Jose Costa Rica car rentals are always unsure as to how much they should tip a tour provider. The following are some good guidelines to follow:
4.Tour Guide: If you're traveling in a traditional tour group, it's customary to tip between $3 to $10 depending on the size of the group.
5.Tour Bus Driver: If you're planning to take an all day bus tour during your visit to Costa Rica, remember to bring along $5 to $10.
6.Fishing Guide/Captain: Sport fishing is a popular tour option for visitors to Costa Rica. You should tip your boat captain between $30 and $50 a day.
7.Whitewater Rafting: You have to admit, being a whitewater rafting guide isn't the easiest of jobs! Award a good guide by providing him or her with a $10 tip (per person for an all day trip).

Avanti Car Rentals is listed in the Costa Rica's Tico Times Directory.