In Costa Rica, a typical restaurant tip is about 10%.
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A typical restaurant tip in Costa Rica is about 10%. A 10% service charge is included by law; additional tipping is optional and only for exceptional service.
Yes, tipping around 10% is a normal and generally expected part of dining out in Costa Rica.
Cash is generally the safer choice for tips almost everywhere, including Costa Rica — card payment systems often don't have a clean way to add a partial tip, and cash ensures the money reaches the server directly.
Beyond restaurants, rounding up for taxis/rideshares and a small daily cash tip for hotel housekeeping is appreciated in most countries, including Costa Rica, even where restaurant tipping norms differ.
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