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Tipping in Costa Rica

By |August 9th, 2023|, |

Over the years, working in and out of tourism, our recommendation has been to tipping. Amounts vary from the cost of the activity to the number of people in the activity. So, determining a percentage or an amount is difficult, but a good starting point is a minimum of 10%. Still, one thing to remember is that salaries are not as big as you’d expect in Costa Rica (primarily when you work as a tour guide or waiter/bartender, for example), and what you tip is what the guide/staff gets to take home today to their families. And finally, only if you enjoyed the activity and believed the guide/staff did a great job. 

Do they accept USD? and/or what is the local currency?

By |January 11th, 2021||

The local currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), which averages between 500-600 for 1 USD. But luckily, most of Costa Rica will always accept USD, but you must be aware of the exchange rate to make sure you are getting the proper change. If possible, when paying in cash and the price is in Colones, try to pay in colones; that way, your change will be exact. There are establishments whose prices are in USD, but most will give you a change in CRC even with that.