Insider Tips: To Pay or Not to Pay Gratuities in Costa Rica

Being from America, I am used to the standard 15% for gratuity. Usually this is not added on at a restaurant unless it is for a party of 8 or more. I typically give 20% whether the service is good or not.

In Costa Rica, the impuestos y tipo (taxes and gratuities) are included in the price. Most menu's do not state this and when you get the bill you only see the items purchased and taxes. No gratuities are listed on the bill. Where is the tip? Should I pay or have I already paid it? A local Tico advised me not to pay since I was charged triple the rate for a Smirnoff ice. He says their tip is in the overcharge of the products you purchase. When I asked the server at one restaurant if the tip is included in the bill, they replied the tip is not included. At another restaurant, the server replied that the 10% (standard tip in Costa Rica) is included in the prices of the food. So that means sometimes I have giving as much as a 30% tip to the server unwarily!!!

Their should be a standard law in Costa Rica demanding that all menus list if the taxes and gratuities are already included. If one exists, their are many restaurants violating the law. Some Costa Ricans are cheating the system and getting over on the gringos. Sure the food, service, and ambiance of the restaurants are great, but do we have to pay for the owners greed too?