Tipping is not required, but it is always appreciated. By law in Costa Rica, all restaurants must pay 10% over sales on meals to their waiting staff in addition to the staff’s salary. However if you are happy with the service you’ve received, it’s always a nice gesture to tip the waiters, and it really motivates them to continue to give good service and helps them better provide for their families.

On menus in Costa Rica you will see a note specifying whether the 10% service tax and the 13% sales tax are included or not in the price listed next to each dish.