Restaurants, by law, add a ten percent service charge to the bill. Then it's up to the customers if they care to leave something extra. I find that a five percent tip is greatly appreciated and leads to extra special service the next time. Barber shops and beauty salons expect a 15-20 percent tip. At Christmas time it's customary to give something to the newsboy, supermarket attendants, garbage collectors, and of course you give a yearly Christmas bonus to the maid, gardener and any other employees. The Christmas bonus, aguinaldo is not a gift or a tip, but is required by law. An extra present will be greatly appreciated.

If you are a guest at someone's home where there are servants, it isn't necessary to tip them, not unless they've done something special for you, such as laundry, ironing or running errands. If a friend lends you the services of her maid, it's customary to tip and to pay for her taxi or bus fare home. Hotel chambermaids like to be tipped just as they do back home. after saying all that , the Tico's are the most unmotivated with money, don't flash you money to get them work faster or better, they will be insulted, treat them with respect and tip them according to the local costume if you give too much it will affect their attitude towards their next job and will accept more and more while doing less. just look at the work labor back home. Courtesy and Custom.

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