| One of the beauties of staying at a vacation rental | | | | Tip #2 - Tips Are Included |
| home is you have the option of eating in. However, | | | | Although it's true that 10% for "service" is almost |
| you're most likely to venture out for a few meals | | | | always included in your check, a waiter who gave you |
| during your trip. Eating at a restaurant in a foreign | | | | special service will always be grateful for an extra tip. |
| country is intimidating, especially when you don't speak | | | | Restaurant servers make little money and an additional |
| the language or understand the cultural nuances. If | | | | 5% to 10% is appreciated. Never leave just a couple |
| you're headed for Costa Rica here are 3 tips that will | | | | of coins, especially the silver ones - at a currency rate |
| help you feel and act like a local. | | | | that hovers around 500 colones to the dollar - it may |
| Tip #1 - The Check Will Never Come Unless You Ask | | | | only add up to a few cents. |
| for It | | | | Tip #3 - Pay with Colones |
| Unlike the western world where the waiter can't wait | | | | The Colon is the currency in Costa Rica. To get the |
| to hustle you out the door and for his next tip, Costa | | | | best rate, exchange your colones for dollars at a local |
| Ricans have a different attitude. This is the land of | | | | bank after you arrive. Local business can give you |
| Pura Vida (living the pure life) where no one rushes | | | | arbitrary exchange rates as there are no regulations. |
| (with the exception of loco taxi drivers) and there's | | | | So, to get the most bang for your buck pay in colones |
| time for everything. Costa Ricans feel you should | | | | whenever you can. That said dollars are accepted all |
| relax, enjoy your meal at leisure and when you're | | | | over Costa Rica. Credit cards are also widely |
| ready you'll ask for the check. So, don't sit at your | | | | accepted except in the small local "sodas," those |
| table and fume because the waiter hasn't brought | | | | hole-in-the-wall places with delicious food nonetheless. |
| your check and you think you're getting poor service. It | | | | So, get out and enjoy the many wonderful restaurants |
| isn't bad service, it's cultural. So lighten up, enjoy the | | | | available throughout Costa Rica. Just remember to ask |
| sunset and have another cocktail or cup of coffee. | | | | for the check when you're ready, leave an extra tip if |
| Bask in the moment - you'll be back to the | | | | you feel it's warranted and pay with local currency |
| hustle-bustle soon enough. | | | | whenever possible. |