www.CostaRicaTicas.com

In my experience, people who either undertip or don't tip at all have never had to work a service job where tips are considered part of the whole compensation package. Bartenders, maids, waitresses and beauticians/barbers depend on tips as a large part of their earnings.

I tip $2.00 /day, but then usually also give small gifts etc. at the end of my stay (i.e. perfume, etc.) Also, I invite the room maid at the end of my trip to keep any leftover shampoo, conditioner, booze, candy or whatever. They always seem appreciative. I also give a $2.00 additional propina for extra towels, etc.

Once I tipped Maria (formerly at SL) $10.00. She actually threw her arms around me and wept her thanks.

J-Mack... you're wrong. Tipping is not in fact a North American custom; otherwise words like "propina" wouldn't exist in other languages. In my experience, people who either undertip or don't tip at all have never had to work a service job where tips are considered part of the whole compensation package. Bartenders, maids, waitresses and beauticians/barbers depend on tips as a large part of their earnings.

Like I said, I think tipping is personal preference. I believe in taking care of those who take care of you, I live my life this way.
Cujo

Tipping is pretty much an American thing. I think it make us feel better. The balance of the world does not tip nearly as much as Americans.

Keeping Up With 'Keep the Change'

Not many people remember that the word "tip" is an acronym for "to insure promptness" anymore. Tipping has become standardized. In some places, everyone from the waiter to porters to proprietors figure gratuities as part of wages. In others, it's a different story. Here's some help in paying your own percentage.

Restaurant Tips by Country
Country TIP
Comment
United States 15%-20%
Expected, but usually not included in bill.
France 12%-15%
Usually included in hotel, restaurant bills.
U.K. 10%-12%
Service charge usually in restaurant bill.
Japan 10%-20%
Tip usually included in hotel, restaurant bill; otherwise, tipping not common.
Germany 10%-15%
Service charge usually included in restaurant bill; small additional tip is norm.
Hong Kong 10%-15%
Tipping common for all services.
Indonesia 10%
Usually included in bill; additional tip sometimes added.
Italy 10%
Tips expected for most services.
Malaysia 10%
Tipping usual for porters and room service.
Mexico 10%
Tipping common for most services.
Philippines 10%
Tipping common for most services.
Saudi Arabia 10%
Tips usually included in restaurant or hotel bill; extra 10% sometimes given for special service.

http://www.tipping.org/tips/worldrates.html

Remember it is for superior service not simply for doing their job. Some people are preemptive and tip up front to get superior service but remember that you may have 2-3 people taking care of you so you just pimped the other two.

$75!!! WTF that is beyond NYC tipping. I hope they wipe your ass for that kind of $$$. I have to ask what kind of propina do you give to the chica that sucks on your crank?