You’ve booked your flights, packed your bags, and are ready to dive into the vibrant colors, flavors, and landscapes of Colombia. But there’s one question many travelers still wonder about before they arrive: What’s the tipping culture in Colombia? Should you tip? How much? When? And…who exactly?
At Zebra Fisgona Tours, we love helping travelers navigate these everyday moments with confidence, so here’s a practical guide to tipping in Colombia, based on what we locals actually do.
Is Tipping in Colombia Mandatory?
Let’s start with the basics: Tipping is not mandatory in Colombia, but it is highly appreciated.
That said, there are some unspoken rules and cultural nuances you should know about, because while Colombians don’t always expect tips, we do notice them. Here’s a breakdown by service type:
Tipping in Restaurants and Cafés
At most restaurants and cafés in Colombia, a 10% “service charge” (known as servicio) is the standard tip. Right before bringing your bill, your server will usually ask: “¿Desea incluir el servicio?” (Do you want to include the service charge?).
- If you say yes, 10% will be added automatically to the bill.
- If you say no, it’s understood that you were unhappy with the service, so only decline the tip if something truly went wrong.
Insider Tip: That 10% is usually shared among all staff working that day (kitchen, servers, hosts). If someone gave you exceptional service, feel free to leave an extra cash tip directly for them.ona.com/tours/guatavita-lake-and-salt-cathedral-tour-ultimate-bogota-surroundings-tour/
Tipping Taxi Drivers and Ride-Share Services.
Tipping taxis is not expected in Colombia, but it’s common to round up the fare. For example:
- If the ride costs 9,000 COP, you can hand over a 10,000 COP bill and say “Está bien” (it’s okay to keep the change).
Tipping Tour Guides and Drivers
As a local tour company, this is close to our hearts!
When you go on a tour, whether it’s in a group or private experience, it’s common to tip 10% to 20% of the total price. If your guide made your experience extra special (shared personal stories, helped you with photos, went out of their way for you), they’ll be grateful for the gesture.
For Free Tours:
Many “free walking tours” in Colombia run entirely on tips. In this case, it’s recommended to tip between $10–$15 USD per person, or more if you had an amazing time.
Tipping in Beauty & Wellness Services
Heading to a salon or spa while in Colombia? Here’s what we locals do:
- Hair or Nail Services: Tip around 5,000 to 10,000 COP.
- Massages or Spa Treatments: Tip around 5–10% of the total service cost.
This small gesture goes a long way in these industries.
Quick Tips to Master Tipping in Colombia
✅ Carry small bills: COP 2,000 and 5,000 notes are perfect. Avoid tipping with coins, they’re not well seen and can be misinterpreted.
✅ Local currency is best: Tipping in Colombian pesos is always easiest. USD and Euros are accepted in most places, but avoid other currencies (they’re harder to exchange).
✅ Tipping is up to you: Don’t stress too much. Use your judgment based on the quality of service and your own travel budget.
Final Word: When in Doubt, Ask!
Colombians are warm, friendly, and welcoming. If you’re ever unsure, just ask your guide, host, or fellow traveler. At Zebra Fisgona Tours, we’re always happy to help you navigate the local way of doing things, tipping included.
Planning your trip to Colombia?
Check out our tours in Bogotá and beyond where you’ll experience Bogota in a unique and fun way. Share with locals, experience the culture,create lasting connections, and access insider knowledge to make the most of your trip down to the last coin!
