Tipping in Colombia is simpler than in the US but more nuanced than in Europe. Getting it right takes about ten minutes of reading and saves you from two common mistakes: tipping excessively (which can feel condescending) and tipping too little (which feels dismissive). Here's the 2026 baseline.
Restaurants
Many restaurants include a 10% propina sugerida (suggested tip) on the bill. It is legally optional, and servers are required to ask whether to include it before adding it. The standard answer is yes — say "sí, gracias."
- Standard tip: 10%, usually already on the bill.
- Good service: Add a bit extra in cash (maybe round up the total).
- Bad service: Declining the 10% is acceptable for genuinely bad service, but rare.
Cafés and Quick-Service
Tipping at cafés is not expected. Leaving small change on the table is a friendly gesture but not obligatory. For exceptional regular service (your favorite barista), an occasional larger tip ($2–3) is appreciated.
Taxis, Uber, Cabify
Tipping is not standard on Colombian rideshare or taxis. Rounding up the fare is a polite gesture. Larger tips are reserved for unusually helpful service — an airport run with heavy bags, a driver who waited through a stop.
Delivery (Rappi, Didi Food)
The app includes a tip option at checkout — typical is $2,000–5,000 COP ($0.50–1.20 USD). Genuinely nice gesture. Couriers depend on tips meaningfully more than drivers.
Hotels and Accommodation
- Bellhops / luggage: $2,000–5,000 COP per bag.
- Housekeeping: $5,000–10,000 COP per day, left at the end of the stay.
- Concierge (big help): $20,000–50,000 COP for significant assistance.
Services in Daily Life
- Barbers / salon: 10% is kind, not expected.
- Massage therapist: 10% is appreciated.
- House cleaner: Not expected as a percentage; paying agreed rate on time is what matters. A holiday bonus is generous.
- Tour guides: $30,000–50,000 COP for a half-day tour is standard, more for full-day.