How Does Tipping Work in Colombia?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
A 10% propina is added at restaurants and is voluntary by law, but expected in practice; tip guides and drivers 10–20%.
2What You Need to Know
Colombian law allows you to decline the restaurant service charge (propina), but doing so is considered rude and servers rely on it. Tip tour guides and private drivers 10–20% of the total cost. Taxi drivers are not typically tipped unless they provide extra assistance, though rounding up the fare is appreciated. Hotel porters and housekeeping staff appreciate 2,000–5,000 COP.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1If a restaurant bill includes a 10% propina and service was poor, you can legally ask for it to be removed — but be polite about it.
- 2Always carry small COP bills (1,000–5,000) for tipping porters, parking attendants, and street service workers.
- 3Coffee farm tour guides work hard and earn modest wages — a 10,000–20,000 COP tip per person is genuinely appreciated.
How does this compare?
Tipping rules in nearby and similar countries:
Tip 10–15% at restaurants; also tip taxi drivers, hotel staff, and petrol station attendants.
A 10% service charge (gorjeta) is usually already included on restaurant bills and is optional to pay, but small extras are appreciated.
Tipping 15–20% is expected at restaurants in Canada, as it is a core part of service-industry compensation.
Traveling to Colombia?
You might also need:
More About Colombia
Colombia has excellent urban transit including Bogotá's TransMilenio BRT and Medellín's Metro with cable cars, plus intercity buses and affordable domestic flights.
Updated 2025-06
Colombia has good private hospitals in major cities, but travel insurance is essential as costs for foreigners can be high and quality varies outside urban areas.
Updated 2025-06
Drug laws are strictly enforced despite Colombia's reputation; scopolamine (burundanga) is used in tourist-targeting crimes, and LGBTQ rights are legally protected.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 112 for national emergencies, 123 for police, 125 for ambulance, and 119 for fire services.
Updated 2025-06
Dress is casual in hot coastal cities but layers are essential in Bogotá and highland areas; Colombians dress stylishly and modest attire is required at churches.
Updated 2025-06
The drinking age is 18; aguardiente is the beloved national spirit, beer is widely available, and alcohol is very affordable throughout the country.
Updated 2025-06
💰 See Tipping rules in all countries
Compare all countries →