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Restaurants · Colombia

Do you tip at restaurants in Colombia?

Short answer

10%

10%, and staff must ask before adding it.

Common

Rough Guides gives 10% as standard when it is not already included. What makes Colombia unusual is that the figure is regulated: Law 1935 of 2018 caps the suggested propina at 10% and requires the restaurant to ask whether you want to pay it before printing the final invoice. Most people say yes. You are entitled to decline or change it, even afterwards.

In practice

  • A COP 90,000 dinner → agree to the COP 9,000 propina

Tip calculator

10%
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Cash or card?

Once you have agreed to the propina it goes on the bill and onto the card. Carry cash for taxis, porters and street vendors.

Common questions

Do you tip at restaurants in Colombia?
10%, and staff must ask before adding it. Rough Guides gives 10% as standard when it is not already included. What makes Colombia unusual is that the figure is regulated: Law 1935 of 2018 caps the suggested propina at 10% and requires the restaurant to ask whether you want to pay it before printing the final invoice. Most people say yes. You are entitled to decline or change it, even afterwards.
How much should you tip at restaurants in Colombia?
10%. 10%, and staff must ask before adding it.
Can you tip by card in Colombia?
Once you have agreed to the propina it goes on the bill and onto the card. Carry cash for taxis, porters and street vendors.

← Full tipping guide for Colombia

Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 5 September 2026.

Figures checked against the sources below on 5 September 2026.

Sources