Tipping parking attendants
 

I have a stupid question. When do you tip parking attendants--when you leave your car or when you pick it up? I'm embarrased to ask, but have no clue.

Both. I always tip them when leaving car so it hopefully comes back in the same condition.

It could depend on where you are as well and how "structured" it is. When we stopped at Grecia, at the park, to go to the market & Church, our driver handed this guy who was just standing nearby some colones when we parked. He just nodded to him when we returned.

Most people tip before - the key is to get them to watch your car for you so no one steals your stuff since car break-ins are pretty common.

So what is the going rate to reimburse one of these "parking attendants" in lots?

I don't know for sure, but i would think 1000 colones would be more than enough.