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The Ultimate Country-by-country Guide to Tipping in Europe

Here's how much to tip in Europe, from hotels and restaurants to taxis and tour guides.

The staycations and trip cancellations from the past two years are giving way to a big travel year, and European countries are top of mind for many. Much has changed within the travel space since the COVID-19 pandemic, and among the questions tourists have now is: How much should I tip?

This uncertainty is nothing new, actually. Most travelers are aware that tipping practices differ between the U.S. and Europe. Rick Steves, author, TV host, and expert on European travel, recently told Travel + Leisure , "People overthink tipping in Europe." Steves' website also begins with similar advice: "Don't stress over tipping."

Still, some guidelines can be helpful. Customs change, and there's even some thought that pandemic-related restaurant and hotel shutdowns have created a need for larger gratuities. On that topic, Steves said, "There's really no rationale for bigger tipping because of COVID, in my experience."

We also contacted several Europe-based travel professionals for their insight. According to Simone Amorico , co-owner and CEO of Access Italy , "At restaurants in Italy, an average of 10% to 15% is appreciated. When it comes to drivers and tour guides, it all depends on the experience. Average is 10%, but many leave more, especially post-pandemic." He added, "At hotels, guests may tip the concierge or guest relations, depending on the services requested, as well as housekeeping, but the figure varies."

Richard Nahem, longtime Paris resident and owner of Eye Prefer Paris Tours , said, "The tip is usually included in the bill, and it's sometimes called the service charge. It's perfectly acceptable not to leave a tip, but it's customary to leave 3% to 5% as a courtesy. Most restaurants and cafes are not equipped to add a tip to your credit card bill, so it's best to have some coins with you. Hand the cash tip to the server, rather than leaving it on the table." Nahem added, "It's also customary to tip the concierge at hotels, and for taxis, a euro or two is fine."

Travelers to Europe often take group tours and want to reward an especially entertaining or accommodating guide. For a two-hour walking tour, for example, a tip of two to five euros per person is appropriate, according to Rick Steves. For a smaller group, the tip should be more, and for a private guide, 10 to 20 euros for the group is fine in most cases, unless extra service is provided. At bars in Europe, tips are not customary, but leaving change or a few euros is always appreciated, if not expected. For takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service, tips are also not customary.

Clearly, even the advice from experts varies when it comes to tipping customs, and in many cases, it comes down to personal judgment. However, all would agree that no matter how many euros a traveler leaves, it's most important to treat servers and hospitality workers with courtesy .

Here are a few guidelines on tipping in Europe.

The service charge (servizio) is usually included and noted on the check. If there's no service charge, a 10% to 15% tip is fine. A cover charge (coperto) may be indicated, but that is generally not for the waitstaff. At hotels, tip around two euros per bag, and for housekeeping, one euro per night is appropriate. For taxis, no tip is necessary, but leaving the change for the driver is customary. Tips for tour guides vary, but consider 10% an average.

In restaurants, a service charge is often included, but if not, 5% to 10% is normal. At hotels, tip one to two euros per bag for porters, and the same per day for housekeeping. Taxi drivers expect about 10%, and about the same for tour guides, but you may wish to add more if your guide provides special service.

Service is generally included on restaurant checks, but if not, 10% to 15% is considered generous. No tip is necessary for taxis, but rounding up or leaving the change is fine. One euro per bag is customary for porters at hotels, and one euro per day for housekeeping is appreciated, but not required. Tour guide tips vary, depending on the type of tour. Start at 10%, but offer more for a private tour.

As in most other countries, add 10% to 15% if a service charge is not indicated on the restaurant check. For taxis, leave the change or round up if paying cash. In hotels, leave about two euros per night for housekeeping, and tip porters approximately one euro per bag. Tour guide gratuities should be about 10% as a starting point.

Switzerland

A service charge is typically included in the check, but it's customary to add about 10%, depending on the service. For taxis, rounding up to a few Swiss francs is fine. At hotels, a few francs for porters, doormen, and housekeeping is normal for services provided. Gratuities for tour guides will vary depending on the type of tour, with 10% as a general base.

Iceland and Scandinavian Countries

Tipping in these countries is different from most of the other European destinations in that gratuities are not expected. Most restaurants include service in the bill; at most, round up or leave change if paying in cash. Hotel employees don't expect tips for services, but you may still provide a small amount for extra help. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, either, nor do tour guides. However, for a guide that offers something special, or for a private or full-day tour, you may want to give 10% or so.

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How much to tip in europe | guide to tipping in europe by country.

A country-by-country guide to tipping and gratuity customs in Europe

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Tipping in Europe is confusing since each country has its unique tipping customs and culture. This guide to tipping in Europe will cover everything travelers need to know about gratuity and tipping in restaurants and bars throughout Europe to ensure you’re not paying too much (or too little) when dining out.

General Advice For Tipping In Europe

Contrary to popular belief, tipping is a thing in Europe but it’s rarely “expected” and the tipping amount is much less than in America. Even in countries where tipping is culturally common, there is very little consensus about what’s a “normal tip” and many Europeans never leave any tips.

Restaurants in Europe often include a “service fee” in the final bill so any additional tip would be for service that went above and beyond.

Remember, waitstaff doesn’t rely on their tips for their wage like they do in the US since they’re paid a living wage and everyone gets benefits like healthcare, paid vacation time, etc.

Don’t Be “Pressured” To Tip (Especially For Americans)

As Americans, we’re expected to tip 18%-22% basically every place we get food or drink (and the percentage seems to be inching up every year).

And we’ve brought this tipping culture with us as we travel to Europe so the waitstaff in many European restaurants see Americans as walking ATMs. Some waiters might even go out of their way to mention that the tip isn’t included in the bill—however, they’d never say this to a local because they’d get laughed at.

Here’s my rule: If I’m asked to tip, then I don’t tip.

So don’t ever feel pressured to tip.

Quick Tips On Tipping

A 10% tip in much of Europe is considered generous at most restaurants so anything more than that is excessive. It’s also very common to simply round up to the nearest whole number—like leaving €30 for a €27 meal or €25 for a €24 bill.

However, the tip percentage typically decreases on large restaurant bills. For example, if your final bill is €200 then you might only tip €10-€15 but if you loved everything then feel free to do the full 10%.

Cash tips are always preferred —even when you pay with a credit card (the restaurant owners sometimes don’t give out tips that are paid via card).

But if you don’t have cash for a tip then you can always tip with your card.

If you want to tip with your card then you have to tell the waiter the amount you want him/her to charge you and they’ll key that amount into their credit card machine. Most restaurants in Europe don’t give you a receipt to sign—you simply get your card charged so you have to tell them the full amount upfront.

For example, if the bill is €23 you would tell the waiter to charge you €25 if you wanted to leave a €2 tip. Sometimes you’ll be handed the credit card machine to input your own tip amount but that’s still not widely done.

Restaurant Tipping Customs In Europe By Country

Each country in Europe has its own tipping culture so keep reading below for country-specific advice.

Tipping In Austria

Assuming there isn’t a service charge already added to your bill, most Austrians tip around 5%-15% with 10% being perfectly acceptable. On cheaper meals, you should just round up to the next euro amount (or just add an extra euro).

For example, a common tip for small bills (less than €100) is around 5-10% with a focus on rounding to the next “flat” amount. It’s standard to tip 10%+ in higher-end restaurants where the service is expected to be better or if you’re dining with a larger group.

Tipping In Belgium

There isn’t a huge tipping culture in Belgium but it’s fairly common to round up to the next even amount when paying the bill with cash. Some people might add 5-10% if they liked the service or throw an extra €1-€2 to the bartender at the end of the night (not per drink).

Tipping In The Czech Republic

Many restaurants in tourist-heavy parts of town will include an 8%-10% service fee to the bill so an extra tip isn’t expected but many people still round up to the next even amount.

If there isn’t a service fee, then a 5%-10% tip is fairly standard if you thought the service was good. It’s also common to simply round up to the next logical whole number—so rounding your 55czk coffee to 60czk or a 275czk lunch would be rounded up to 300czk.

Tipping In England

Many restaurants in England automatically add around a 12%-15% service charge to the bill so tipping isn’t necessary or expected in those cases. Otherwise, a 10% is always appreciated.

Tipping bartenders isn’t expected but it’s common for locals to “buy” their bartender a drink if they’re having multiple rounds. Again, this isn’t a tip for every drink kind of thing.

Tipping In France

Waitstaff in France are paid a living wage so virtually every restaurant in France will include a 15% service fee into the final bill. If you had great service, you can round up to the next full euro amount but it is completely optional.

Don’t be surprised if you’re asked or prompted for a tip at touristy restaurants but there is zero obligation to pay extra since waitstaff only asks tourists for tips.

Tipping In Germany

In Germany, the service charge is included in the final restaurant bill but a 5%-10% tip or rounding up is customary.

Fun fact, tipping is called Trinkgeld in Germany—which translates to “drinking money“. So again, it shows that waitstaff in Germany doesn’t rely on tips as part of their wage… it’s just a nice little extra.

Tipping in Greece

The service fee is built into the price so tipping at restaurants isn’t expected in Greece. But many people still either round up or leave €1-€2 (maybe a little more if it’s a large meal).

Tipping in Hungry

Restaurants in Hungry often include a 10-15% service fee in the final bill so you’re not expected to tip extra. However, it’s customary to either round up or do a max tip of 10%.

Tipping In Ireland

Many restaurants in Ireland add the service fee into the final bill so there is no need to add anything extra. But if you had excellent service then a 10% tip is plenty. You typically don’t tip a bartender unless they’re bringing drinks to your table but a euro or two at the end of the night is appreciated.

Tipping in Italy

Expect to see a service charge of 10%-15% automatically added to your final bill so don’t feel like you need to add anything extra. Rounding up a couple of euros is always appreciated (never more than 10%) but it’s never expected.

Tipping In The Netherlands

Restaurants usually add ~10% to the bill as a service but it’s fairly common to tip 5%-10% for good service. Rounding up the bill in bars is fairly common but again none of this is expected.

Tipping In Poland

There isn’t a big tipping culture in Poland but leaving a little extra for the waiter (in cash) is always appreciated.

Tipping In The Portugal

Some restaurants might automatically add a small service fee but there isn’t a normal “percentage” people typically tip. It’s most common to round up the bill or leave €1-€3 for your meal.

Tipping In Scandinavian Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

Tipping isn’t expected in Scandinavian countries but many locals will round up to the nearest whole banknote if they’re paying cash. Some might tip if they’re very happy with the service but 10% would be considered very generous.

Tipping In Scotland

Many restaurants in Scotland add a 10%-12% service charge so an extra tip isn’t expected. Many locals tip around 10% in a restaurant with table service but by no means is it required—especially if there’s a service fee automatically added.

Tipping In Spain

There isn’t much of a tipping culture in Spain so there is no expectation of a tip. It’s common to round up to the nearest whole Euro (i.e. tip €2 on a €48 bill) or leave €1-€2 in coins but many locals don’t tip anything.

Tipping In Switzerland

Most restaurant bills have a small service charge included but leaving a small tip of 5-10% is fairly common in restaurants.

More Ways To Save Money While Visiting Europe

I’m all about finding ways to save money while traveling around Europe so here are a few articles I’ve written to help you save some cash:

How Much It Costs To Backpack Europe
How Much It Costs To Travel Europe
Estimating Your Daily Costs for European Travel
Using Money In Europe: ATMs, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Exchange Rates
Money Savings Tips for Budget Travel in Europe
How to Eat and Drink on a Budget While Traveling in Europe
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The Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Europe

Leaving a tip in europe is, of course, a whole different ballgame than in the united states. here’s what you need to know about how to show your appreciation for good service in restaurants and hotels across the continent..

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In Europe, knowing when (and where) tipping is customary can be a perennial conundrum for visitors.

Photo by charnsitr/Shutterstock

In Europe , leaving a tip is still considered a bonus for great service, as opposed to an integral part of someone’s livelihood, as it is in the United States. For the most part, people working in Europe’s hospitality industry are either salaried or paid minimum wage (or more) and don’t depend directly on customers’ tips for a large part of their income. That said, tips are certainly widespread and widely appreciated by staff.

While tipping etiquette in restaurants and hotels varies somewhat by country, these are a few simple rules that will serve you well almost anywhere in Europe. Here’s when, and how much, to tip in Europe.

Make sure the tip isn’t already included

In countries around Europe, you’ll often find that a 10 to 15 percent service charge is included in your bill. If this is the case, you’re not expected to pay an additional 10 percent, although you should tip at least a few extra euros on top of the bill.

Always tip in cash

Even if you pay your bill with a credit card, you should always have some smaller bills in the local currency to leave a tip in cash. If you’re out of euros and dollars are your only option, at least give bills, not coins.

Try to hand the tip directly to the person who served you

In restaurants , it’s preferred that you give your tip to the server when you pay the bill instead of leaving it on the table (when possible). In hotels, you should hand cash to porters, concierges, and cleaning staff when they help you, not at the end of your stay. The same goes for local tour guides—give a cash tip at the end of your excursion instead of adding an increase to the overall price that the company charges.

Skip the tip if service is bad

Unlike in the United States, where leaving a small tip for bad service can feel mean, skipping the tip when you’re unhappy is perfectly acceptable in Europe. This is because, again, hotel and restaurant employees make at least minimum wage and are often salaried, so you aren’t causing them undue financial hardship by shorting them a tip.

When in doubt, tip 10 percent

If you’re not sure how much or how little to tip, go with the 10 percent rule. In most places across Europe, a 10 percent tip is considered fair or even generous and won’t offend.

How to tip in European restaurants and bars

At restaurants in Europe, check the menu to see if service is included. If it isn’t, a 5 to 10 percent tip is normal.

Photo by Shutterstock

Round up for drinks

If you’re not eating, and just buying a beverage, a formal 10 percent tip isn’t generally necessary. If the service is good and you’re pleased with what you ordered, rounding up to the nearest euro or adding a euro on top of the bill is pretty standard.

Don’t tip for self-service

Anywhere you go to the counter, the buffet, or serve yourself, no tip is expected.

Leave a couple of euros for informal fare

In fast-casual restaurants where your food or drink is brought to the table, tip a few euros per person in addition to the bill.

Add 5 to 10 percent for formal dining

This applies at restaurants where a service fee is already included in the bill. If there’s no set charge and you’re pleased with the service, add 15 percent to your total for an appropriate tip.

Tipping in hotels

Copenhagen-Hotels-Coco-Hotel_Coco-Hotel-(4).jpg

It’s common to leave a small tip in some circumstances.

Follow the one-euro rule

A good rule of thumb for tipping in Europe is to give at least one euro (or the equivalent in local currency) per service. For example, pay one euro per bag carried up to your room by a bellhop or porter, one euro per day for housekeeping, and one euro per day for breakfast staff. If you’re staying in a five-star hotel, you may want to bump your base rate up to at least two euros, but it’s up to you.

Reward your concierge accordingly

Sometimes these folks are lifesavers, particularly when it comes to wrangling hard to get reservations and tickets. So if a concierge helps you a lot, tip the equivalent of $5, $10, and up—depending on what you feel the service was worth.

Do you tip taxis in Europe?

It is customary to round up to the nearest euro when tipping taxi drivers in Europe.

Photo by Wesley Guijt/Shutterstock

Cab drivers in Europe don’t expect much in the way of a tip, although many will take their time handing back change to encourage one. Perhaps in part because of this (and the hassle of carting around so many coins), most locals will round up to the nearest euro on top of the metered fare for short jaunts. For longer hauls and airport runs, round up to the nearest five to 10 euros. Feel free to add a few extra euros for any exceptional service or heavy bag handling. Just remember: If the service is poor or the driver took the long way round on purpose, you’re well within your rights to skip the tip.

Country-specific rules to consider

Make sure you stick to the one-euro rule in hotels. Whole euros only, please!

Courtesy of Pexels

Beyond the general rules about tipping in Europe, there are also a few destination-specific rules travelers should watch out for.

Read our country-specific tipping guides:

No tips, please: Scandinavia and Iceland

In Denmark, Norway , Sweden , Finland, and Iceland, service charges are typically built into prices and employee wages. Round up to the nearest euro when you pay for services if you’d like, but beyond that, you don’t need to tip anything in restaurants or hotels. It’s not customary or necessary. In fact, in Iceland, no professions are tipped as a matter of course (or at least not in the sense of a separate quantity on top of the agreed-upon price for a service).

Spend more, tip less: Greece

In Greece, it’s typical to leave a larger tip (percentage wise) on a smaller bill, and a smaller tip on a more expensive meal.

Name your total: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic

In these countries, locals don’t wait for change from the bill to leave a tip. Instead, they tell the server the total they’d like to be charged, including the tip, when handing them the money. For example, if the bill is 22 and some change, handing a server 30 euros, and telling them 25 euros ( please ) will mean your server brings you back five euros in change and pockets the difference. Travelers should also note that in Switzerland, all service charges are already included in the listed price by law, so anything more than rounding up slightly is unnecessary.

Pay for your bags with a smile: Ireland and Scotland

At most hotels in Ireland and Scotland, the porter will cart your bag up to your room for you, but won’t take cash or coins. If this is the case, just accept the free luggage transfer with big thanks and a smile.

No cash for housekeeping: England

English friends have told us repeatedly not to tip cleaning staff at hotels —it’s not expected and they’d like to keep it that way. Brits would also like us to stop tipping in pubs, too.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on March 7, 2019, to include current information.

>>Next: How to Order Coffee Correctly in Europe (and Get What You Actually Want)

The Roaming Boomers

Ultimate european tipping guide.

Posted by David Porter on Friday, April 28, 2023 · 4 Comments

Our ultimate European tipping guide is designed to give you tipping etiquette for the major European countries.

While many European countries have similar etiquettes, simply scroll down our list to find your destination countries.

Tipping Guidelines for European Countries

In France, tipping is not mandatory, as a service charge is usually included in the price. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is common to leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.

Here are some tipping guidelines to follow in France:

1. Restaurants: A service charge is often included in the price of the meal, but it is customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave a small amount (5-10%) if the service was exceptional.

2. Cafes and bars: It is not necessary to tip at cafes and bars, but if you do, it is common to round up to the nearest euro.

3. Taxis: It is customary to round up to the nearest euro or add 10% of the fare as a tip.

4. Hairdressers: It is not expected to tip hairdressers in France, but you can round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave a small tip (5-10%) for exceptional service.

5. Hotel staff: It is not necessary to tip hotel staff in France, but you can leave a small amount (1-2 euros) for the maid or the porter if they provide exceptional service.

In England, it is customary to leave a gratuity or tip in certain situations, although it is not mandatory. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in England:

1. Restaurants: It is common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants, especially if you have received good service. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so check before leaving an additional tip.

2. Pubs: It is not necessary to tip in pubs, but you may leave some loose change if you want to show appreciation for good service.

3. Cafes and coffee shops: Tipping is not expected, but you may leave a small amount of change in the tip jar if you wish.

4. Taxis: It is customary to round up the fare or leave a tip of around 10% of the total fare.

5. Hairdressers and beauty salons: It is common to leave a tip of around 10-15% for hairdressers and beauty therapists if you are happy with their service.

6. Hotels: It is customary to tip hotel staff who provide services, such as porters who carry your luggage or room service staff who bring food to your room. A tip of £1-£2 per bag for porters and 10-15% of the total room service bill is appropriate.

In Italy, tipping is not mandatory as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it is customary to leave a small amount of cash as a gesture of appreciation for good service. Here are some tipping guidelines to follow in Italy:

1. Restaurants: If the service charge is not included in the bill, you can leave a tip of 5-10% of the total amount. It is common to round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave small change.

2. Cafes and Bars: Tipping is not expected in cafes and bars, but if you are happy with the service, you can round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave some small change.

3. Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it is common to round up the fare to the nearest euro or leave some small change.

4. Hotels: It is not necessary to tip hotel staff, but you can leave a small amount for the cleaning staff, around 1-2 euros per day, and for the porter or concierge, around 1-2 euros per bag or service rendered.

In Germany, tipping is generally not as common or expected as it is in some other countries. However, it is still appreciated in certain situations. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Germany:

1. Restaurants: In Germany, it is customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave a small tip of around 5-10% if you are very satisfied with the service. Unlike in other countries, the tip is not usually calculated as a percentage of the total bill.

2. Bars: Tipping in bars is not expected, but it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip of around 1-2 euros for good service.

3. Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare or adding a small tip of around 5-10% is appreciated.

4. Hairdressers and beauty salons: It is customary to tip hairdressers and beauty salon staff around 5-10% for good service.

5. Hotel staff: It is common to tip hotel staff who provide extra services such as carrying your luggage or cleaning your room. A tip of 1-2 euros per service is sufficient.

Overall, tipping is considered a gesture of appreciation in Germany rather than an obligation. It is up to your discretion whether to tip or not, but it is always appreciated when you do.

In Spain, tipping is not obligatory, but it is customary to leave a small tip if you have received good service. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Restaurants: Tipping in restaurants is not mandatory, but it is common to leave a small tip of 5-10% of the total bill if you are happy with the service. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, in which case tipping is not necessary.

2. Bars and cafes: It is not common to tip in bars and cafes, but you can leave small change (such as rounding up to the nearest euro) if you wish.

3. Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but it is common to round up the fare to the nearest euro or to add a small amount (such as 5-10% of the total fare) as a tip.

4. Hotels: It is common to tip hotel staff, such as housekeepers, bellhops, and room service staff. A tip of 1-2 euros per day for housekeeping is appropriate, and you can give a small tip (such as 1-2 euros) to bellhops who help with your luggage.

5. Other services: In general, it is not necessary to tip for other services, such as hairdressers, spa treatments, or tour guides. However, if you are pleased with the service, you can leave a small tip (such as 5-10% of the total cost) as a token of appreciation.

It’s important to note that tipping customs may vary depending on the region and the type of establishment, so it’s always a good idea to ask locals or check with the staff to see what is customary.

In Portugal, tipping is generally not expected, but it is appreciated for good service. Here are some tipping guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Restaurants: It is common to leave a tip of 5-10% of the total bill if you are satisfied with the service. However, many restaurants include a service charge of around 10% in the bill, so it is worth checking before leaving an additional tip.

2. Cafés and bars: Tipping is not expected in cafés or bars, but you can leave some loose change as a token of appreciation for good service.

3. Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it is common to round up to the nearest euro as a courtesy.

4. Hotels: Tipping hotel staff is not expected, but it is appreciated for good service. You can leave a few euros for the housekeeping staff, and a small tip for the porter who carries your luggage.

5. Tour guides: If you take a guided tour, it is common to leave a tip of around 10% of the tour cost for the guide.

Remember, tipping is always optional and should be based on the level of service provided.

In Ireland, tipping is generally not expected, but it is appreciated for good service. Here are some tipping guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Restaurants and Bars: In restaurants, it is common to tip 10-15% of the total bill for good service. However, some restaurants include a service charge in the bill, so be sure to check before adding a tip. In bars, it is not expected to tip unless you receive exceptional service or want to buy a round of drinks for your group.

2. Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated.

3. Hairdressers and Beauty Salons: It is common to tip hairdressers and beauty salon staff 10-15% of the total bill.

4. Hotel Staff: It is not necessary to tip hotel staff, but if you receive exceptional service from housekeeping or room service, a small tip of 1-2 euros per day is appreciated.

5. Tour Guides: It is common to tip tour guides 10% of the tour cost if they provide good service.

Overall, tipping in Ireland is a matter of personal preference and should be based on the quality of service received.

Tipping in Austria is generally expected in many service industries, but it is not always mandatory. Here are some tipping guidelines to follow in Austria:

1. Restaurants: Tipping in restaurants is customary in Austria, with the usual amount being between 5-10% of the total bill. If you receive excellent service, you can consider tipping more.

2. Cafés: Tipping in cafés is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. You can round up the bill or leave a small amount of change on the table.

3. Bars: In bars, it is common to round up the bill to the nearest euro or leave a small tip for good service.

4. Taxi drivers: You can round up the fare to the nearest euro or leave a 10% tip if you receive good service.

5. Hairdressers and beauticians: Tipping 5-10% is common in these industries if you are happy with the service.

6. Hotel staff: It is customary to tip hotel staff, such as housekeeping or bellhops, 1-2 euros per day of your stay.

Remember that tipping in Austria is not mandatory, and you should only do so if you are happy with the service you receive.

Tipping is a common practice in Hungary, but the amount can vary depending on the situation. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Hungary:

1. Restaurants: It’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants, depending on the quality of service. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so be sure to check before tipping.

2. Bars: Tipping at bars is not expected, but if you received good service, you can round up the bill to the nearest round figure or leave a small amount as a token of appreciation.

3. Taxis: You can round up the fare to the nearest round figure as a tip. If you received exceptional service, you can add a little extra.

4. Hotels: It’s common to leave a small tip for housekeeping, usually around 200-500 HUF per night. For porters, you can tip around 200-500 HUF per bag.

5. Tour guides: If you take a guided tour, you can tip the guide around 2000-3000 HUF per person, depending on the length of the tour and the quality of the guide.

Remember that tipping is always voluntary and based on your satisfaction with the service provided.

Tipping customs in Greece can vary depending on the type of service and location. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Restaurants: Tipping in Greece is not obligatory, but it is customary to leave a small amount of change, usually 5-10% of the total bill. If the service was exceptional, you may want to leave a bit more.

2. Cafes and bars: It is not common to tip in cafes or bars, but you may leave some small change if you had good service.

3. Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers in Greece is not expected, but rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated.

4. Hotel staff: It is customary to tip hotel staff, such as maids and bellhops, a small amount of money for their services. Typically, 1-2 euros per day for the maid and 1-2 euros per bag for the bellhop is sufficient.

5. Tour guides: If you have a private tour guide, it is customary to tip them around 10% of the total cost of the tour.

Overall, it’s important to note that tipping in Greece is not obligatory, and you should only tip if you feel the service was exceptional.

Netherlands

Tipping in the Netherlands is not mandatory, but it is customary to round up the total amount of your bill or to leave a small amount of change as a gesture of appreciation for good service. Here are some general tipping guidelines to keep in mind when traveling in the Netherlands:

1. Restaurants: It is common to round up the bill to the nearest euro or to add a small tip of around 5-10% for exceptional service. However, keep in mind that many restaurants in the Netherlands include a service charge in the bill, so it is always a good idea to check your bill first.

2. Cafes and Bars: Tipping in cafes and bars is not common, but it is appreciated if you round up the total amount of your bill or leave some small change.

3. Hotels: It is common to leave a small amount of change for the hotel staff who carry your luggage or clean your room, usually around 1-2 euros per bag or per day.

4. Taxi drivers: Rounding up the fare to the nearest euro or adding a small tip of around 5-10% is customary for taxi drivers.

5. Tour guides: Tipping for tour guides is not mandatory, but if you enjoyed the tour, it is a nice gesture to leave a small tip of around 5-10% of the total cost of the tour.

It is important to note that tipping is always at your discretion, and you should not feel obligated to leave a tip if you did not receive good service.

In Norway, tipping is not as customary as it is in some other countries, as service charges are often included in the prices of goods and services. However, it is still polite to leave a small tip for good service. Here are some tipping guidelines for travelers in Norway:

1. Restaurants: A service charge of 12-15% is typically included in the bill, so it is not necessary to tip further. However, it is common to round up to the nearest whole number or add a few extra kroner for exceptional service.

2. Bars: It is not necessary to tip at bars in Norway, as service charges are typically included in the price of drinks.

3. Taxis: It is customary to round up to the nearest whole number when paying for a taxi ride. For example, if the fare is 145 kroner, you could round up to 150 kroner.

4. Hotels: It is not necessary to tip hotel staff in Norway, but you could leave a small amount for the housekeeping staff if you feel that they have done an exceptional job.

5. Tour guides: If you go on a guided tour, it is common to tip the guide between 50-100 kroner per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.

Overall, tipping in Norway is not expected, but it is appreciated for exceptional service.

In Sweden, tipping is not as common as it is in other countries, but it is still appreciated in certain situations. Here are some tipping guidelines for travelers to Sweden:

1. Restaurants: It is not customary to tip in restaurants in Sweden, as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, if you feel that the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip of 5-10% of the total bill.

2. Bars: Tipping at bars is also not common in Sweden. If you do want to tip, rounding up the bill to the nearest whole number is generally enough.

3. Taxis: It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Sweden, but rounding up the fare to the nearest whole number is appreciated.

4. Hotels: It is not necessary to tip hotel staff in Sweden, as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, if you feel that the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip for the housekeeping staff.

5. Tour guides: If you take a guided tour, it is not necessary to tip the guide in Sweden, but if you feel that the guide did an exceptional job, a small tip of 5-10% of the total cost of the tour is appreciated.

Overall, tipping in Sweden is not expected, but it is always appreciated if you feel that the service was exceptional.

In Denmark, tipping is not a common practice as service charges are usually included in the prices of goods and services. However, if you wish to show appreciation for exceptional service, you can follow these general tipping guidelines:

1. Restaurants: It is not necessary to tip in restaurants as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, if you wish to leave a tip for exceptional service, you can round up the bill to the nearest 10 or 20 DKK.

2. Bars: Tipping is not expected in bars, but you can round up the bill to the nearest 10 or 20 DKK if you are satisfied with the service.

3. Hotels: It is not necessary to tip hotel staff, but you can leave a small amount for the housekeeping staff if you wish.

4. Taxi: It is not expected to tip taxi drivers in Denmark, but you can round up the fare to the nearest 10 DKK as a gesture of appreciation.

Overall, tipping in Denmark is not expected, but a small gesture of appreciation for exceptional service is always appreciated.

In Finland, tipping is not as common or expected as it is in some other countries, and service charges are usually included in the price of goods and services. However, it is still appropriate to leave a small tip for good service, particularly in restaurants.

Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Finland:

1. Restaurants: Tipping is not expected, but leaving a small amount (5-10%) for excellent service is appreciated.

2. Taxis: Tipping is not necessary, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common.

3. Hotels: It is not necessary to tip hotel staff, but leaving a small amount (1-2 euros) for the housekeeping staff is appreciated.

4. Tour guides: Tipping is not expected, but if you feel the guide did an excellent job, a small amount (5-10 euros) is appropriate.

Overall, it’s important to remember that tipping in Finland is not as common as in other countries, and it’s not expected. However, if you feel that you’ve received exceptional service, a small tip is always appreciated.

Tipping in Iceland is not expected, but it is appreciated in some cases. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Iceland:

1. Restaurants: Tipping is not expected in Iceland, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (around 10%) is appreciated for good service.

2. Bars: Tipping is not expected in bars, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (around 10%) is appreciated for good service.

3. Tour guides: Tipping tour guides is not expected, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. A tip of 500-1000 ISK (around $4-$8 USD) per person is a good guideline.

4. Taxi drivers: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

5. Hotel staff: Tipping hotel staff is not expected, but leaving a small tip for housekeeping (around 200-500 ISK, or $2-$4 USD per day) is appreciated.

Overall, it’s important to remember that tipping is not expected in Iceland, but it is appreciated for good service. If you receive exceptional service, feel free to leave a small tip to show your appreciation.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, tipping is a common practice, but it’s not mandatory. Service charges are typically included in the bill in restaurants, cafes, and bars, but if you feel the service was exceptional, you may want to leave a tip. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Switzerland:

Restaurants: A service charge of around 10-15% may be included in the bill, but it’s common to round up the total to the nearest franc or leave an additional 5-10% as a tip for good service.
Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest franc is standard practice, but if the driver provided extra assistance with your luggage or was particularly friendly, you may want to add a few extra francs.
Hotels: It’s customary to tip hotel staff who provide a service, such as porters who carry your luggage, housekeeping, or room service. For porters, a tip of 2-5 francs per bag is appropriate, while for housekeeping, leaving 2-5 francs per day is common.
Tour guides: Tipping for tour guides is not expected, but if you feel the guide provided an excellent service, you may want to give them 10-20 francs.

Overall, it’s important to remember that tipping in Switzerland is discretionary, and it’s up to your discretion. If you’re unsure, you can always ask locals or staff for advice.

In Croatia, tipping is a common practice, but it’s not mandatory. Service charges are often included in the bill in restaurants, cafes, and bars, but if you feel the service was exceptional, you may want to leave a tip. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Croatia:

Restaurants: A service charge of 10% may be included in the bill, but it’s common to round up the total to the nearest kuna or leave an additional 5-10% as a tip for good service.
Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest kuna is standard practice, but if the driver provided extra assistance with your luggage or was particularly friendly, you may want to add a few extra kuna.
Hotels: It’s customary to tip hotel staff who provide a service, such as porters who carry your luggage, housekeeping, or room service. For porters, a tip of 5-10 kuna per bag is appropriate, while for housekeeping, leaving 10-20 kuna per day is common.
Tour guides: Tipping for tour guides is not expected, but if you feel the guide provided an excellent service, you may want to give them 10-20 kuna.</

Overall, it’s important to remember that tipping in Croatia is discretionary, and it’s up to your discretion. If you’re unsure, you can always ask locals or staff for advice

We also recommend that you leave the U.S. with maybe $100 converted into the currency of your destination in small bills. That way, you have some pocket money to tip the many people who will get you to your ultimate destination. After that, we recommend that you use the many bank ATMs all over Europe’s major cities to get additional cash if needed.

Have fun. We hope you found this article helpful.

Category: Travel News & Tips · Tags: Travel News

4 Comments on “ Ultimate European Tipping Guide ”

How can I get a copy (pdf) to take with me and keep in my travel folder?

Hi Larry. Go to the top of the page, click print on your browser, and then save it as a PDF.

This is great, thanks. Any thoughts on Switzerland or Croatia?

I just added Switzerland and Croatia. Great to hear from you. 🙂

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Tipping in Europe: A Comprehensive Guide to Tipping Etiquette

June 20, 2023

The Doers Firm

Discover the essential tips for tipping in Europe and navigate the cultural nuances of gratuities. From hotels to transportation and dining, learn the appropriate tipping practices in different countries. Enhance your travel experience by showing appreciation for excellent service.

Introduction

Tipping in Europe is a topic that often perplexes travelers. The customs and expectations regarding gratuities can vary greatly from country to country, leaving visitors unsure of when and how much to tip. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the nuances of tipping in Europe, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to navigate the tipping culture with confidence.

Understanding Tipping in Europe

Tipping as a cultural norm.

Tipping customs in Europe are deeply rooted in local cultures. While it’s important to note that tipping is not obligatory, it is commonly practiced to acknowledge good service and show appreciation.

Factors Influencing Tipping Customs

Several factors can influence the tipping customs in Europe , including the country’s economic conditions, cost of living, and cultural norms. Additionally, the type of service received and the quality of service provided can also play a role in determining the appropriate tip.

Researching Tipping Guidelines

Before embarking on your European journey, it’s crucial to research the tipping guidelines specific to each country you plan to visit. While there are general tipping practices, understanding the nuances of each destination will help you navigate tipping with confidence.

Tipping in Restaurants

European restaurant tipping etiquette.

In European restaurants, tipping practices vary. While some countries include a service charge in the bill, others rely on customers to leave an additional tip. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local customs to ensure you tip appropriately.

How to Calculate the Tip?

When calculating the tip in European restaurants, a general guideline is to leave 5-10% of the total bill as a gratuity. However, it’s always a good idea to check if the service charge has been included in the bill before deciding on the tip amount. You can also use our Tip Calculator for perfect tip calculations.

Handling Service Charges

In certain European countries, a service charge may be automatically added to the bill. This eliminates the need for an additional tip unless you wish to show extra appreciation for exceptional service. It’s advisable to review the bill carefully to avoid double tipping.

Tipping in Hotels

Hotel staff tipping practices.

Tipping hotel staff is customary in Europe, and it’s a way to express gratitude for their services. Hotel staff members, such as porters, doormen, and concierge, often rely on tips as part of their income.

Tipping Concierge and Bell Staff

When receiving assistance from the hotel concierge or bell staff, it is appropriate to offer a tip. This can be done upon arrival or departure, depending on the services provided.

Room Service and Housekeeping Tips

For room service deliveries, it’s customary to tip the staff who bring the food to your room. Additionally, leaving a tip for housekeeping is a way to appreciate the cleanliness and care provided during your stay.

Tipping in Transportation

Tipping taxi drivers.

When taking a taxi in Europe, tipping practices vary. In some countries, it’s customary to round up the fare, while in others, a 10% tip is expected. Observing the local customs will help you determine the appropriate tip for taxi drivers.

Tipping for Ride-Share Services

With the rise of ride-sharing services, such as Uber, tipping etiquette has evolved. While tipping is not always expected or required, it’s a nice gesture to offer a small tip for excellent service or when traveling in larger groups.

Gratuities for Tour Guides and Drivers

When taking guided tours or hiring private drivers in Europe, it’s customary to tip at the end of the service. The tip amount can vary, but it’s generally recommended to tip 10-15% of the total cost.

Tipping in Bars and Cafés

Bar and pub tipping etiquette.

In bars and pubs across Europe, tipping bartenders is customary. It’s common to leave a small tip for each drink ordered or round up the bill to the nearest euro as a gesture of appreciation.

Tipping Bartenders and Servers

When receiving table service in bars or restaurants, it’s customary to leave a tip for the servers. The amount can vary, but a 5-10% tip is generally considered appropriate.

Café and Coffee Shop Tipping

In cafés and coffee shops, tipping is not always expected, especially for counter service. However, if you receive table service or want to show appreciation for exceptional service, leaving a small tip is a thoughtful gesture.

Tipping in Other Service Industries

Spa and salon tipping guidelines.

When visiting spas or salons in Europe, it’s customary to tip the service providers. The recommended tip amount is typically 10-15% of the total cost of the service.

Tipping at Tourist Attractions

While tipping at tourist attractions is not obligatory, it’s a kind gesture to offer a small tip to guides or staff members who provide exceptional service or enhance your experience.

Public Restroom Attendants and Tips

In some European countries, public restrooms have attendants who provide a clean and well-maintained environment. It’s customary to offer a small tip as a token of appreciation for their services.

Tipping FAQs

Is tipping expected in all european countries.

Tipping customs vary across Europe, and while tipping is generally practiced, it may not be expected or customary in some countries. It’s essential to research the tipping etiquette of your specific destination before your trip.

How much should I tip in Europe?

The appropriate tip amount in Europe typically ranges from 5-15% of the total bill or service cost, depending on the country and the quality of service received. Researching the local customs will help you determine the specific tip amount.

Should I tip in cash or use a credit card?

While both cash and credit card tips are generally accepted, it’s advisable to carry cash in smaller denominations for convenience. However, in some establishments, you may have the option to add a tip to your credit card payment.

Are service charges included in the bill?

Service charges may be included in the bill in some European countries. It’s important to review the bill carefully to determine if a service charge has been added before deciding on the tip amount.

What if I receive poor service?

If you receive poor service, it’s not obligatory to leave a tip. However, it’s advisable to address your concerns with the management or staff, as tipping practices may vary depending on the situation.

Do I need to tip in countries where it’s not customary?

In countries where tipping is not customary, such as Finland or Iceland, tipping is not expected. However, if you receive exceptional service or want to show appreciation, a small tip is always appreciated.

Navigating the tipping culture in Europe can initially be challenging, but with a basic understanding of the customs and practices, you can tip confidently while showing appreciation for excellent service. Remember to research the specific tipping guidelines of each country you plan to visit and always consider the quality of service received when determining the appropriate tip amount. By respecting local customs and showing gratitude, you can enhance your travel experience while interacting with the local culture.

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A Traveler’s Guide to Tipping in a Changed World

In the age of tip fatigue, many are bewildered by how much to tip in hotels and restaurants and on guided tours. Customs in foreign countries complicate the picture. Here’s some advice from experts.

A colorful, cartoonish illustration shows three tipping scenes: the first shows a tip jar on a table where there is also a drink, fries and sandwich; the second shows a woman with her glasses pushed back on her head, holding a purse, and the third shows a dish with a restaurant check on it, showing a percentage sign; behind it are some food items, and beyond those are two pyramids and a camel.

By Elaine Glusac

Not long into the pandemic, Americans were eager to tip their front-line-working baristas and servers. But now that tip fatigue has set in — driven by the proliferation of payment tablets that suggest tipping for everything from a sandwich at a grab-and-go counter to an ultrasound — consumers are often bewildered by when and how much to tip.

“This is the hottest topic in etiquette right now,” said Daniel Post Senning, the co-author of “Emily Post Etiquette, The Centennial Edition” and the great-great grandson of the etiquette icon Emily Post . He cites the pressure of inflation, the disruption of the pandemic and the rush back to travel for the unease. “There’s growing anxiety and public discussion around tipping.”

Offering guidance on when and how much to tip when you travel, etiquette experts, academics and travelers weighed in with the following advice.

Make 15 to 20 percent your restaurant baseline

Tipping standards at restaurants vary widely around the world. In the United States, the American Hotel & Lodging Association suggests in its “Gratuity Guide” leaving 15 percent of the total bill or up to 20 percent for extraordinary service.

“The minimum is 15 percent,” said Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert and the founder of the Swann School of Protocol in Carlsbad, Calif. “It can be increased from there based on the level of service received.”

Before the pandemic, tip averages in restaurants nationally had crept up to 18 percent, a standard that fell back to 15 percent more recently as inflation grew, according to Amanda Belarmino, an assistant professor in the hospitality school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “I don’t think consumers want to be stingy, but everybody’s budget is tight and they’re trying to make trade-off decisions,” she said.

Despite expert advice, consumers may not have a choice. In many American cities, tips are increasingly included in the bill and often are well above 15 percent. A recent article making the rounds in New York argues for a 20 to 25 percent standard.

At a trendy cocktail bar in Los Angeles recently, an $18 drink came to $24 after an 18 percent gratuity and an additional fee for employee health care. The bartender mentioned that the establishment includes tips in their tallies because it serves many guests from foreign countries where tipping is not standard.

According to the Independent Restaurant Coalition , service charges benefit all employees, including cooks and dishwashers as well as waiters. “The service charge model ensures that employee compensation is fair, reliable and not reliant on the diners’ experience or bias,” said Erika Polmar, the executive director of the coalition.

Beyond the United States, tip amounts vary, as illustrated in this tipping map. Often, they are less than in the United States and are sometimes included as a service charge (see the section below on tipping abroad).

Don’t be afraid to say no

Some tip requests should be denied, according to experts.

For example, when you’re ordering coffee or a sandwich from a kiosk or counter and are presented with a payment screen including suggested tip amounts, “Push past that awkwardness and push no tip,” Ms. Swann said. “Proprietors are offering a perk to employees and they’re putting it on the backs of consumers to absorb.”

Caving in to social pressure or even a scowl from the employee is, in Ms. Swann’s opinion, “giving in to a level of entitlement that should be nonexistent.”

The growth of credit card payments over cash has made it harder to show a token of appreciation via the tip jar, especially if you’re not carrying cash. If in the past you would pay with cash and leave the coins, Mr. Senning advised rounding up on your credit card and doing the same thing virtually.

Stock up on small bills

Beyond restaurants, travel offers many other opportunities to leave tips for service providers such as cabdrivers, bellhops and valets. Before she takes a trip, Ms. Swann goes to the bank to get cash, especially the $1 and $5 bills that are nearly impossible to withdraw from A.T.M.s.

Most experts agree taxi or rideshare drivers deserve 15 to 20 percent of the fare, depending on the service and the cleanliness of the vehicle. (Ms. Swann once rode in a rideshare car filled with dog hair and made the rare decision not to tip.)

Airport skycaps and the bell people at a hotel should get a few dollars a bag, based on service, and perhaps more if the task is onerous, like handling golf or ski bags. Valet parkers should get $2 to $5 at drop-off and pickup.

And if you only have larger bills, Ms. Swann added, it’s perfectly fine to ask for change back.

Remember the hotel housekeeper

Etiquette experts say hotel guests should leave $2 to $5 a night for the housekeeper each morning. The American Hotel & Lodging Association recommends $1 to $5 a night left daily, preferably in a marked envelope making it clear that it is intended for the housekeeper. In its tipping guide , UNITE HERE, the labor union whose members include hotel workers, suggests a minimum of $5 a day and more for suites.

Not many travelers comply.

Despite having the most physically demanding jobs in hotels with few avenues for advancement, “hotel housekeepers are some of the least-often tipped employees in the service industry,” according to Dr. Belarmino of U.N.L.V. “Unlike servers, who are often paid less than minimum wage that is then made up by tips, hotel housekeepers’ pay is not contingent upon tips. However, it is a courtesy to tip them.”

But in the age of infrequent or optional room cleaning, which has become more common since the pandemic, the guidelines get murkier. “If you stay one night or if you choose to skip housekeeping, I would recommend tipping about $5 at checkout,” Dr. Belarmino said.

If housekeeping is available on demand, most experts recommend tipping each time the room is serviced. And you may want to consider raising the amount.

“If the hotel won’t do daily housekeeping, make sure to tip extra on the days that you do get service and at checkout, because rooms that have gone days without housekeeping are dirtier and harder for housekeepers to clean,” wrote D. Taylor, the international president of UNITE HERE, in an email.

Mind foreign tipping customs

Customs regarding gratuities vary by country. On some trips abroad, guides with the high-end tour company Abercrombie & Kent use orientation sessions to advise guests on when to tip in unexpected places — like bathrooms in Egypt — and provide travelers with small denominations in the local currency to do so.

If you don’t have a guide to instruct you, make learning the culture of tipping abroad part of your trip planning by consulting guidebooks, tourism board websites and online sources like Tripadvisor .

“You have to look at two things: Is it expected and mandatory as it is here in the U.S. for many service jobs? And what is the social safety net like in that place?” said Pauline Frommer, the editorial director of Frommer’s , which publishes travel guidebooks covering 48 countries, including advice on how to tip.

In countries like Mexico, where wages are low, she advised tipping in restaurants as you might at home. In Europe, where waiters are paid better, tipping is less important. On trips to London and Paris last summer, she found bills with service fees included, often listed as “S.C.” for “service charge.”

“If you didn’t know, you might tip on top of that,” she said, recommending that travelers scrutinize their bills and ask if something is unfamiliar.

In Italy, travelers might find a nominal charge called a “coperto” on their bill covering bread and water.

“It comes from the days when you would go to an inn and if you wanted to have a tablecloth and plates, they charged you for it,” said Pam Mercer, the owner of California-based Tuscany Tours , which specializes in small-group travel in Italy and France.

When it comes to restaurant meals in those countries, “There’s not a hard and fast rule,” Ms. Mercer said. Her company advises guests to tip 5 to 10 percent at restaurants and give the tip directly to the waiter.

In cafes and cabs, she rounds up and leaves the change.

“France pays its employees a living wage, unlike the U.S.,” wrote Janice Wang, an American living in France who runs a Facebook group for expatriates there, in an email. “Hence, servers, hairdressers and cabdrivers don’t need tips to live. They appreciate them, but don’t need them. And they never expect a tip.”

Tip your guide

Guide services come in many varieties — from a walking tour leader to a mountaineer who helps you navigate a rock face. Travelers might engage their services for a half-day trip, a two-week tour, and everything in between and beyond.

The global tour company Intrepid Travel states on its website that “tipping is never compulsory, but always appreciated,” while also making the point that tips are a big part of a guide’s income, especially in the United States and Southeast Asia. On a multiday small-group trip in the United States, the company suggests tipping $7 to $10 a day.

The tour company Exit Glacier Guides notes that 10 to 20 percent of the trip cost for its wilderness outings is standard where it operates in Seward, Alaska. The tip for a group walk led by a naturalist beside the Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park that costs $59 a person would therefore be about $6 to $12 a person.

CIE Tours , which offers group trips in Iceland, Ireland, Italy and Britain, recommends tipping tour leaders and bus drivers the equivalent in local currency of roughly $7 to $10 each a day, depending on the location.

But the platform ToursByLocals , where local residents set prices for their own tours, discourages tips.

“The guides are in essence entrepreneurs, rather than employees, and we suggest that the best tip a traveler can leave is to return to the site and leave a thoughtful review, which will help that guide to grow their business,” wrote Paul Melhus, the co-founder and chief executive of ToursByLocals, in an email.

Free tours make it trickier to calculate tips, even though guides work solely for gratuities. Free Tours by Foot , which offers city walking tours around the world, shies away from any guidance on tipping, noting on its website , “You name the price.”

In an email, a representative in the New York office of the company wrote that the range runs “anywhere from just a thank you to $100,” with the average at $10 to $20 a person.

On its website and in email communications, Free Chicago Walking Tours is more transparent, recommending $10 to $20 a person for the guided walks that generally last two hours. Jeff Mikos, who owns the company, estimates guides average about $10 a guest on groups that can be as big as 30, but are usually closer to half of that.

About a quarter of the group “will be genuine and thankful and won’t tip, and the middle-of-the-pack average is slightly under $10 a person,” Mr. Mikos said. “But there’s always one couple with $50.”

Elaine Glusac writes the Frugal Traveler column. Follow her on Instagram: @eglusac .

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Tipping in Europe: The Europe Tipping Guide

Kate H. Knapp

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Tipping in Europe varies by country, but it isn’t obligatory and should be done at your own discretion. This Europe tipping guide will help you figure how much to tip for great service.

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Tipping in Europe

Tipping in Europe isn’t as common as it is in the U.S., and some countries even consider it excessive and unnecessary. In general, though, a good rule of thumb is to err on the side of a modest tip (5 to 10 percent) as people in service already earn a decent wage. Service is included in the final bill in several countries, and is something to factor in before tipping extra. If you are happy with the service, it’s nice to leave €1 to €2 for each person in your party.

How much to tip varies by country, but a show of gratitude is appreciated wherever you may travel. This Europe tipping guide will help you navigate when/where you can leave a little extra for great service.

Europe Tipping Guide

Cafe Server: Tipping isn’t necessary when ordering food from a counter in most countries.

Restaurant Server : There is no obligation to leave a tip, but when doing so try not to exceed 10 percent of the final bill as more than that is considered excessive. It’s also acceptable to round the bill up to the nearest €5 or €10 when tipping in Europe, if that’s easier. Be aware, however, that service may already be included ( service in French, servizio in Italian, servicio in Spanish), so you will want to factor that in before leaving anything extra. Servers may not receive tips when left on a credit card, so always try to tip in cash whenever possible.

Bartender: A tip isn’t expected when ordering drinks, but €1 or €2 for exceptional service is always welcome.

Taxis: For a smooth and courteous ride, a good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest €5 for short trips and €10 for longer drives.

Airport Shuttle: It is not necessary to tip your driver, but feel free to give €1 per bag if they help with your luggage.

Doorman: A simple thank you for great service is sufficient, but feel free to tip €1 or €2 if you’d like.

Bellhop: It is acceptable to tip €1 or €2 per bag, depending on size, but no more than €5.

Housecleaning: It’s considerate to leave a small tip (€2) for a well-maintained room during your stay.

Concierge: It is not common to tip the concierge, but €1 or €2 is appreciated if the service exceeds expectations.

Stylist : It’s thoughtful to tip 10 percent of the final bill if you’re happy with your new hairdo.

Spa Service Provider : Tip up to 10 percent for exceptional service is appreciated.

More from SmarterTravel:

Tipping: The Ultimate Guide to Tipping for Travelers
Does the Hotel Maid Look Through Your Stuff?
Hotel Tipping—Do You or Don’t You?

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Your A to Z guide to tipping etiquette in Europe

Your bags are packed, you’ve exchanged some dollars for euros , and you’re almost ready for your trip to Europe . Before you depart, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tipping etiquette in your destination. Here, we’ve rounded up some information about gratuity practices throughout Europe to help you feel prepared for your tour.

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Learn About Tipping in Europe in 2023 (Country-by-country)

Wondering what is the tipping culture in Europe? Here’s my comprehensive guide on how to tip depending on the country where you plan to visit!

It’s important to know the local customs before visiting Europe, and tipping is one of them. Tipping is customary in Europe, but it’s not always the same as in the United States. If you want to avoid any awkwardness or confusion, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local tipping customs before you travel.

Unlike in countries like the United States, where gratuities are customarily expected for nearly every service rendered, tipping is not as common in Europe. Tipping is rarely demanded of customers in Europe unless they receive extraordinary service. Tipping is either already factored into the price of your meal or service or is left to your discretion, and this varies from country to country.

It’s worth noting that the customary amount of a gratuity varies widely from region to country. Tipping is not standard practice in all countries; for example, in countries like France and Italy , the average tip is just a few euros. It is more normal to leave a larger tip in nations like Germany and Switzerland, particularly in cases of extraordinary service.

Tipping is a balancing act in Europe, so it’s best to arm yourself with knowledge before you travel. The complex world of foreign tipping can be simplified if you familiarize yourself with the local customs of the countries you plan to visit. If you plan on dining out, hiring a taxi, or staying at a European hotel , it’s important to know the local tipping norms and standards.

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Table of Contents

FAQs about tipping in Europe

Are tips common in europe.

Yes, the tipping culture in Europe varies greatly from country to country. In many European countries, such as France and Spain, the gratuity is included in the price of the meal or service, and tipping is not expected. However, in some countries like Italy , it is common to round up the bill to show appreciation for the service provided.

In countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland, tipping is customary in restaurants, pubs, and hotels, typically ranging from 10-15% of the total bill. It’s important to note that while tipping may be appreciated in some circumstances, it is not always necessary or expected.

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to research the tipping customs of the country you visit to ensure you’re showing appreciation appropriately.

Is tipping mandatory in Europe?

In Europe, tipping is not considered mandatory, but it’s still appreciated if you choose to do so. Although most restaurants or cafes include a service charge in their bill, it doesn’t imply that you can’t leave anything extra if you received excellent service, especially in countries like Italy, Spain, or France.

However, in some regions or countries where the minimum wage is lower, tips play a more significant role in the service staff’s livelihoods, so you may want to research or ask locals for advice.

Ultimately, it’s up to you and your satisfaction with the service you receive, but it’s always polite to show your gratitude if you can.

Is tipping considered rude in Europe?

No, tipping is not considered rude in Europe. It is rude to leave unwanted small changes (for example, a few cents). Either leave a proper tip or don’t tip at all.

Why is there no tipping in Europe?

The reason why there is no tipping culture in Europe is deeply rooted in history and tradition. Unlike most of the Western world, Europe has a long history of social welfare systems and strong labor laws that guarantee fair wages and working conditions for those in the hospitality industry. Therefore, service charges and tips are already included in the prices of goods and services, making it unnecessary for customers to tip.

Additionally, many Europeans view tipping as a way of reinforcing class hierarchies and believe it should not be the consumer’s responsibility to supplement the wages of service workers. So, while it is considered polite to round up the bill or leave a small amount of change as a token of appreciation, tipping is not expected or required.

Are tips included in Europe?

Yes, it is important to note that while tipping customs vary throughout Europe, including tips in the total cost of a meal or service is not common practice.

Most European restaurants write in their menu if a service charge is included in the price. If not, it is up to you whether you want to leave tips.

Do you tip taxis in Europe?

Tipping taxis is generally not expected or required in most European countries. However, that being said, if you have received particularly good service or had an extra-heavy load of luggage, it is perfectly acceptable to round up the fare to the nearest euro or two as a gesture of appreciation. It’s always a good idea to carry smaller bills or change on you.

While tipping taxis in Europe is not expected, a small gesture of appreciation for excellent service can never hurt!

Is it better to tip in cash rather than by card?

It doesn’t matter by the end of the day. The tips are calculated and split between workers, whether paid by card or cash.

Tip according to how you want in any way you want!

Should I still tip if a service charge has been added?

It is up to you! You can leave tips if you think the service is exceptional but it is not expected from you.

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Tipping in Europe country by country

Tipping is not anticipated in most instances in Finland because service charges are often included in the prices of goods or services.

However, if you believe your service was exceptional, leaving a little tip of 5-10% of the total is traditional. As a token of appreciation, it is also customary to round up the sum to the nearest euro or two.

Remember that tipping is optional and at your discretion. Because Finnish people value honesty and transparency, if you tip, do so freely and immediately to the service employees.

Tipping is not a big deal in Finnish society, so don’t worry too much about it!

Related reads to help you plan your trip:

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Jetties with sailboats and yachts along Gota Alv River in the harbour of Gothenburg, Sweden

Regarding tipping in Sweden , it’s essential to understand that it’s not as common as in other European countries. While service costs are frequently included in the bill, you may round up to the closest krona or pay a little percentage if you are delighted with the service.

However, it is important to note that tipping is not expected in Sweden, and service personnel are paid a good income that does not rely exclusively on gratuities.

In reality, many residents reserve tipping for very good service and prefer to express gratitude with a simple thank you.

So, if you’re in Sweden and concerned about tipping etiquette, go with your gut instinct, but don’t feel forced to tip just because you’re used to tipping in Europe.

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Tipping roughly 10% for good service when dining in Norway is typical. However, it is important to understand that tipping is optional and entirely at your discretion. Indeed, many establishments already include gratuity in the entire charge.

If you give a tip, it is customary to round up to the nearest ten kroner. For example, if your bill is 479 kroner, you may leave 500 kroner as a tip.

It is also worth mentioning that tipping is not anticipated in other service industries in Norway, such as taxis and hairdressers. If, on the other hand, you are delighted with the service you have received, a tiny gesture of thanks is always welcomed.

Overall, tipping symbolizes appreciation for good service in Norway, although it is neither expected nor needed. You are allowed to tip or not based on your personal experiences and level of satisfaction.

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You should understand some facts about tipping in Denmark. To begin with, tips are not expected in Denmark because they are already built into the cost of the service. However, it is traditional to leave a gratuity of roughly 10% of the bill if the service is exceptional.

Tipping is not typical in Denmark. Thus, any money provided as a tip should be regarded as a sincere expression of gratitude. Furthermore, tipping is always appreciated and should be done in cash rather than added to the bill.

It is unnecessary to leave a tip if the service charge is already included in the bill, as is the situation at many restaurants. A small gratuity is optional but greatly appreciated if the service is extraordinary.

Taxi rides and haircuts are two examples of situations where tipping is neither expected nor needed, although a small amount can be left if the service is exceptional.

In Denmark, the prevailing idea is that tipping should be done out of gratitude for excellent service rather than duty. Remember that cash is always preferred, and tips are never expected.

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Beautiful Gullfoss waterfall at sunset. Iceland

Tipping is not commonly expected or required in Iceland . This is because service charges are often included in purchasing food, lodging, and other services.

However, if you receive great service, a small tip is always welcome to show your thanks. Remember that most Icelandic residents do not tip, but a little gratuity of 5-10% of the amount is appropriate if you feel obligated to.

It is also worth noting that tipping is not traditional in other service industries in Iceland, such as taxis, hairdressers, and tour guides.

While tipping is not expected or required, expressing gratitude and admiration for great service is always nice.

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unesco world heritage sites in europe old town of tallinn estonia

Tipping is a cultural tradition in Estonia that varies based on the service you receive. Tipping is not required in restaurants, however, if you were pleased with the service, a typical tip of 10% of the entire cost is greatly appreciated. If you’re paying in cash, round up to the nearest euro. No further tip is required if the establishment has included a service charge in the bill.

Rounding up to the closest euro is sufficient for taxi drivers. If the driver goes above and beyond, round up to the nearest euro or add a few cents.

It is customary at hotels to tip the housekeeping workers 1-2 euros per night of your stay. A 1-2 euros tip is recommended for concierge, luggage handlers, and room service services.

It should be noted that while tipping is appreciated, it is not obligatory in Estonia. This is because restaurant and hotel employees are often paid decent pay that is not dependent on tips. Finally, it is up to you to decide whether or not to tip based on the service you have got.

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There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to tipping in Latvia. Tipping is not required in Latvia, as in other parts of Europe, but service employees always appreciate it. If you are delighted with the service you received, giving a 10% tip is traditional, though you might leave more if you believe the service was extraordinary.

If you decide to tip, leave cash rather than credit card information, as this is the preferred method in Latvia. It’s also worth mentioning that, in contrast to other European countries, tipping is not expected in bars; instead, customers will frequently round up the cost of their beverages to the nearest euro.

So, if you’re planning a vacation to Latvia and want to show your appreciation for exceptional service, keep these suggestions in mind!

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Tipping is usually appreciated but not required in Lithuania. For extraordinary service, it is usual to round up your amount to the nearest euro or give a 10% tip.

If the service is poor or you do not feel obligated to leave a gratuity, it is completely okay not to. It’s also worth noting that certain restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so double-check before tipping.

Overall, tipping in Lithuania is a personal decision based on the quality of service received.

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Tipping is widespread in the United Kingdom but is not required. It is customarily anticipated in restaurants, cafes, and pubs, with a typical value of 10-15% of the overall bill.

However, you may choose not to tip if you receive poor service. Furthermore, some service costs may already be included in the bill, so double-check before tipping again. It’s worth mentioning that tipping isn’t as prevalent or anticipated in other sectors, such as hairdressing or taxi driving.

So, the next time you dine out, feel free to express your gratitude with a substantial tip but don’t feel forced to do so.

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There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to tipping in Ireland. First and first, it should be noted that it is not necessary in Ireland, but it is always appreciated for excellent service. Tipping in Ireland is typically 10-15% of your bill; however, it is entirely up to you. Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving any spare change for smaller purchases is customary.

Remember that, unlike in certain European nations, the service charge is not usually included in the bill. Furthermore, if you’re in a pub, it’s polite to offer to buy a round of drinks for your table.

It’s also important to understand that tipping isn’t limited to restaurants and bars. A gratuity is always appreciated when you receive outstanding service from a cab driver, hairdresser, or other personal service provider.

Remember that tipping in Ireland is not about obligation but expressing gratitude for exceptional service. Don’t worry about specific percentages; simply tipping more than normal for exceptional service is frequently enough to express your appreciation.

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Netherlands

When tipping in the Netherlands, grasping the cultural norms is crucial. Unlike in some other nations, tipping is not required, although it is welcomed as a method of expressing gratitude for excellent service.

In most circumstances, consumers in the Netherlands will only tip if the service they received is excellent. A gratuity is not necessarily anticipated or required if your visit to a restaurant or other place was merely pleasant. However, if your server goes above and beyond to make your experience memorable, leaving a small gratuity is a fantastic way to express gratitude.

In the Netherlands, the standard gratuity is between 5 and 10% of the total bill. However, remember that certain places may include a service charge in the bill, so double-check before giving an additional tip.

It is also vital to understand that tipping is not always anticipated. Tipping taxi drivers or fast food restaurant personnel, for example, is not customary. Many Dutch people will only tip when a personal relationship has been built, such as at a regular coffee shop where the barista knows your name and order.

Finally, while tipping is not required in the Netherlands, it is usually appreciated as a way of appreciating exceptional service. So, if you receive outstanding service, why not offer a tiny gratuity to express your gratitude? Just remember to express your gratitude with warmth and honesty.

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Tipping is regarded as a voluntary and personal show of gratitude for great service in Germany rather than an obligation or expectation. While not required, giving a little gratuity as a mark of appreciation for services rendered, such as in restaurants, hotels, and taxis, is common practice. Unlike in other countries where tipping is required and included in the cost of services, tipping in Germany is more of a discretionary act left to the patron’s choice.

Typically, the final bill amount is rounded up to the closest euro, or a small portion of the overall charge is left, usually between 5-10%, depending on the level of service offered. However, if the service was inadequate or fell short of your expectations, leaving no gratuity is completely appropriate. It is vital to emphasize that cash tipping is favored over electronic tipping because it is frequently not correctly tallied and does not immediately reach the service provider.

Furthermore, it is crucial to remember that tipping culture varies based on region in Germany. Tipping is more popular in some areas, such as the South, and is considered a social standard, but it is less common in others, such as the North. Furthermore, tipping is not confined to restaurants and hotels in Germany; it is also typical to tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, and other service workers.

To summarize, while tipping is not required in Germany, it is considered a kind gesture of appreciation for exceptional service. When tipping, it is best to round up the total bill or leave a modest proportion, between 5-10%. Remember that tipping is voluntary, and it is okay not to leave a gratuity if the service is below your expectations.

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Regarding tipping in Poland, remember that while it is appreciated, it is not required. If you had a positive experience at a restaurant or with a service provider, leaving a 10-15% gratuity is a thoughtful way to express gratitude. If you’re unsure how much to tip, round up your bill to the nearest whole number.

It’s also worth remembering that some establishments may not accept tips, including pubs or cafes. However, leaving a tip is still a nice way to express gratitude.

Remember that leaving a tip in cash is preferable because most restaurants or service providers cannot add a tip to a credit card payment. Make sure you have some coins or notes on hand!

Overall, tipping is seen as a polite gesture to reward good service in Poland, although it is neither expected nor needed. So, feel free to tip, but don’t worry if it’s not in your budget or if you don’t think it’s essential.

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When visiting Belgium, it is critical to understand the practices of tipping. Tipping is not generally anticipated because the bill frequently includes the service charge. However, rounding up the amount or leaving a small percentage (5-10%) for great service is always appreciated.

It is customary to tip more generously when dining at a high-end restaurant or staying in a luxury hotel. A small tip is always appreciated if you receive exceptional service from a bartender or hairdresser.

It is important to remember that, unlike in many other countries, tipping is not considered a requirement or responsibility in Belgium. It is entirely up to you and is determined by the amount of service you receive. By learning this etiquette and correctly tipping, you can make a good impression on people and have a pleasant trip.

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It is usual to leave a gratuity when dining out in France, also known as “le pourboire” in French. Tipping is unusual in France compared to other nations because it is not anticipated or included in the bill. However, giving a little gratuity is a nice way to express gratitude for good service.

The tip size varies depending on the type of service you receive, but it is usually between five and ten percent of the total price. If you had outstanding service, consider leaving a higher tip. It is vital to note that leaving a gratuity at fast food restaurants or for takeaway orders is uncommon.

It is customary to leave cash on the table as a tip rather than adding it to your credit card payment. Furthermore, requesting a change from the tip you left is considered disrespectful.

Overall, tipping is a method to express gratitude for good service in France, although it is not required. So, if you enjoy the service, leaving a good tip is always a kind gesture.

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A view of picturesque Teresitas Beach in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

When visiting Spain, it’s important to grasp the standards and practices of tipping. The good news is that tipping is not as mandatory or anticipated as in other nations such as the United States. However, leaving a little more for great service is still considered courteous.

In restaurants, leaving a modest change or up to 10% of the cost is usual as a tip. If the service was great, feel free to leave a little more. Remember that some restaurants will add a service charge to the bill, so it’s always advisable to double-check before tipping.

In bars, it’s not required to tip for drinks unless you want to leave a tiny amount of change. Bartenders are often not anticipating a tip unless the service goes above and beyond.

Tipping is not expected but appreciated for other services, such as cabs or hairdressers. It’s typical to round up to the nearest euro or leave a modest amount of change. If the service was amazing, feel free to leave a little extra.

Overall, tipping in Spain is a basic and uncomplicated process. It’s not as necessary as in other countries, but a little extra for good service is always appreciated. Always double-check if a service charge has already been included in the bill before giving a tip.

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Fishing boats on turquoise sea water at Ponta da Piedade, Algarve region, Portugal

Regarding tipping, it’s important to remember that it’s not as common in Portugal as in other parts of Europe or the United States.

However, a tiny gratuity is always appreciated if you receive great service. Tipping is customarily between 5 and 10% of the entire bill; however, there is no duty to tip in Portugal. You should also be aware that some restaurants charge a service charge on top of the bill, which implies that the service charge can be considered a tip in and of itself.

You can also tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, or other service providers, but it is not required. Portugal is famed for its exceptional hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, so don’t feel obligated to tip if it conflicts with your values.

Above all, remember always to be respectful and kind to the locals, who will appreciate your thoughtful gestures even if you do not give a tip.

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Famous iconic image of Charles bridge, Prague, Czech Republic. Concept of world travel, sightseeing and tourism.

When receiving a bill for a meal or a service in Czechia, it is traditional to round up to the next whole number. The tip amount, however, can vary based on the kind of service you received. A 10% tip is considered ordinary, whereas a 15% tip is considered great service.

Tipping in cash is always preferable because it is more readily recognized; however, tipping with a credit card is becoming more frequent. When paying with a credit card at a restaurant, do not include the tip in the total amount. It is advisable to pay for everything first and then provide the tip.

It is worth mentioning that some establishments, particularly high-end restaurants, may include a service charge in the bill, making tipping unnecessary. It is entirely up to you when using taxi services, however, rounding up to the nearest full number is a usual practice.

When visiting Czechia, hefty tipping is always appreciated and can go a long way toward expressing your appreciation for great service.

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Painted facades and Clock Tower in the old town of Graz Austria

When visiting Austria, it’s crucial to understand the customs of tipping. It is usual to include a little extra money to express your thanks for good service, although it is not required. In most circumstances, a 5-10% tip is appropriate, although don’t feel obligated to adhere to this precisely. It’s more about expressing appreciation for excellent service.

One thing to keep in mind is that taxes and service costs are usually included in the price, so you don’t need to contribute anything additional. You can round up the bill to the closest Euro or add a little tip in restaurants.

Other services, such as taxi trips or haircuts, are commonly rounded up to the nearest Euro. For instance, if your cab fare is 7.50 euros, you can round it up to 8 euros.

To summarize, tipping is not required in Austria, but showing appreciation for outstanding service is always appreciated. Remember that taxes and service costs are typically included in the price, although rounding up to the closest Euro is considered polite.

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When visiting Italy and eating at a restaurant, it’s critical to grasp tipping etiquette. First, it is important to know that tipping is neither mandated nor expected in Italy. This is because service charges are frequently already included in the bill. However, offering a little tip as a sign of thanks is traditional if you receive great service.

If you tip, do so discreetly and in cash rather than adding it to the bill. A reasonable rule of thumb is to leave 5-10% of the bill or round up to the closest Euro. However, you are not obligated to tip if the service is poor or unsatisfactory.

It’s also worth mentioning that at some bars, particularly in tourist areas, a “sitting fee” or “service charge” may be added to your bill. You do not need to give anything additional on top of this price because it is not a tip.

Remember that tipping conventions differ from country to region, so ask locals or your server for help if you’re unclear. Overall, tipping is a gesture of appreciation rather than a requirement in Italy. So, relax and enjoy your lunch without worrying about giving the ideal tip!

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When visiting Slovakia, it’s important to understand the traditional tipping habits. Tipping is not compulsory in Slovakia; however, it is appreciated if you receive good service. The amount you leave on the tip is often determined by the service received and your level of satisfaction with it.

For example, leaving a tip of approximately 10% of the whole amount is traditional if you dine at a restaurant. However, if you were particularly pleased with the service, you may choose to leave a tip of 15-20%.

When it comes to taxis, rounding up to the closest euro suffices. If you stay in a hotel, you must offer the housekeeping staff a tip of between €1-€2 each day. Similarly, if you are staying at a hotel and someone assists you with your luggage, it is customary to tip €1-€2 per bag.

Remember that tipping is always voluntary, and it’s ultimately up to you whether or not to leave a tip. However, expressing gratitude for good service is always a respectable gesture, and it can go a long way toward creating great relationships with individuals you meet while traveling.

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What are my favorite travel must-haves?

As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!

Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.

Chain Bridge on Danube river Budapest Hungary

You should know a few things about tipping in Hungary to avoid any social faux pas. To begin with, tipping is widely expected in most service businesses, including restaurants, bars, and cafes. However, the amount you should tip depends on the situation.

In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill is traditional. If the service is extraordinary, you can go up to 20% or even higher. However, offering a reduced or no tip is OK if the service is terrible. Some restaurants may add a service charge to the bill, so double-check before giving an additional gratuity.

Tipping is less frequent but still valued at pubs and cafes. You can leave a modest change or round up to the nearest entire number. You may want to leave a larger tip in more affluent establishments, especially if the service is exceptional.

When paying with cash, it’s best to tip the waitress rather than leave it on the table. Whether you’re paying with a credit card, ask the server whether there’s a tip option before entering the whole amount.

Remember that while tipping is customary, it is not required in Hungary. However, expressing your gratitude for good service is still a wonderful gift. By following these tips, you’ll be able to navigate Hungary’s tipping culture with ease.

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Scenic island of Vis waterfront, Dalmatia, Croatia

Regarding tipping in Croatia, leaving a small gratuity for good service is typically accepted. The typical sum is 10% of the overall price, but this can vary based on the kind of service you received.

It’s important to note that tipping isn’t required in Croatia, and the decision to leave a tip is ultimately up to you. If you decide to tip, it’s advisable to do it in cash rather than with a credit card, as this allows the server to keep track of their earnings more easily.

Remember that some restaurants in tourist locations may include a service charge in the bill, in which case tipping is not anticipated. This should be indicated on the menu or the bill, so double-check before giving a tip.

Overall, tipping in Croatia is a rather simple practice. You can thank the diligent servers who delight your dining experience by tipping roughly 10% and paying in cash.

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Tipping is commonly anticipated in restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Moldova. Leaving a 10% tip on the whole amount is customary when dining out. Cash-tipping is always appreciated, as many establishments cannot add a gratuity to the bill.

Tipping is also customary for services like hair salons, spas, and taxi trips. A small tip of 10-15% is appropriate for these services.

It is crucial to note that tipping is unnecessary in Moldova, but expressing gratitude for exceptional service is much valued. However, it is acceptable not to give a tip if you receive terrible treatment.

It is also worth noting that at smaller cafes or bakeries, many Moldovans do not tip, instead leaving the full bill as payment.

Overall, it is best to assess the circumstances in Moldova and exercise caution. If you receive excellent service, consider leaving a higher tip to express your appreciation. Always tip in cash to ensure that the recipient receives the full amount.

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It’s critical to understand local customs and traditions when tipping in Romania. Tipping is generally appreciated but not required in Romania. Leaving a 10-15% gratuity is customary if the service is excellent. However, some restaurants may charge a service fee, so double-check before adding a gratuity.

Aside from restaurants, it is usual to tip hotel employees and taxi drivers. A small tip of 5-10 lei per day is customary for hotel personnel, while bellhops can take 5-10 lei per bag. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10% of the total fare, rounded up to the nearest whole lei.

Tipping is not expected in other service businesses such as hair salons, spas, or grocery stores. However, a tiny gratuity is always a lovely gift to convey gratitude if you receive outstanding service.

Overall, tipping is a method to express gratitude for good service in Romania, although it is not required. When in doubt, asking locals or staff for tipping advice is always courteous.

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Tipping is a prevalent habit in Serbia and a symbol of appreciation for good service. You should tip 10-15% of the total cost in a restaurant, depending on the service quality. However, it is crucial to note that tipping is optional and at your discretion.

The fare is usually rounded up to the nearest whole number when taking a cab. For example, if your ride costs 420 dinars, you can round it up to 500 dinars and tip the driver the difference. It’s a modest gesture that goes a long way toward expressing appreciation for safe and comfortable travel.

The hospitality business is another place where tipping is respected. Hotel and resort porters are usually available to assist you with your luggage, and it is customary to tip them roughly 100 dinars for each bag. The housekeeping crew appreciates a daily tip of roughly 200 dinars.

Tipping in Serbia means recognizing good service and expressing gratitude to those who go above and beyond during your visit. It is a personal choice but a little meaningful gesture that can brighten someone’s day.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Regarding tipping in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it’s vital to remember that the culture surrounding the practice is still growing. Tipping is not usually expected or necessary, but it is certainly appreciated if you believe you have received exceptional service. It is customary in restaurants to leave a modest change, usually approximately 10% of the bill. However, rounding up to the nearest full number is sufficient in cafes and bars. In the case of taxis, round up to the nearest full number or add a tiny amount for great service.

It’s worth mentioning that tipping isn’t as common in Bosnia and Herzegovina as it is in other countries, so don’t feel obligated to leave hefty amounts unless you believe they are merited. If you leave a tip, it is advisable to do so in cash rather than adding it to a credit card payment, as many establishments may not have the technology to process it.

Overall, the ideal approach to tipping in Bosnia and Herzegovina is to tip only when you believe it is acceptable. You will create a favorable impression on the locals and enjoy your travels in this lovely country if you are kind and respectful.

Are you planning to visit Bosnia? Check out these posts!

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Tipping is not required in Bulgaria; however, it is greatly valued, particularly in the service industry. As a sign of gratitude for good service, it is common to leave a small sum of money, usually approximately 10% of the total cost.

While tipping is customary in restaurants, it is not expected at cafes or pubs. However, if you receive outstanding service, it is always a kind gesture to express your gratitude with a tiny tip.

Tipping hairdressers, taxi drivers, and hotel employees are also traditional in Bulgaria. Hairdressers often receive a tip of 5-10% of the total price, whereas taxi drivers are expected to round up the fare to the next whole number.

When tipping hotel workers, it is customary to leave a small sum for the cleaning crew, typically between 2-3 euros each night of stay. You can tip the bellhop between 1-2 euros per bag.

It is important to know that tipping is not expected in Bulgaria, but it is a pleasant way to express your appreciation for exceptional service. Carry some little coins or notes to leave as tips when appropriate.

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North Macedonia

Regarding tipping in North Macedonia, it is essential to understand the local customs and culture. Tipping is widely accepted throughout the country, particularly in the service industry. Tipping is typically 10% of the bill, but this can vary based on the kind of service you receive.

After dinner, leaving a small sum of money on the table is customary. Patrons are supposed to make this gesture to express appreciation for the service. Remember that many restaurants include a service charge in the final bill, so double-check before leaving an additional tip.

Tipping is also typical for other service providers, such as taxi drivers and hairdressers. A few additional denars added to the overall bill would be welcomed and is a nice way to express your appreciation for their efforts.

While not mandatory, tipping is a prevalent practice in North Macedonia and is considered a means to express gratitude for good service. You may assist in developing strong relationships with people who supply you with crucial services during your stay in the nation by expressing your gratitude.

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Tipping is unnecessary in Greece, although it is always appreciated if you believe you have received attention and quality service. In most circumstances, it is customary to tip roughly 10% of the bill. It’s worth mentioning that some restaurants may add a service charge to the bill, so double-check before tipping extra.

Outside of restaurants, tipping is also customary in Greece. For example, leaving a little tip for the housekeeping staff is a traditional way to express your gratitude if you’re staying at a hotel. Similarly, if you’re taking a cab, rounding up your fare is a courteous gesture that the driver will appreciate.

It’s important to remember that in Greece, tipping is typically seen as a way to recognize great service rather than a duty. Remember to tip more if you believe the service is exceptional. Tipping etiquette varies per culture, so it’s always best to study beforehand and prepare yourself accordingly. Remember that tipping is always in style, and tipping in Greece helps to reward positive behavior and good serving standards.

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Tipping is commonly accepted and anticipated in service industries such as restaurants, cafés, and hotels in Kosovo. A typical tip is 10% of the total amount, but some clients will round up to the closest euro or leave a little additional charge. If the service was outstanding, consider tipping more generously. Remember that some establishments may add a service charge to the bill, so double-check before leaving a tip.

It’s also worth noting that tipping is less popular in other businesses like taxis and hair salons. However, a tiny gratuity is always appreciated if you have excellent service. It’s also worth noting that tipping is not usual in tiny convenience stores or supermarkets in Kosovo.

Tipping in Kosovo is a means to express gratitude for good service and is common in the country’s service industry. When in doubt, take the advice of the locals and always assess the level of service received before deciding on a tip amount.

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top tourist attractions in kotor montenegro perast

When it comes to tipping in Montenegro, keep in mind that it is not always expected or required. While it is becoming more frequent, tipping is not a part of the culture or tradition of the country. As a result, you will not be criticized if you do not tip your server or taxi driver.

If you do choose to tip, the standard amount is 10% of the total bill in a restaurant or for a service. You can also visit the nearest Euro for modest purchases like coffee or pastries.

One thing to remember is that many Montenegrin businesses automatically include a service charge in their bills. This implies that you would not be required to offer an additional tip unless you had extraordinary treatment.

Overall, tipping is optional and not mandatory in Montenegro. If you do want to tip, it is appreciated but not expected. Remember to leave a tiny bit of additional cash to demonstrate appreciation for great service when in doubt.

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Plan your trip to Europe: Monthly breakdown

Europe in January
Europe in February
Europe in March
Europe in April
Europe in May
Europe in June
Europe in July
Europe in August
Europe in September
Europe in October
Europe in November
Europe in December

Plan your trip to Europe by season

Winter in Europe: Top 21 Winter Destinations in Europe
Spring in Europe: Top 15 Spring Destinations in Europe
Summer in Europe: Top 14 Best Summer Destinations in Europe
Autumn in Europe: Top 15 Fall Destinations in Europe

Europe by Experience

Northern Lights Holiday: Top 10 Destinations to Spot Aurora Borealis
Where to See the Midnight Sun: Top 8 Places Where the Sun Never Sets
25 Beautiful Castles in Europe That Would Inspire Your Wanderlust
30 BEST Fairytale like Towns in Europe (That Will Tickle Your Wanderlust)
Top 20 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit for Budget Travelers
Top 10 BEST Destinations for New Year’s Eve in Europe
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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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Matador Original Series

The Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Every European Country

T ipping in Europe is nothing like tipping in the US. While it may be hard for regular American tippers to leave a table or bar without tacking on an additional 15 to 20 percent for the waitstaff, restaurants and hotels generally already include a 10 to 15 percent service fee in Europe.

Most countries in Europe pay the staff minimum wage at the least. Don’t feel guilted into tipping on bad service, and don’t tip if the place is self-service. However, different countries have different customs when it comes to restaurants, bars, taxis, and hotels. This tipping guide to every country in the European Union will help you out wherever you are.

Quick tip: Tip in cash, and give the tip directly to the person you intend it for. Well, you should probably do this everywhere in the whole world.

Restaurants and bars: A standard service charge is usually listed on the bill, so check for that first and leave 10 to 15 percent. Round up and leave the change when paying cash.

Taxis: 10 percent

Hotels: one euro per bag for porters

Restaurants and bars: Service charge included in your bill, no need to tip.

Taxis: Not required, but you can round up to the nearest euro and let the driver keep the change.

Hotels: Service charge included in your bill, no need to tip.

Restaurants and bars: Tip 10 percent or less in restaurants and a couple Bulgarian levs per order of drinks.

Taxis: Round up and let the driver keep the change.

Hotels: Tip porters one to two Bulgarian levs per bag and leave the same for housekeeping.

Restaurants and bars: Service charge usually included in your bill at restaurants, so no need to tip. If the service is good, tip up to 10 percent. In bars, rounding up and letting the bartender keep the change is sufficient.

Taxis: Service charge included in your bill, no need to tip.

Hotels: Tip porters up to 10 Croatian kunas per bag.

Restaurants and bars: Service is usually included, but it’s customary to round up or leave 10 percent for exceptional service. Don’t tip at bars.

Taxis: Round up and leave change as a tip.

Hotels: Tip porters €1 to €2 per bag, and leave the same for housekeeping.

Czech Republic

Restaurants and bars: Leave a 10 to 15 percent tip at restaurants. Round up after a round of drinks at the bar, and let the bartender keep the change.

Hotels: Tip around 40 Czech korunas per bag the porter carries for you.

Restaurants and bars: Restaurants include service charge, so no need to tip. It’s fine to tip up to 10 percent at nicer restaurants for exceptional service. Round up and leave the change as a tip at bars.

Hotels: Porters receive around five Kroners per bag they carry for you.

Restaurants and bars: Not required and a tip usually isn’t included on the bill. For nicer places and good service, leave five to 10 percent. No need to tip in bars or self-service places.

Taxis: Tip up to 10 percent.

Hotels: Tip €1 per bag the porter carries.

Restaurants and bars: Service is included in restaurant bills, but it’s not unheard of to tip five to 10 percent for good service at restaurants. Round up and leave change for bartenders.

Taxis: No need to tip.

Hotels: No need to tip.

Restaurants and bars: Round up for smaller meals at restaurants, and five to 10 percent at nicer restaurants (check for a service charge that’s normally included on the bill). Tip €1 to €5 per round of drinks at the bar, depending on the drink ordered and how many drinks ordered.

Taxis: Tip 10 percent.

Hotels: Tip room service and porters €1 to €2, and leave the same for housekeeping.

Restaurants and bars: Service charge included in restaurant bills, but an additional five to 10 percent is normally added (just keep things to the nearest euro). Rather than bringing back change, the wait staff will tell you your total and you tell them how much you want to pay including tip. They’ll bring back the correct change based on how much you stated as your total.

Taxis: Typical to tip five to 10 percent.

Hotels: Porters get around €1 a bag and leave €1 to €2 for housekeeping.

Restaurants and bars: Service included in your bill and is often listed on the menu, but leave the change as an additional tip when paying with cash. The included service charge can be higher during the holiday season.

Taxis: No tip necessary.

Hotels: Tip porters €1 per bag.

Restaurants and bars: Tip 10 to 15 percent of the bill at both restaurants and bars.

Taxis: Tip around 10 percent on the price of the ride.

Hotels: Tip around 500 Hungarian forints if a porter carries your bag.

Restaurants and bars: Service charge is generally listed on restaurant bills, but add on 10 to 15 percent if not. Tip €1 to €2 if you order more than a single drink at bars.

Taxis: Round up and leave the change as a tip, or up to 10 percent if the driver provided extra service.

Hotels: Tip porters €1 a bag they carry for you and leave €2 a night for housekeeping.

Restaurants and bars: Service charge included at restaurants and bars. If not, leave 10 to 15 percent tip. Round up and leave the change as a tip at bars.

Hotels: Tip porters and doormen a couple euros per bag, and leave €1 for housekeeping a night.

Restaurants and bars: Service is usually included in the bill. If not, tip around 10 percent. Tip the same at bars for table service but not if you ordered a drink at the bar.

Taxis: Not obligatory, but can add up to 10 percent.

Hotels: Tip €1 euro per bag the porter carries for you.

Restaurants and bars: Tip up to 10 percent at nicer restaurants. Don’t tip at bars.

Hotels: No tip necessary, but fine to give a small amount to porters if they’re especially helpful.

Restaurants and bars: Service charge included on the bill. Add up to an additional 10 percent for good service. Round up and leave the change as a tip at bars.

Restaurants and bars: Service usually included on the bill. If not, tip five to 10 percent. Don’t tip at bars unless it’s table service, in which case tip five percent.

Hotels: Tip porters and housekeepers €2 to €3.

Netherlands

Restaurants and bars: Service charge included in the meal, but you can leave up to 10 percent if you were especially pleased. Round up to the nearest euro at bars.

Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro and leave the change as a tip.

Hotels: Tip porters €1 to €2 per bag.

Restaurants and bars: Tip around 10 to 15 percent at restaurants.

Hotels: No tip necessary.

Restaurants and bars: Service is generally included in the bill at restaurants, but add 10 percent if not. At bars, leave €1 or €2 for good service.

Taxis: Round to the nearest €5.

Hotels: Tip €1 to €2 per bag the porter carries.

Restaurants and bars: Tip 5]five to 15 percent at restaurants depending on the service, and five to 15 percent at bars depending on the quality of the bar and drinks.

Hotels: Tip two to four Romanian leu for porters and housekeepers.

Restaurants and bars: Leave 10 to 15 percent tip at restaurants and bars if it’s not already included on the bill.

Hotels: Tip €1 euro to porters and housekeeping.

Restaurants and bars: A service charge is generally included in the bill, but leave 10 to 15 percent tip if not. Don’t tip at bars.

Hotels: Tip porters and housekeeping €1.

Restaurants and bars: Tip five to 10 percent at restaurants and round up. Leave the change as a tip after a round at bars for drinks and tapas.

Taxis: Tip 10 percent of the total fare. Rides from the airport may automatically include the tip as a fee.

Hotels: Tip porters, room service, and doormen around €1.

Restaurants and bars: Service charge included in the bill at restaurants, so no need to tip. Can leave up to 10 percent if service was exceptional. At bars, round up and leave the change as a tip.

Taxis: Round up and leave the change as a tip.

Hotels: No tip required.

Switzerland

Restaurants and bars: No need to tip, all service charges are included.

Taxis: Add up to five percent.

Hotels: Add one to two Swiss francs per bag a porter carries for you.

United Kingdom

Restaurants and bars: Don’t tip when you order your food at the counter. Service charge is automatically added at some sit-down restaurants, but leave 10 to 15 percent if not. Don’t tip at bars.

Taxis: Round up to the nearest pound and leave the change.

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Tipping etiquette in Europe

There are big differences in tipping etiquette between European countries. Tipping in Italy is different than it is Belgium , Czech Republic and so on.

The list below contains tipping guides for (at the moment) 48 European countries and is based on over 120 sources, including TripAdvisor forums, Business Insider, Conde Nast Traveler and the websites of the official tourism boards. If you do feel something is off for a certain country, let me know and I'll make a note of it for a future update.

Countries that are on the border of Europe and Asia can be found both here and on the tipping in Asia page.

For what concerns tipping hotel staff, the tips mostly apply top mid-range to higher end hotels. No need to tip a bellboy if there isn't one :-)

Pick a country or simply scroll down to see them all.

Cyprus (Republic)

Czech republic, liechtenstein, netherlands, switzerland, united kingdom, vatican city.

(Not tipping etiquette in Europe you're looking for? Check out tipping etiquette around the world for the continent of your choice.)

As with most European countries, tipping is not obligatory in Albania, although it is gratefully received. Giving a tip for good service will make the staff happy but it is perfectly fine not to leave anything.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: It’s a common practice to round up the bill at restaurants. You may tip 5 to 10% of the bill if you are particularly impressed. At bars, tipping is not necessary but if someone takes your order, you may give them a tip of 5 to 10%. Tipping tour guides: For guides, the normal tip amount is 10% of the price of the tour. Tipping taxi drivers: Tipping taxi drivers is even less common, unless they assist you with your luggage or give useful information on how to get around the place. Rounding up the fare is already generous. Tipping hotel staff: Giving tips to hotel cleaning and concierge staff is appreciated, especially if they made your stay more pleasant. Around 100-200 lek is enough. Good to know: Albanians want to treat their guests special, so they may tell you that it’s not necessary to tip.

Andorrans generally love a good tip, but giving one is entirely optional.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: A service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but you may tip an additional 10%. At pubs, you may leave some loose change for the barman. Tipping tour guides: For guides, a few Euros at the end of the tour will be appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10% of the total fare. Tipping hotel staff: Doormen and bellhops may be given €1.25 to €2.50, while washroom staff may be given €.50 to €1.50. Good to know: It's a general rule to tip in cash and not with a credit card, otherwise the staff may not receive it.

Tipping customs are relatively new in Armenia since it was unusual to give tips during the Soviet era. Now, tipping is becoming increasingly common especially in the capital city of Yerevan, although people may still think you forgot your money when you leave a tip on the table.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Anything from 5 to 20 percent tip may be given to cafes and restaurants in Yerevan. Sometimes, a service charge is already added on top of the bill. Outside of the capital, tipping is less common especially in small establishments. Tipping tour guides: If you're with a group, a reasonable tip is around $50 to $60, split between your driver and tour guide. A slightly larger amount may be given if you're on a private tour. Tipping taxi drivers: If you are satisfied with your taxi drivers or if they drove you for a long distance, it’s only appropriate to give a tip. Normally, the fare is round up to the nearest whole amount. Tipping hotel staff: Hotel bellhops and doormen may also be tipped. Good to know: Many service personnel in Armenia are underpaid and rely on tips for their income.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Often there is a service fee of around 12.5% added to restaurant bills, but it's normal to round up the total amount. You can also give a gratuity of 5 to 10% for good service. Bartenders expect a rounded-up tip, particularly if they serve at your table. Tipping tour guides: You can give €1 to €2 at the end of the tour, or more if you are satisfied with the guide's services. Tipping taxi drivers: While drivers won’t mind if you don’t tip them, you may give an extra 10% or round up the fare. Tipping hotel staff: Hotels in Austria typically have a service charge, so tips are not necessary. However, you may give porters €1 to €2 per bag and the same amount to the hotel maid each day. Good to know: The tipping practice at Austria can be confusing for tourists. Customers typically pay for their orders and tip the waiter individually. Do not leave the tip on the table; instead give it to the waiter as you pay the bill. Tell the waiter the exact amount you’ll pay including the tip. For instance, if it is €32, you can say “35” and hand €40. An easier way is to simply give a rounded up amount and say “danke” (thank you) which means you don't need the change.

Commodities and services are relatively expensive in Azerbaijan, particularly in Boku. Tipping is an unusual practice. However if you find the service above average, tipping is acceptable.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: For many restaurants, a service charge is already included in the bill. If there's no charge included, you may tip 10% of the total amount. Tipping tour guides: You may tip the tour guide an amount of AZN 5 or whatever you’re comfortable giving. Tipping taxi drivers: For London-style cabs with counters, it's a polite gesture to round up the fare. For taxis where you negotiate the fare with the driver, that amount should be enough. Tipping hotel staff: Depending on the luggage, hotel porters can be tipped 5 to 10 manats.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Tipping at restaurants is not common since a 10 to 15% service charge is normally added to the bill. You are free to leave tips, but do not overdo it. A couple of Euros should suffice. In cafes, you may leave some change on the table or counter. As for bars, you may forgo the tip, or just round up the bill. Tipping tour guides: Tours in Belgium already include the service fee. If you feel like tipping, a few Euros at the end of the tour should suffice. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxis do not expect tips. If the driver helped you with your bags or gave recommendations, you may tip up to 5% or simply round up the fare. Tipping hotel staff: As with any other service, hotel accommodations already include a service charge. You may tip the bellman with a few Euros if you like. Tipping the housekeeping staff, however, is not customary. Good to know: It is said that tipping is more common in Wallonia, the French-speaking southern part of Belgium compared to Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern region.

Tipping is very welcome in Bulgaria . It has become a custom particularly in large cities like Varna and Bourgas.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Service staff in Bulgaria highly depend on tips to make up for their low salary. A tip amount of 10% is appropriate and never let the amount fall below 5%. If you receive excellent service, you should tip even more. For bartenders, give a tip of 1 to 2 lev. You may also just round up the bill or not wait for your change. Tipping tour guides: In the tourism industry, tipping is very common. Guides are usually given a tip of 5 to 10% the price of the tour. Do not give them coins though, as this may insult them. Tipping taxi drivers: To tip taxi drivers, you can simply round up the fare to the nearest 50 stotinki or 1 lev. If you particularly liked the service, you can add an extra lev. Tipping hotel staff: Hotels do not have a service fee, so tipping is expected. Tip porters and bellhops 2 lev per bag. For housekeeping staff, you may give 1.5 lev per day. Tipping doormen and concierge staff is optional. Good to know: Many Bulgarian drivers do not fill their own fuel at gas stations, so it is customary to give loose change to the station attendants.

Tipping etiquette is not a big deal among locals in Croatia , but that doesn’t mean that tips are not appreciated. The amount of your tip reflects your satisfaction from the quality of service. However, no one obliges you to leave a tip if the service is subpar.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Around 10 to 15% is the norm, but you can always tip more if you enjoyed your meal. Croatian service staff generally have low wages, and every additional kuna counts. Locals do not tip at bars, so it's okay to skip it. If you're in a big group or at a luxury bar where table service is usual, you may round up the bill or add a few kunas. Tipping tour guides: Tips comprise a large amount of a tour guide's income. Around 10 to 15 kunas per person is appropriate. There is no standard amount and it still depends on the caliber of service. Tipping taxi drivers: Croatian taxis typically have a meter, and drivers don’t expect you to tip. You can, however, round the fare a couple of kunas up and tell the driver to keep the change. Tipping hotel staff: For porters, 10 to 20 kuna per bag is appropriate. The same amount may be given to the hotel cleaning staff each day. Good to know: Croatian tipping culture is entirely arbitrary. Tips are often seen as tokens of appreciation and are welcomed with grace.

The tipping culture in Cyprus is not very prevalent, but there are some exceptions.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Tipping in restaurants is entirely up to you. The most common tipping custom is to simply round up the bill, but you can leave a larger amount of around 10% for excellent service. No tip is expected in pubs and bars. Tipping tour guides: Tipping guides is optional, although an additional 10% of the tour price will be appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers: No need to tip taxi drivers. However, feel free to round up the fare. Tipping hotel staff: For porters, 1 to 2 euros per suitcase should suffice. Hotel housekeeping will not expect tips, but you may give any amount between 2 to 4 euros. Good to know: It may be uncommon for Cypriots to tip taxi drivers, but they are known to give delivery guys an extra 1 to 2 euros. It's out of sympathy for those who have to ride a scooter under the rain or on a hot day to deliver food.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Like in many other places in the world, the usual deal is a 5 to 10% tip for good service. Don't feel obliged to tip if you didn’t like the service. Tipping tour guides: You may give a tip of $15 to $20 per person per day if you’re satisfied. Tipping taxi drivers: If you agreed on a fixed fare beforehand, do not tip anymore. Otherwise, you can round up the bill. Tipping hotel staff: The acceptable tip for hotel porters is around 40 CZK. Good to know: Some Prague restaurants put up signs stating “service is not included”, but that does not mean you are required to tip. By Czech Law, service is always included in the bill, only tips are not. It's a way to persuade customers to always leave tips.

Locals in Denmark are not used to tipping. Under the Danish law, service charge (including gratuities) is already included in the bill.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: No need to tip. The bill already includes a service charge, and the staff are compensated well. This applies to both bars and restaurants. However, it is not frowned upon if you want to reward exemplary service. Tipping tour guides: No need to tip because the cost of your tour already includes it. Tipping taxi drivers: Cab drivers do not expect tip. You're welcome to round up the fare by a few kroner if you like. Tipping hotel staff: The no-tipping tradition also applies to hotel staff. The cost of your accommodation already includes service. Good to know: Salaries in the service industry of Denmark are generally higher than that of other countries. This may explain why Denmark is also expensive for tourists. It’s perfectly fine not to tip.

Tipping is uncommon in Estonia until just a few years ago. Tourists who visit Estonia usually have tipping habits from their own culture, which the locals adopted.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Some restaurants are now including service in their bills, so check it first. Although most locals do not tip during meals, you may leave around 5 to 10% if you dine in a nice hotel or restaurant. Tipping tour guides: Tip the guide €8 for a half-day tour and €16 for a whole-day tour. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers expect around 10% tip, although you are not obliged to. You may also round up the fare. Tipping hotel staff: Tip porters €1 per luggage. If the concierge staff goes out of his way to serve you, consider giving €5. Good to know: Expat communities, especially in Tallinn, sometimes make a point of not tipping as a form of protest against subpar restaurant services.

Finland has no straightforward tipping culture. This may have originated from customs in religion encouraging frugality . In the present, tipping is not common because most establishments already include service in the bill.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Service is always included in restaurant bills, so tipping is not expected. However, it's not really considered offensive if you offer a small tip for good service. The simplest way is to round up the bill, but this is more for convenience than rewarding the server. No one will mind if the amount equates to 10% or more. When dining with a host, tipping is at their discretion. Tipping tour guides: It’s not common to tip tour guides. They may accept it awkwardly or refuse it politely. Also, it's illegal to tip the staff of government-owned institutions like museums and galleries. Tipping taxi drivers: Even in taxis, service fee is already included in the fare. Tipping is not necessary. You may pay the nearest rounded up amount just for convenience. Tipping hotel staff: Housekeeping staff do not expect a tip, but you may give one if you have caused extra inconvenience. For bellboys and porters, €1 per bag is acceptable. Only long-term customers should tip the receptionists. Good to know: If someone refuses your tip, do not push it.

In France , tipping is more of a gesture rather than an obligation. Service charges are usually included in the bill.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: You may see the letters ‘stc' or words ‘service compris' on your restaurant bill. This means that service is already included and tipping won't be necessary. Most locals will leave an additional €2 if the service is good, more (around 15%) if it is exemplary. It is not customary to tip in cafes and bars. Tipping tour guides: Around €25 per person per day for tour guides. If the guide is nationally certified, you may give up to €50. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers expect at least 10% tip. Alternatively, you may simply round up the fare. For private airport transfers, around €10 to €20 is appropriate, depending on the in-car facilities. Tipping hotel staff: Around €1 to €2 per bag for porters; €1 to €2 per night for the chambermaid. Room service personnel will hope for a few euros. You may leave loose change for the cloakroom attendant. Good to know: The cost for hotel barges cruising French waterways includes tips for luggage handling. To further show appreciation of the on-board service, you may tip 5% on top of the cruise cost. This amount is divided among the crew members and captain.

Tipping is accepted in Georgian culture, but it’s not expected especially if the service is dissatisfactory. Georgians will appreciate a few laris to reward good service.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: At restaurants, the bill often includes a 10% service charge. It's up to your discretion if you will tip extra. Don’t feel obliged to tip if you weren’t satisfied with the service. You may opt not to tip at bars. Tipping tour guides: Around 10-15% tip is the norm for tour guides. If you have a driver during the tour, give him half of that amount. Tipping taxi drivers: A reasonable tip is to round up the fare to the nearest whole amount. Tipping hotel staff: Around 1 to 2 lari per baggage for the bellman; at least 5 lari per day for the hotel maid.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Restaurant bills are usually inclusive of service fees. As a rule, you should tip the waiter an additional 5 to 10%. At bars, you may round up the bill to the next euro. The normal practice is you run a tab and pay when you're leaving, and that's also when you give your tip. Tipping tour guides: It’s usual to give a 10% tip by the end of the tour. Tipping taxi drivers: Round up the fare to the next euro or 50 cents. If the driver helped you with your luggage, you may give an additional €1 to €2. Tipping hotel staff: €1-€ per day for the housekeeper; €1 to €3 per bag for the hotel porter; €2 to €5 for room service. If the concierge has been helpful, a suitable tip is €20. Good to know: In Germany, the tip shouldn't be left on the table, instead you hand it to the waiter while paying your bill. Also, bread and water at restaurants are often not free of charge. Servers may turn down your request for tap water.

Tipping is optional in Greece . As a rule, tip and it will be well-received, but don't feel obliged.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Before deciding whether to tip, confirm if service is included in the bill. Anywhere from 5 to 10% tip is appropriate. As for bars, you may opt not to, since most locals do not tip. Tipping tour guides: €4 to €6 per person for group tours; €40 to €60 per day for private tours. Tipping taxi drivers: Drivers generally do not expect tips, but it's polite to round up the fare if they offered information or helped with your baggage. For private drivers, €20 per day is appropriate. Tipping hotel staff: €1 per bag for porters; €1 per day for hotel maids. You may also tip helpful concierges and give a few coins to the cloakroom attendants. Good to know: If you’re in a cruise, it's customary to tip the crew and captain 5-15% of the cost of the trip. Place the tip inside an envelope and hand it to the captain at the end of the cruise.

The practice of tipping is much more common in Hungary than its neighboring countries like Czech Republic and Slovakia. Giving gratuities is never mandatory, but there are some circumstances where it is expected.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: First, check if service is already included in your bill, since most restaurants include a 12.5% service charge. If it’s not, the standard is to tip 10-15% for good service. Also, do not leave change on the table because it is considered rude. Tips should be given directly to the waiter. When buying a drink, leave some change to the bartender. Tipping tour guides: For small groups, tip $15 to $20 per person per day. For bigger groups, tip $10 per person per day. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxis in Budapest are known for overcharging tourists, so it's recommended to order cabs by phone and ask for a fare estimate. Tip taxi drivers 5-10% of the total fare, or just round up the charge. Tipping hotel staff: The usual tips for hotel staff are: 500 forints for bellhops, 200-300 forints per day for housekeepers; and 500-1000 forints for exceptional concierge services. Good to know: Tipping is a common practice in Hungary, so you should tip hair stylists (5-10% of the bill), delivery services (200 forints), massage services (300-500 forints), petrol station attendants (100-200 forints), and public washroom attendants (100-200 forints).

Tipping is practically unheard of in Iceland because their bills are all-inclusive. You are not discouraged to tip if you want to express satisfaction, but it's not expected either.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: A 15% service charge is automatically added into restaurant bills. Tipping extra is up to your discretion, but don't leave more than 10%. Alternatively, you can round up to the next whole amount. The no-tipping rule is also applicable to bars. However, if the service is impressive, you are welcome to leave the server or bartender a 10% tip. Tipping tour guides: Tour guides do not expect tips, but you may give 10% for great service. An exception is if you take a special tour such as a fishing trip or a trek, wherein a 4000-5000 kr tip is appropriate. Tipping taxi drivers: No need to tip your taxi driver. Tipping hotel staff: There's simply no tipping of hotel staff in Iceland. The cost of your accommodation already includes gratuities.

Ireland has no formal tipping customs, but giving gratuity is always welcome.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Service is sometimes added in the bill, and sometimes it's not. This is often indicated in the bill or menu. If there's no added service charge, you may tip 10% for good service. Tipping for bar service is considered impolite. However, in bars where the drinks are brought to your table, a tip of €1 to €2 per round is suitable. Tipping tour guides: For a private tour, consider giving 10% of the tour cost. For a group tour, the guide may pass around a basket or hat to collect gratuities. Tipping taxi drivers: No tip is expected by taxi drivers. If you received good service, you can round up the fare or tip 10%. Tipping hotel staff: You may give €1 to €2 to porters and the same amount per night to the chambermaid. Good to know: Irish people take pride in delivering great service for the sake of it, and not for tips. Some may politely refuse a tip because serving you well is part of their job.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: In most restaurants, service is built into the bill. You may see a “pane e coperto” listed in the bill. This is a bread and cover charge, which means that it pays for the tablecloth and bread. No further tip is needed. If you want, you may leave a few euros but no more than 10% of the total bill. As for bars, you may skip tipping or just leave a loose change. Tipping tour guides: No further payment is expected aside from the cost of the tour, but a couple of euros won't be refused. For an out-of-town excursion arranged by a travel agency, you may give €2 each for the guide and the driver. Tipping taxi drivers: Drivers don't expect a tip, but you may round up the taxi charge or give about 10% for great service. Tipping hotel staff: Concierge staff, porters, and chambermaids would expect a few euros. Good to know: Snack and coffee bars charge less when you stand at the bar than if you have your order served to a table.

Tipping in Kazakhstan is rather organized, making it easier for visitors to know when and how much to tip.

Tipping at restaurants and bar: A service charge is included at most restaurants, so it's okay not to tip. If you're particularly impressed with the service, you're free to tip about 5 to 15%. Tipping tour guides: Guides generally don't expect to receive tips, but you may give a small token and it will be appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers: The norm is to bargain and agree on a fixed fare before riding a taxi. Further tipping is not necessary. However, if the driver is especially helpful (assisted with your luggage or gave useful information), 500-1000 tenge is a generous tip. Tipping hotel staff: Porters would appreciate 100-200 tenge. For housekeepers, about 150 tenge is suitable. Good to know: When parking a car on the street, you may encounter people in blue or yellow uniform who will assist you. Give them about 50-100 tenge for their service.

Latvians are generally casual about tipping. Although not obligatory, a rule of thumb is to leave some tip if you received good service.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: If service is not added to the bill, a standard tip of 10% is recommended. Don't feel obliged to tip extra if there's already a service charge. It's fine not to tip the bartender if you order at the bar, but if you have your drinks served to a table, the same rules in restaurants apply. Tipping tour guides: Guides will appreciate a tip of Ls7 for a half-day tour and Ls15 for a whole-day tour. Tipping taxi drivers: For cab drivers, you may simply round up the fare or add 10% tip. Otherwise, it's okay to pay the exact metered fare. Tipping hotel staff: It's common to give a small gratuity to hotel service staff. For porters who bring your luggage to your room, around Ls50 per bag is appropriate.

Tipping in Liechtenstein is not very common, but it is not an insulting practice either.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: A service fee is automatically added in most restaurant bills. However, feel free to round up the bill by a few Swiss Francs if you received great service. For a small meal, 1-2 CHF per person should be enough. For top-grade restaurants, make it 5-10 CHF per person. Tipping tour guides: Tipping tour guides is optional. Tipping taxi drivers: To tip taxi drivers, simply round up the fare to the nearest Swiss Franc. Tipping hotel staff: Most hotels include a service charge, but you may give around 1 CHF to the room service staff. Good to know: In a restaurant, the correct way to hand your tip is by telling the waiter the exact amount (including tip) that you will pay. For instance, if the bill is 12 CHF, you may give him 20 CHF and say, “15.”

Tipping is relatively new in Lithuanian culture, with tourists only introducing it in the late '90s. Most Lithuanians will not expect any tip, but their service will almost always deserve a form of gratuity.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: The normal 10% tip is appropriate at restaurants. There is no fixed rate; even 20 euro cents is enough tip for some. Bar staff don't expect tips and may even politely refuse if you give them. If there's a tip jar, you may leave some small change. For luxury bars, tip as you would in a classy restaurant. Tipping tour guides: For tour guides, roughly 35Lt (half day) or 75Lt (whole day) should suffice. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers won't expect a tip, but tipping a small amount for good service is up to your discretion. The best way is to round up the total fare. Tipping hotel staff: Tipping is only expected in top-end hotels that have fairly decent service. Porters and chambermaids expect a small tip. Good to know: When in Lithuania, avoid saying ‘thanks’ (ačiū) after handing the bill if you still want to keep your change. It's an indication that you're not waiting for the change.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: A 15% service charge is included in most restaurant bills. For a modest meal, you may leave some loose change, whereas for more expensive meals, you may tip up to 10%. Not tipping is seen as dissatisfaction of the service you received. Tipping tour guides: If you're in a tour, a few euros for the guide and driver should be enough. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers usually receive a 10% gratuity. You may also just round up the total fare. Tipping hotel staff: For porters and bellhops, €1.25 to €2.50 is adequate. For housekeepers, leave €1.50 per night or more if extra service is needed.

Macedonians often have low salaries and thus tipping is uncommon, at least among locals. For tourists who can afford to tip, you may do so, and it will be received with good grace.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Rounding up the bill is a common practice, but for nicer establishments, around 10-15% tip is the norm. Always check if service charge is already added to the bill. If it is, then tipping won't be necessary. Tipping tour guides: For guides, offer 5-10% gratuity on top of the tour cost. Tipping taxi drivers: Tipping taxi drivers is not very common. If the driver is very helpful, you may give up to 10% tip. Always hire a taxi from a recognized taxi rank, since some drivers are known to target unaware tourists. Make sure to negotiate the fare cost before the ride. Tipping hotel staff: Hotel staff do not really expect tips, but you are free to tip 10 to 20 MKD if you like their service.

Maltese people love to eat out and they don't think twice to reward good service. Tipping ranges from 5% to 10%, but it is perfectly acceptable to give more if it's deserved.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Check the menu first if service is already included. If it's not, around 5% to 10% should do the trick. If you are particularly impressed with the service you received, you can always tip extra. Tipping bar staff is not customary unless they come to your table to take orders and serve your drinks there. A few euros should suffice. Tipping tour guides: Tour guides expect around 10% of the total cost of the tour. Give the tour driver half of that amount. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers won't expect a tip, but they won't refuse either. However, you may round up the total fare for convenience or leave a small tip (not more than 10%). Tipping hotel staff: The suggested tip for porters and hotel housekeepers is €2 to €3. Good to know: Give a few coins to car park attendants, washroom attendants, and doorkeepers.

The tipping etiquette in Monaco does not vary much with the rest of Europe. Service is included in most establishments, and it is up to your discretion to tip more. Giving gratuity is gladly accepted.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Restaurant bills typically include a service charge, and further tipping is not expected. However, if the service is exceptional, a 10-15% tip is suitable. In bars, tipping is optional. Tipping tour guides: Tipping guides is not obligatory, but it's a nice gesture. The normal tip amount is 10-15% of the tour price. Tipping taxi drivers: Cab drivers are not usually tipped, as most of them are self-employed and the income goes straight to their pockets. If, however, the driver is especially helpful, feel free to round up the fare or give a small tip. Tipping hotel staff: Give €1 to €2 per bag to valets and porters and €1 per day for the chambermaid.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Restaurants often include a 15% service charge in their bills. That being said, you may opt to tip an additional 10%. If this seems too generous, you may simply round up the total bill. Although you can give the tip directly to the server, the common practice is to leave it on the table. At bars, you can just pay the exact amount for your order. An exception is if you're at an expensive bar where it's customary to leave a 10% tip. Tipping tour guides: Tipping your tour guide is not necessary. If you are impressed with the service, you're welcome to tip a few euros. Tipping taxi drivers: Tipping drivers is uncommon since the taxi fares are already expensive. If you received extra service (driver assisted with your luggage, gave you useful information), you may simply round up the fare or leave a few euros. Tipping hotel staff: A considerable tip for porters is €1-2 per bag. For hotel housekeeping, tipping isn’t expected. Good to know: “Going Dutch” has a bit of truth to it, as many Dutch pride themselves for being frugal. Just like with tipping, you can go easy when it comes to splitting the bill in the Netherlands.

Tipping etiquettes are not common in Norway. You will find that Norway is one of the priciest tourist destinations, so tipping is not customary. Also, the service staff earn decent wages and do not live off tips. Overall, tipping is only suitable if the service deserves extra recognition.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Aside from the included service charge, no further gratuity is expected when you dine in restaurants. As a rule, don't tip poor and average service. If the service is exceptionally good, then a 5-10% tip is appropriate. In a bar, you may round up the bill or leave 5-10kr for the bartender. Tipping tour guides: The cost of the tour already includes gratuity, so you may skip tipping. Tipping taxi drivers: No need to tip. However, if the ride is quite long or the driver assisted you with your luggage, rounding up the fare is acceptable. Tipping hotel staff: Norwegians do not tip hotel staff in general, so you are not expected to. Good to know: If you’re willing to tip and unsure of how much, stick to the 10% rule. Locals rarely tip more than 10%, so it’s the maximum you can go.

In Poland , tipping is entirely up to your discretion. The average waiting staff, however, only makes a paltry income so tips are greatly appreciated.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: If the restaurant does not have a service charge (narzut), a customary tip is about 10% of the bill. You are free to tip more if the service is great. Don't feel obligated to tip if it isn't deserved, or if service is already paid for in the bill. Tipping tour guides: If you're in a tour, it is optional to give gratuity to the guide. Around 10% should be enough. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers would expect about 10% tip and would be slightly disappointed if you don't give one. An easier way is to just round up the fare. Tipping hotel staff: 5zł for the porter and 5zł for the cleaning staff is an acceptable tip. Good to know: When you say the word ‘dziękuje' (thank you) in Poland, it sends a message to the waiter collecting the bill that he can keep the change. It can be quite embarrassing if you have to find the waiter and ask for your change, so it's suggested that you only thank him when you're not expecting any change.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Restaurant service staff may expect a 10% tip. In a bistro, a couple of coins under €1 should suffice. At bars, the typical tip is €1-2 if the service is good. Otherwise, you may opt not to tip. Tipping tour guides: For tour guides, €5 per day is a suitable tip. Tipping taxi drivers: For taxi drivers, rounding up or leaving small change is fine. Also, note that the drivers usually don't speak English, German, or French. In this case, ask the doorman to tell your driver the exact destination. Tipping hotel staff: At the hotel, consider giving €1-2 for concierge and porterage services. You may also give €1 daily for the chambermaid. Good to know: Tipping in Portugal , especially in restaurants, should be done discreetly or by just leaving cash on the table. Giving tips with people watching is seen as crude.

Tipping is fairly commonplace in Romania, with customers leaving tips for bar service, restaurant meals, fast-food delivery, hairstyling services, and cab rides.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: In restaurants, follow the 5-10-15 rule. Tip the waiter 5% if the service is poor, 10% if it is satisfactory, and 15% if it's exemplary. As for bars, around 15-20% tip is expected depending on the complexity and cost of the drink. Tipping tour guides: 10-20 Lei per day is more or less a good tip for tour guides. Tipping taxi drivers: Although cab drivers don’t expect tips, you may round up the fare to a convenient amount. Tipping hotel staff: 4 Lei per day for hotel maids and 2 Lei per item of luggage for bellhops is a suitable tip. For a helpful concierge (assisted in making reservations or booking taxi rides), an appropriate tip is around 10-15 Lei. Good to know: In Romania, coin denominations have very little value. Avoid tipping in coins as it is considered rude.

During the Soviet rule, tipping in Russia is not acceptable as it is now, especially since the country is becoming more Westernized. Tipping remains discretionary, but in some cases it is rather expected.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: At restaurants, usual tip amounts are lower than that in other countries. In rural areas, tipping does not really exist. A good idea of a generous tip is 10-15% of the total bill, but first check if service charge is included. Hand the tip directly to the server, or else the cash left on the table will go to management. You're not expected to tip in bars with no table service. Tipping tour guides: If you're on a private tour, consider giving the guide $20 for a full-day tour and $10 for a half-day tour. As for the driver, around $5-$8 for 8 hours of service is recommended. Tipping taxi drivers: Agree on a fixed fare before riding. If you want to leave a tip, 10% is a suitable amount. Alternatively, you may just round up the fare. Tipping hotel staff: $3 to $5 per trip for porters; $2 to $3 for chambermaids; $10 to $20 for excellent concierge service. Good to know: It's always best to tip in the local currency (rubles). Also, Russians love a personal touch to any gratuity. If you write a thank-you note accompanying a cash tip, it will be much appreciated.

There is no formal tipping culture in San Marino. It is only common to tip at nicer hotels and restaurants, although service is often already included.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: In restaurants, tipping is not required if the bill is inclusive of service fees. If there is no service fee or if you were particularly delighted with the service, about 5-10% tip will be appreciated. Tipping tour guides: Tipping tour guides is not customary. Tipping taxi drivers: It's uncommon to tip taxi drivers, but feel free to round up the fare to the nearest whole euro. Tipping hotel staff: In a hotel, you may tip €1 for room service. Good to know: A few euro coins is sometimes required in public washrooms.

Tipping is known as napojnica in Serbia. It is not very widespread, but as times change, more establishments, especially in Belgrade, are starting to adopt tipping standards.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: In Serbian restaurants, service is rarely included in the bill. Consider tipping 10-15% of the total bill in a nice restaurant. In bars and less expensive eateries, you may just round up. Note that you are not obligated to tip if you're unsatisfied with the service. Tipping tour guides: Tour guides generally don't expect napojnica. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers don't expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is becoming a common practice. Tipping hotel staff: Tip porters 1,100 dinars per item of luggage, and the same amount for housekeepers per day. Good to know: The musicians at restaurants may want a small tip, especially if they played at your table. Also, give about 20 dinars to public washroom attendants, as they may get angry if you leave nothing.

Slovakian tipping etiquette is gradually becoming structured over the years, especially in cities like Bratislava, Trnava, Nitra, and Presov. It's useful to learn basic Slovak as it makes ordering and tipping easier.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: When paying in a restaurant, it is customary to tip 10% of the bill. However, if there is an automatic service charge, you may opt not to tip. Cash tips are always preferred even if you pay by credit card. Also, give the tip personally to the waiter instead of leaving it on the table. In bars, table service is still offered even if you're only having drinks. Depending on the total bill, you may round up to the nearest 10Sk (koruna) or leave the bartender a 10% tip. Tipping tour guides: There is no clear standard in tipping guides, but you're safe with a 10% of the tour cost for a particularly good service. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers will be happy with a 10% tip. You can also round the taxi fare up to the nearest 50Sk. Tipping hotel staff: Give €1 per bag to hotel porters, €1-€2 for a helpful concierge, and €1 per day for the hotel cleaning staff. Good to know: Saying d'akujem (thank you) in Slovakia means you're thanking the server and you don't want any change back.

A few years back, tipping was not traditionally done in Slovenia, but it is slowly being adopted today in tourist areas. Tipping is welcomed but not at all mandatory.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: When service is not added to the bill, consider tipping an extra 10%. If the service exceeds your expectations, you can go as high as 15%. However, it's also perfectly fine to leave nothing if the service is poor. Bartenders don't expect any tip. Tipping tour guides: Tipping guides is not common, but you're welcome to give gratuity if you feel it's deserved. Tipping taxi drivers: As a rule, simply round up the fare to the nearest euro. If you have the exact fare or prefer not to tip, the driver won't take it as an offense. Tipping hotel staff: Tip the luggage porter and hotel cleaning staff a few euros (about €1-€2).

Tipping at restaurants and bars: For good service, a substantial tip is anywhere from 7-13% of the total bill. Tip in cash since it's unlikely to tip with a machine. In lower-end restaurants, tipping is not as common and you can just round up the bill. In bars, it's not customary to tip but feel free to round up if there's table service. Tipping tour guides: Tours via coach require a tip. Tips are usually collected in a basket placed on the dashboard. About €1 each for the driver and guide should suffice. For private tours, around €20 per day is suggested. Tipping taxi drivers: Tips aren't expected, but you may round up the fare to the nearest euro. Tipping hotel staff: In medium-grade hotels in Spain , tipping beyond the usual service charge is not necessary. In high-end hotels, expect to tip €1 per bag for the porter and €1 a day for housekeeping. Good to know: The Spanish financial crisis makes it more necessary to give generous tips to the waiting staff, even if they're paid an average salary.

Tipping is not a local habit in Sweden . In some instances, the service staff may even be bewildered when you offer a tip. Locals normally pay the quoted amount or round up to the nearest 10kr.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: At restaurants, you can safely assume that service is already included unless stated otherwise in the bill. If you’re especially pleased with the service, it's okay to leave 5-10% tip. Most bars include table service, but that doesn't require you to tip. Still, you may hand 60kr for a 58kr beer and it will be appreciated. Tipping tour guides: No need to tip tour guides. Tipping taxi drivers: If traveling with luggage, it's polite to offer the driver a few kronor. Otherwise, it's not expected. Tipping hotel staff: The hotel staff may find it strange if you give them a tip. It's not expected, although some porters and chambermaids may accept 5-10kr for their service. Good to know: The waiting staff in Sweden are not minimum-wage workers, after an agreement with restaurant owners to regulate staff salaries has been signed. This explains why most service personnel do not expect any tip.

In Switzerland, service is included in the quoted prices, whether in a restaurant, bar, taxi, or hotel. Tipping is completely optional and no one will bat an eye if you don't tip.

Tipping at restaurants and bars The usual deal is to simply round up to the nearest franc or two. For instance, a meal worth 33.50Fr can be paid with 35Fr. On the other hand, if the service is exceptional, around 5-10% is a fair tip. At bars, you may thank the bartender by rounding up the bill. Tipping tour guides: Although it's not necessary to tip guides, around 10% of the tour cost is suitable. Give the tour driver half of that amount. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers are used to being paid the exact fare, but it's fine to round up. Tipping hotel staff: Tip the bellman 1-2 CHF per bag and the hotel maid 1 CHF per day. Good to know: Tip only in the local currency (Swiss francs).

Locals generally tip modestly but with foreign visitors in the country, the service staff may expect a substantial tip. While tipping is not obligatory, it's a courteous gesture especially because Turkish waiters rely on tips to supplement their income.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Tipping is not necessary in cheaper restaurants and cafes, but will be appreciated. In high-end establishments, around 10-15% is the norm. At bars, give your tip directly to the bartender. Tipping tour guides: If you're on a group tour, tipping the guides and drivers is entirely up to you. Only tip if you think the tour guide has done a great job. Give around TL20 to TL30 per day to the guide, and a little less to the driver. Note that this amount is for the entire group. Tipping taxi drivers: No need to tip your taxi driver. You may round up the fare just for convenience. No tip is required for private transfer services, although it's fine to leave 5-10% of the fare. Tipping hotel staff: For porters, TL2 to TL4 per baggage; for chambermaids, TL5 to TL7 per day. You may also put a small tip if you see a tip box in the reception desk. Good to know: Tipping in dollars or euros is accepted, but Turkish liras are still preferred. Only tip with notes or bills because Turkish coins are not easily exchangeable with liras. Always tip in cash as most establishments do not accept tipping by credit card.

While tipping used to be non-existent in Ukraine, things have changed with the increase of Western tourists in the country. Now, it has become a widespread practice especially in the capital, Kiev.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Service is rarely included in the bill, but it's always worth checking. If you do wish to tip, around 10% is suggested. You may go higher (up to 15%) if the service is impressive. At a bar, you may skip the tip or round up. Tipping tour guides: If you’re satisfied with the guide's services, UAH 400-500 is a suitable tip. Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers don't usually receive tips. Make sure to agree on a fixed fare beforehand. If the driver is especially helpful, feel free to round up or add up to 10% of the fare. Tipping hotel staff: Most hotels incorporate a service charge in the bill. Should you decide to tip more, it's up to your discretion.To give you an idea, UAH 8-10 is a sufficient tip for porters and chambermaids when you travel in Ukraine.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Most restaurants in the UK include a 12.5-15% tip, although it’s not universal. If no service charge policy is stated in the menu, don't be embarrassed to ask the waiter. You're not expected to add further gratuity if service is included. If it's not included, the common tip is 10-15%. In pubs, tipping the barman is not customary. However, if you received exceptional service, consider offering to buy them a drink. Tipping tour guides: If you liked the guide's services, it's appropriate to give a small gratuity. Around £2-£5 is suitable or £1-£2 if you're in a group. For coach tours, it is normal to tip both the guide and the driver. Around £1-£2 for a whole-day tour will be appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers: In metered taxis, tip 10% or round up to the nearest pound. In minicabs and rural taxis, the fare is usually pre-negotiated and no further tip is expected. Tipping hotel staff: Porters are usually tipped £1-£2 per bag. Hotel maids are not usually tipped, but leaving loose change on the bedside table before you depart is acceptable. Good to know: British people prefer to be discrete when tipping, so make sure to leave the tip quietly on the table.

Just like the rest of Italy, tipping is not requisite in the walled enclave of Vatican City.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: In some restaurants, service is incorporated in the bill. If it's not included, around €1-2 per person is an appropriate amount. Tipping does not depend on the total bill but the number of people dining. At cafes, no table charge is added if you eat or drink at the counter. Tipping tour guides: There are many guided tours around Vatican City. Some guides may collect a small tip by the end of the tour. Although by no means obligatory, it's polite to give a small percentage of the tour cost especially if the guide is particularly good. Tipping taxi drivers: Walking is primarily the way to go around Vatican City. If you wish to ride a taxi, it's not customary to tip. Tipping Tipping hotel staff: There is only one hotel inside the Vatican City. According to reviews, the service staff there are generally helpful and friendly. Follow the usual deal of Italian tipping: leave a few euros to the porter and hotel maid. If the concierge has served you well, feel free to leave a small gratuity.

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The Ultimate Guide To Tipping In Europe

Across the world, tipping has very different implications and practices, for example: Tipping in South Africa is required, as it is in the USA . You are expected to leave a tip of between 15 and 25% in America, and if you don’t you may very well be chased by an irate waiter. But what about Europe? Many bills in Europe will be inclusive of tips, however, this does vary from country to country. Knowing the particular tipping practices in your destination country will avoid confusion and possible negative feelings. So read on for the ultimate guide to tipping in Europe!

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Ultimate Guide To Tipping In Europe By Service

Tipping in Europe generally varies depending on the sort of service that you are receiving. For example, you would be expected to tip a waiter in a five-star restaurant on a different basis to a server behind a counter. Bartenders would not expect a tip at all in some cases, where taxi drivers would. Using your discretion, and generosity is always a good way to go when deciding on the correct tip. Also, most places require that you tip in cash, so be sure to carry a few Euro notes on you at all times.

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Tipping In Restaurants

Any situation where food or drinks are brought to the table usually requires a tip. The amount depends on the sort of dining that you are enjoying. The standard procedure for tipping in Europe is to leave one or two Euro bills on top of the bill amount if a round of drinks but no food is ordered. Full meals in a sit-down environment are different. In this case, a few euros per person is usually sufficient. Five-star restaurants across Europe usually include the tip in their bill. Be sure to check this as there is no need to leave an extra tip unless you really enjoyed your service. Excellent service does sometimes require an extra tip, so in these cases, you may go all the way up to 15%.

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Most pubs or bars across the continent don’t expect tips at all. Bartenders are paid a salary, and while a few coins in the tip jar will most likely be appreciated, it is not necessary. if you do tip, again remember to use only cash, either notes or coins. In case you are at a loose end here is a list of the 5 Best Bars With Live Music In Europe.

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Stylists And Spa’s

Many people want to get a fresh new hairdo, or a relaxing massage while on holiday . Luckily you will find spas and stylists all over Europe, often in almost every town. Tipping, in either case, is usually about ten percent. If you are incredibly happy with the service that you received, you may go as high as 15%.

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Hotels are a frequent query when it comes to the question of tipping in Europe. As a rule of thumb, one should always follow the One Euro guideline. This basically states that you leave one Euro in tips per service. If a bellhop or porter carries your bags, then one Euro per bag is sufficient. House cleaning should receive a Euro a day. Tipping your concierge is at your own discretion, but it should depend on the level of service that you have received. If they have gone above and beyond to may your stay memorable and pleasurable, then a tip of five to ten euros or even beyond is appropriate.

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What To Tip Taxis And Transport

Taxi’s and Ubers are an internal part of getting around Europe. When choosing what to tip, it is best to keep in mind how the driver is paid. Generally, though, a two Euro tip for a short taxi or Uber ride is appropriate. Apps such as Uber allow you to tip the driver electronically, while metered taxis will require cash. Tipping in Europe while traveling is much the same as tipping in bars or restaurants. Keep in mind that it is not always necessary, but often appreciated. Booking your train tickets for your European trip is simple and easy with The Cheapest Train Tickets Website In The World.

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Ultimate Guide To Tipping In Europe By Country

Most countries follow the same general guidelines when it comes to tipping in Europe. Of course, one should always research the intended destination before traveling in order to make sure that you are fully up to date. Train travel can often take you through several countries at the same time, so being sure exactly what to do in each one is always helpful. Some countries do stand out from their counterparts in terms of rules, however.

Iceland And Scandinavia

Whether it is a throwback to their Viking origins or just simple politeness, these countries prefer you not to tip at all. Most restaurants and services will have the tip included in the bill. It is still appropriate to round the bill up to the nearest Euro instead of a tip either via cash or credit card.

Greece And Cyprus

The Greek’s do everything a bit differently, and tipping is no exception. Larger bills require smaller tips and smaller bills require larger tips.

Leave at least a 5% tip, in cash for servers, even if the bill includes gratuity. Cash is always king in most European countries, and Austria is no different.

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What To Tip In Ireland And Scotland

Known for their friendliness, both of these nations will carry your bags happily. Tipping for luggage porters is not essential, and is usually not expected. Being gracious and saying thank you politely is, however, expected. If you wish to receive the same service in the future from your porter, be sure to acknowledge them positively.

What To Tip In Europe – Britain

Many British people have tried to explain to tourists that tipping housekeeping is really not needed. When it comes to tipping in Europe, this is one of the firmest rules. Don’t leave a tip on your hotel room, it will most likely be handed in at the front desk as lost money . Bartenders also do not expect tips, and tipping them can be frowned upon. By all means, be friendly and acknowledge your bartender. Put a few coins into the tip jar if there is one. If not, rather leave the tip out of the equation.

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Rounding All The Information Regarding Tipping In Europe

The best advice for tipping in Europe is to do your homework. Read all about the country, or countries that you are planning to visit. remember that train trips often take you through a number of countries that you may be able to stop at. Always bring cash, both coins, and a few notes to tip in cash. If you are unsure of the policies, stick to the ten percent rule for restaurants, and the one Euro rule for everything else.

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Your Essential Guide for How Much You Should Tip in Europe

So, you’ve finally booked that dream trip to Europe! Your bags are packed, your taste buds are ready for some incredible cuisine and you’re almost on the plane.

Travel to: Europe

Perhaps you’ve been wondering about what you should tip in all those countries you’ll be visiting? Should you leave a little extra for that coffee & croissant in France ? Are you expected to tip after enjoying dinner in Italy?

Tipping etiquette across Europe can vary from one country to the next, but here are a few common and consistent rules to help you out. Read on for the ultimate guide to how much you should tip in Europe.

How much you should tip in Europe

Restaurants.

In most casual restaurants across Europe, you can leave a few extra euros as a tip for your waiter if you’re pleased with their service. A tip of 5% is fair, and a tip of 10% is quite generous.
Tips are not usually accepted on credit cards and if they are, it’s unlikely that your waiter will see any of it. It’s a good idea to always be prepared with a few small bills and coins in the local currency and hand the tip to the waiter or leave it on the table after your bill has been settled.
Across much of Western Europe, you’ll notice that a service charge is already included in your total. You’ll find this on the bottom of your bill, written as “service” in French, or “servizio” in Italian.
This means that that the service fee (your tip) has already been added to your bill. There’s no need to tip more on top of this. If a service charge has not been added, a tip of 5–10% is normal.

Bars or pubs

Bars don’t rely on tips, however, if you throw some small coins into the tip jar or on the counter each time you order a drink, the bar staff will always notice this, and a few extra coins never goes astray.

Ordering coffee or drinks in a café

Always round up and leave your coins for your server. If your espresso costs € 0.90, leave € 1.

Tips are not expected for a taxi ride, however, a good rule of thumb is to always round up the fare to the nearest euro.

If you’re staying in hotels with porters, simply leave your porter €1-2 for each bag they assist you with.

Housekeeping

If your room was kept clean & tidy during your stay, it’s polite to leave a small tip (a couple of euros per day) in your room for the housekeeping staff upon departure.

How much you should tip in each country

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s some additional information about how much you should tip in Europe, a little more country-specific.

Tipping in Austria is a slightly different than the rest of Europe. Service fees are always included in your bill, however, in Austria, it is expected that you also tip 5% on top of the service charge. It’s best to hand it to your server in cash.

For a taxi service, best to leave a 10% tip for your taxi driver in Austria.

For a drink or coffee, always leave the change. If you’re eating dinner, tip 10% of the total bill. Tipping in cash is best for your waiter.

In most restaurants and cafes in Italy , you may see both servizio incluso and il coperto written on the menu. Il coperto is the cover charge for sitting at a table, which is generally a couple of euros. This takes care of things like tap water for your table, if requested and a basket of bread before the meal.

Servizio incluso means that service is included. The restaurant has already included a tip for you, mostly around 15%. You don’t need to tip anymore on top of this.
If your bill says servizio non incluso (service not included), a 10% tip or equal to a few euros per person is expected. Leave the tip in cash on your table or hand it to your server.

If you order your food at a counter (espresso counter in Italy) and you eat here, there’s no need to tip, however, leave some small change as gratitude for the convenience and quick service.

Czech Republic

Check your bill first to see if service is included. If it isn’t, then leave a tip of 5-10% in restaurants.

Always round up and leave the change when ordering beers and drinks. For example, if your beer costs 44 CZK, leave the server 50 CZK. It is also worth noting that making the effort to speak just a few Czech words will always get you better service and a smile!

See Also: 13 Places in Europe To Propose To Your Partner (That Aren’t the Eiffel Tower)

In France, your restaurant bill will usually include a 15% service charge. You’ll find this at the bottom of your bill and this is referred to as service compris . No additional tip is expected if this charge is included.

If the service is not included in the total bill, service non compris a 15% tip is customary.

Tips for budget-conscious travellers: When visiting the City of Love, Paris, you’ll have three different options for where you can order and drink your coffee.

The price you pay will be different depending on whether you choose to consume your coffee at the bar, at a table inside the cafe or at a table outside the cafe. A standard coffee costs about € 2.50 when served at a table inside, or around € 1.20 if you drink it at the bar.

To enjoy the same coffee outside the cafe as you watch Parisians go about their day, you’ll pay a little extra for this privilege also. These are considered prime seats and you’ll pay a couple of euros extra (on top of that € 2.50) to do so.

Tipping is not compulsory, but it’s expected that you round up the amount to an even figure. Add about 3-5% tip to the bill. Many public restrooms have an attendant who is usually tipped € 0.50.

Leave a few euros per person if eating in casual restaurants. If you’re dining in some of the more chic restaurants, a tip of 5-10% of your bill is recommended.

The United Kingdom

Service charges are usually included, so check your bill before you pay. If service isn’t included, plan to leave at least 10% of the bill.

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Leave 10% of the total bill in cash to tip your waiter and to show your gratitude for the service.

Most restaurants will build in a 15% tip. Check your bill before you tip twice. It’s up to you if you’d like to leave an extra tip if you received great service.

The Netherlands

Tip 5-10% for great service. Round up the bill for average service. Many public restrooms have an attendant who is usually tipped € 0.50.

Restaurant pricing in Finland includes the cost of service, so tips aren’t expected. However, diners often round up the meal’s cost.

Tip 10% for restaurant service. Always leave the small change when ordering beers or coffees.

Your restaurant will charge a 10% service charge. It’s up to you to leave your waiter a few euros if you received good service.

In Spain, the service is included in the price of your meal or drink. However, tipping is a common practice at restaurants and bars, hotels and in taxis. If you received good service or enjoyed that dinner, leave a tip of 5-10%.

See Also: 50 Fabulous and Free Things to Do in Europe

Switzerland

In restaurants and cafes, a service charge is already built into menu prices. It is, however, customary to round up your bill. This means that you might hand the server CHF 30 for a CHF 28 meal.

If you pay by credit card, leave a few francs tip on the table for your server.

Currencies in Europe

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Do You Tip in Europe? Understanding Gratuity Etiquette Across the Continent

Tipping in Europe can often lead to confusion for travelers used to different customs. This guide helps explain European tipping etiquette and shows when and how much to tip in each country.

Tipping practices in Europe vary by country. In general, tipping is less customary and lower in percentage than in the United States. It's common to round up the bill or tip a small amount for good service, often between 5-10%, particularly in restaurants and taxis.

Tipping Customs

Understanding varying tipping practices across Europe is essential for proper etiquette.
A service charge may be included, affecting whether an additional tip is necessary.
Knowledge of local currency and payment methods helps avoid awkward tipping scenarios.

Cultural Context of Tipping

In Europe, tipping is not as ingrained in the service industry as it is in some other places. However, if you receive exceptional service or want to show your appreciation, a tip is a kind gesture. Tipping etiquette can vary greatly across European countries, so it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the local customs. In some countries, a tip is only expected for service that goes above and beyond, whereas in others, it's customary to always leave a small appreciation, often by rounding up the bill.

Countries With Service Charges

Many European countries include a service charge in the bill, commonly known as service compris . This means that the cost of service is included, and additional tipping is not mandatory. However, if you're particularly pleased with the service provided, leaving a small extra tip is always welcome. These charges are typically clear on the bill, but when in doubt, don't hesitate to inquire about them with the staff to ensure you're following local customs.

When traveling across Europe, it’s important to know that tipping customs can vary by country, but there are some common practices that can help you navigate when and how much to tip for services provided.

Restaurants and Bars

In restaurants , it's typical to leave a tip of about 5-10% of the bill if the service was satisfactory, with 10% being a generous tip for good service. However, this can vary; for instance, in Italy, it's common to leave a small extra, called "coperto," while in France , tipping is appreciated but not mandatory since a service charge is usually included in the bill. On the other hand, if you're visiting a bar, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is often sufficient.

Hotel Staff

For hotel staff , such as porters and housekeeping , a small tip is a nice gesture for their efforts. You might give 1-2 euros per bag to porters for helping with your luggage, and a similar amount per day for housekeeping to show your appreciation for their hard work in maintaining a clean and comfortable room during your stay.

Taxi and Private Drivers

When you take a taxi or hire a private driver , tipping isn't always expected but is certainly welcomed. A common practice is to round up to the nearest whole euro on the fare. For instance, if your fare comes to €18.50, you can round up to €20 as a courtesy tip. If the driver has provided excellent service, such as helping with bags or giving a guided tour of the city, a larger tip of 5-10% would show your gratitude for their extra effort.

When traveling across Europe, it's important to note that tipping customs can vary significantly from one country to another. Below, we'll break down what you should expect in terms of tipping habits in different parts of the continent.

Tipping Customs in Western Europe

Tipping in eastern europe.

Eastern Europe generally has more flexible tipping customs, depending on the country and establishment, but small tips are usually welcomed.

Restaurants: It's typical to leave up to 10% if you enjoyed the service.
Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest convenient amount is common.

Scandinavian Tipping Practices

Scandinavia has a 'no-tipping-required' ethos due to fairly inclusive service charge practices.

Restaurants: Tipping is not required, but you can leave up to 10% for outstanding service.
Hotels: Service is often included, but a small tip for housekeeping or porters is appreciated.

Remember, while tipping is seen as a gesture of gratitude for good service, your experiences may vary, and it's always best to follow local customs.

When traveling through Europe, it's important to understand the preferred currency and payment options, as this can influence how and when you tip for services received.

Cash or Credit Card

You’ll find that both cash and credit cards are widely accepted across Europe. However, carrying some cash is practical for smaller transactions or in places that don't accept cards. While paying with a credit card is convenient and tracks your expenses, some establishments may only accept cash tips . Always have a mix of coins and bills to cater to all tipping scenarios.

Local Currencies in Europe

While the euro is the common currency in many European countries, don't forget nations like Switzerland still use their own currency, the franc . Before visiting, check if the country uses the euro or a local currency to avoid any confusion, especially when you're giving a cash tip . Keep an assortment of euros and local currencies in smaller denominations for ease of tipping.

When traveling in Europe, you'll encounter situations where tipping practices can differ quite a bit from what you might be used to. Understanding these scenarios helps you navigate the cultural differences with ease.

Tipping Tour Guides and Group Tours

Tour Guides : A good rule of thumb is to tip your tour guide if you've had an enjoyable experience. Generally, you can consider giving €5 to €10 for a half-day tour or €10 to €20 for a full-day tour. For Group Tours , if you feel the guide has made your experience insightful, a similar amount per person is appropriate.

Self-Service and Counter Service

For Self-Service establishments, where you order and pick up your food at the counter, tipping is not required. However, if there's a tip jar present, you might want to leave some small change as a gesture of goodwill. At Counter Service cafes, you might round up to the nearest euro to show your appreciation for good service.

Service Fees and Cover Charges

Pay attention to your bill for items like "servizio incluso" (service included) or "servizio non incluso" (service not included). If a service fee is already included, you're not expected to tip extra, but you can if you received exceptional service. On the other hand, a cover charge (coperto) is not a tip, it's a standard fee for sitting down in an establishment and should not influence your decision to tip.

When you're traveling in Europe, understanding when and how much to tip can be a perplexing task. Rick Steves , a well-known travel authority, emphasizes that generous American-style tipping is generally not necessary in Europe. Instead, tipping is more modest.

Here are some quick pointers:

Restaurants: Check the bill for a service charge. If it's not included, consider rounding up or adding a small amount—5-10% is usually ample.

Taxis: Round up to the next whole euro amount for short trips or add 5-10% for longer distances.

Hotels: For housekeeping, 1-2 euros per night is customary, and a euro or two for porters per bag.

Following a tipping guide can prevent you from over-tipping or inadvertently offending the service staff with an excessive tip. When in doubt, it's respectful to follow local customs, and a small tip is often appreciated as a gesture of thanks for good service.

Remember, a smile and a polite 'thank you' in the local language also go a long way!

Our Guide to Tipping in Europe

By: Author Terri Fogarty

Tipping in Europe – What You Need to Know

Traveling to Europe should be an adventure, but trying to figure out the tipping rules for each country can be a headache. Here is our quick guide to the ins and outs of tipping in Europe.

Tipping in Austria

At restaurants in Austria you should round up the bill, or tip 5-10%. Tip in cash, handing the tip directly to the server, or tell the server how much the bill should be (including tip) before he or she makes change. For instance, if the bill is 52 Euros and you give the server 60 euros, tell the server “8 euros”

people sitting in a beergarden in Salzburg

Hotels: Tip porters € 1 per bag and leave a similar amount for the chambermaid each day. Taxis: Tip 10%, or round up to a higher amount on short trips. Lavatory attendants : € .50. Gas-station attendants : € 1 if the attendant fills your tank, washes the windshield, etc. Railroad and airport porters : Tip € .50 per bag in addition to the official fee. Sightseeing-tour guides : €1 at the end of the tour, or more for a longer tour or if you were especially pleased with the guide’s services.

Tipping in France

Tipping in France is not compulsory but is recommended. The bill in restaurants and cafés usually includes a 15 percent tip. It is referred to “service compris .” However, it is customary to leave some small change unless you are dissatisfied. If the service is not included in the price, “ service non compris, ” a 15 percent tip is customary. However, in chic restaurants, leave a generous tip.

Sunny day in busy rue Merciere in Lyon with people shopping, sitting in cafes etc.

Hotels : €1.50 for room service and €1-€1.50 per bag to porters. Taxi drivers : About 10 percent of the metered charge.

Tipping in Germany

In Germany , tipping is not compulsory, but it is typical to “round up” the amount to an even figure. A rule of thumb is to add 3-5%, generally ending with a full Euro amount. German waiters and waitresses are paid a salary and do not live off of tips as do their American counterparts but it never hurts to be generous.

Be sure to ask for your check; they will not present a bill until asked. And, do not leave the tip on the table; give it to your waiter when you pay.

Hotels: Tip porters € 1 per bag. Taxis: Tip 10%, or round up to a higher amount on short trips. Lavatory attendants : € 1 to 0.50. Gas-station attendants : € 1 if the attendant fills your tank, washes the windshield, etc. Railroad and airport porters : Tip € .50 per bag in addition to the official fee. Sightseeing-tour guides : €1 at the end of the tour, or more for a longer tour or if you were especially pleased with the guide’s services.

Tipping in Italy

In most restaurants in Italy , you may find both “ il coperto ” and “ servizio incluso ” written on the menu. “Il coperto” is the cover charge, which is generally one or two Euro, and which takes care of things like bread before the meal and a glass of tap water. “ Servizio incluso ” means that service is included, meaning they’ve already figured in a tip for you – it’s usually around 15% – so the total due on your final bill is all you’ll owe. If the service has been particularly outstanding or you’ve had a great experience, you can compliment the waiter by rounding up or leaving a couple Euro on the table.

Couple holding wine glasses in a restaurant in italy

Tipping after a meal is only done if you don’t see “ servizio incluso ” on the menu, or you specifically see “ servizio non incluso ” (service not included). In those situations, a 10% tip is fine, left in cash on the table or handed right to your waiter.

Tipping in the Netherlands

In The Netherlands , Value Added Tax and service charges are included in your check-in hotels, shops, and taxis. Unlike in the US, this is even the case for your restaurant check. Tips for extra service are always appreciated but not necessary.

It is customary to give taxi drivers and waiters a tip of about 10 percent. Many public restrooms have an attendant who is usually tipped EUR 0.50.

Tipping in Spain

In every single establishment in Spain, service is included with the price of the meal or drink. However, tipping is a common practice at bars and restaurants, hotels , and taxis, depending on the total price for the service, and on the generosity of the client. It is usually around five to ten percent of the total price.

Tipping in Switzerland

At Restaurants, a service charge is built into menu prices. However, it is customary to round up amounts when paying the waiter or waitress if you’re happy with the service. This means that you might hand the server CHF 50 for a CHF 47 meal. If you’re paying by credit card, hand the server a cash tip of up to 5%.

Hotels : Tip CHF 1-2 for each bag carried or service rendered, depending on the class of your hotel. Consider leaving CHF 1 per day for the hotel maid. In a resort hotel, you might want to leave a tip with the manager for dividing among the staff. (The amount will vary according to the length of your stay, the price of the accommodations, and your own generosity.)

Taxis: A service charge is included in Zürich cab fares; it may not be in other parts of the country. And as in restaurants, round up or add 5% when you’re happy with the service.

Tipping in the United Kingdom

Tipping is generally un-necessary in the UK, but if you feel the service was good and you want to show your appreciation, you certainly may.

Hotels : Most hotel bills include a service charge, usually 10-12%. For rooms, you can leave an optional amount to room staff. Restaurants : Many restaurant bills include a service charge; make sure you check the bill to avoid tipping twice. Where a service charge is not included, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill. Some restaurants now include a suggested tip in the bill total. Taxis : 10-15% of the fare Porterage : discretionary

Bottom Line – Tipping in Europe

The rule of thumb of tipping in Europe is to simply round up. If you are happy with the service, a tip of 5% is good and a tip of 10% is generous.

Tipping in Europe – What you need to know was Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com

Wednesday 8th of June 2016

This is perfect. I traveled across Europe when I was younger and this would have been really helpful to understand. Thanks so much fro sharing this!

Monday 10th of August 2015

It's important to know how to tip and get around in Europe. You don't want to be ignorant of what you are supposed to be tipping, and it's important to know how the taxi system may differ. That way you can be prepared for whatever happens.

Tips on Tipping in England

Tuesday 25th of November 2014

[…] Click here for practical information on tipping in Europe […]

Sunday 17th of June 2012

This article contains a lot mistakes. In all of the EU there is almost certainly no extra charge for tipping. It is almost always included in the total bill. Europe is not America. No waiter or waitress lives on tips. So don't give them any. Only of you really want to but there is no obligation whenever it comes to tipping.

europeupclose

Thursday 21st of June 2012

Hi Navros, I think you will see that I said that in most cases the tip is included in the payment. But, most people round off the bill to include a small extra tip. There is never an obligation to tip, it is just a way to reward good service.

Monday 14th of May 2012

I remember that in Italy it was very similar to the U.S. in terms of what we tipped for good service.

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The ultimate guide to tipping in Europe

Tipping can seem like a complicated subject to navigate, but don’t let anxiety take you over. We break down some of the most common tipping practices across Europe to make your next holiday a breeze.

Tipping can be a tricky or even contentious subject, and when you travel, things can get a little confusing. Is it mandatory? How much should I give? When do I tip and when do I not? Perhaps where you come from, tips are a way to show your appreciation for a job well done. Perhaps they’re a way for people working in service professions to make a fair wage. In the United States, for instance, tipping 15-20% on top of your final bill is usually expected, and leaving less than that can be seen as a sign of dissatisfaction with the service provided.

In some countries, it’s also not uncommon for a gratuity or a service charge to be automatically included in your bill. And in more extreme cases, like Japan or China, tipping at all can be considered a sign of disrespect and is highly discouraged.

Tipping in Europe is not as straightforward as you might think.. While in the past tipping a few euros could be considered a good rule of thumb, tipping traditions have evolved and vary from country to country. In order to help you navigate your next getaway, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate those last moments after your meal.

Your travels covered

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Tipping in Spain

Spain is known for its beautiful weather and delicious food, yet tipping in this popular summer destination is not entirely straightforward. Unlike many places, in Spain tipping isn’t regulated or mandatory, and it’s not uncommon for customers not to leave money in addition to their final bill. However, while it’s not an enforced rule, restaurants expect customers to leave a 10% gratuity for their meal.

For many other situations, many locals decide based on the quality and type of service if they will leave any tip. Keep in mind that some places will include a tip in their final bill, so it would be wise to take a look before leaving anything extra.

Learn more about tipping in Spain

Tipping in Italy

The land of pizza, espresso, and DaVinci, is also a rather tricky one when it comes to tipping. If a service charge is included in your bill, you will likely see it as “servizio.” However, should this not be included, it is customary to leave anywhere between 10-15%. Keep in mind that “coperto,” a common cover charge included in many bills, isn’t normally given to your server, therefore you shouldn’t see this as a substitute.

For other services such as hotels, taxis, and tours a few euros should normally be enough.

Learn more about tipping in Italy

Tipping in France

If you’ve ever heard the expression “service compris,” you’ll know that in France, a service charge is often included with your bill. Tipping anywhere from 5-10% for service if your tip isn’t included in the bill isn’t uncommon, although don’t let tipping anxiety get the best of you—by law, in France service workers are paid a minimum wage, and the tip, or “ pourboire ” is entirely voluntary. Like in many other European countries, tipping hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers, a few euros or about 10% is a good rule of thumb, unless anyone provides an extra service.

Tipping in Germany and Austria

Germany and Austria have pretty established tipping cultures, and while a small percentage of Germans and Austrians still choose not to tip at all, leaving 5-10% of your bill total as tip, or “trinkgeld,” is customary in most instances. For sit-down meals at restaurants a tip for good service is expected and 10% tip is usually the norm. Be sure to include the tip to the total sum when paying by credit card before paying, or you can always opt to pay the tip in cash. Whatever you do, don’t leave the tip on the table and walk away

For smaller meals, coffee, or at bars, rounding up to the nearest euro is also acceptable, although some choose to leave a little more depending on the service provided.

Learn more about tipping in Germany

Tipping in Scandinavian countries

Unlike most of Europe, tipping in nordic countries is not only uncommon, but also not expected. Generally speaking, restaurants include a service charge so feel free to round up and leave the change if you want. Taxi drivers and hotel employees also don’t expect a gratuity, but if an extraordinary service is provided, leaving a small tip in cash at your could be considered appropriate.

Tipping in Europe

While there is no one-size-fits-all playbook for tipping in the rest of Europe, a good rule of thumb is to look out for service charges included in your bill. These are generally an indicator that you don’t have to leave extra money, or can possibly just add a little bit extra on top of your bill. Any time you don’t see an included tip, leaving 5-10% on top of your total will likely be appropriate for most situations. For coffee shops, bars, taxis, and other service industries, leaving a few euros or rounding up your total can also be a good rule of thumb. For restaurant meals 10% is seen as very adequate while 15% is usually rather generous.

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Tipping in Italy: a guide to Italian tipping culture

Tipping in Italy isn’t as common as in other countries. While locals sometimes leave a small tip, there are a few situations when you should absolutely leave a tip in Italy — find out more here.

Tipping in France: what you need to know

Tipping is a common practice in many countries, but tipping habits and cultures vary worldwide. To avoid confusion — and any social faux pas — check out our guide to tipping in France.

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How Much To Tip A Tour Guide In Italy?

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Ezmeralda Burrow

Budget Travel
Travel Tips

Introduction

Italy is renowned for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the iconic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice to the charming coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had in this enchanting country.

When exploring Italy, many travelers opt to join guided tours to make the most of their visit. Whether it’s a walking tour of the Colosseum in Rome, a wine tasting excursion in Tuscany, or a gondola ride in Venice, tour guides play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding and enjoyment of the places we visit. One question that often arises is: how much should you tip a tour guide in Italy?

Tipping etiquette can vary from country to country, and Italy is no exception. While tipping is not mandatory in Italy, it is generally appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for exceptional service. However, it’s important to navigate the customs correctly to ensure you show your appreciation without overstepping any cultural boundaries.

In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when tipping tour guides in Italy, the typical tip range, regional differences in tipping customs, and alternative ways to show your appreciation. By understanding the dynamics of tipping in Italy, you can ensure a positive and respectful interaction with your tour guide while maximizing your enjoyment of this beautiful country.

Factors to Consider

When determining how much to tip a tour guide in Italy, there are several factors to consider. These factors can help you gauge the level of service provided and determine an appropriate tip amount. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Quality of Service: The first and most obvious factor to consider is the quality of service provided by the tour guide. Did they go above and beyond to make your experience enjoyable? Did they provide informative and engaging commentary? Assessing the level of service will help you determine if a higher or lower tip is warranted.
Group Size: The size of the tour group can also impact the tipping amount. If you were part of a large group, the tour guide may have had to divide their attention among many participants. In such cases, consider a slightly higher tip to acknowledge the additional effort required.
Duration of the Tour: The length of the tour can also influence the tip amount. If the tour lasted several hours or even a whole day, the tour guide likely put in more time and effort. In such cases, a larger tip may be appropriate.
Special Services or Requests: If the tour guide went out of their way to accommodate special requests or provided personalized attention, it’s customary to show your appreciation with a more generous tip. Examples of special services could include assistance with accessibility needs, recommending local restaurants, or arranging additional experiences.
Local Cost of Living: It’s essential to consider the local cost of living when determining the tip amount. Italy, like many European countries, generally has a higher cost of living compared to other parts of the world. Taking this into account can help ensure your tip is fair and in line with local standards.

Keep in mind that while these factors can guide your tipping decision, the ultimate amount you tip is a personal choice based on your satisfaction with the service provided and your own budgetary considerations. It’s always appreciated to acknowledge exceptional service with a generous tip, but it’s equally important to tip within your means.

Now that we have examined the factors to consider when tipping a tour guide in Italy, let’s explore the typical tip range and regional differences in tipping customs.

Typical Tip Range

While tipping in Italy is not obligatory, it is customary to show your appreciation for exceptional service. When it comes to tipping tour guides, there is a general range that is considered acceptable. As a guideline, tipping between 10-15% of the tour price is commonly practiced.

For example, if your tour cost €100, a tip of €10-€15 would be appropriate. However, if you feel that the service exceeded your expectations or if the tour guide went above and beyond, you may choose to tip on the higher end of the range or even beyond it.

It’s important to note that tipping is not mandatory, and tour guides do not rely solely on tips for their income. Nevertheless, they do appreciate the gesture as it recognizes their hard work and dedication.

When deciding on the tip amount, it’s essential to consider the overall cost of the tour and your budget. While a 10-15% tip is customary, it’s perfectly acceptable to tip less if you were not fully satisfied with the service or if your budget does not allow for a larger tip.

Remember, tipping should be a genuine expression of gratitude, and it should never cause financial strain. If you are unsure about the appropriate tip amount, it’s always helpful to ask the tour operator or do some research on local tipping customs beforehand.

Now that we have discussed the typical tip range, let’s explore the regional differences in tipping customs within Italy.

Regional Differences

While Italy is a unified country, it is important to note that regional differences exist when it comes to tipping customs. Tipping practices can vary across different cities and regions in Italy. Here are some key regional differences to be aware of:

North vs. South: Generally, tipping practices in the northern part of Italy tend to be more common and expected compared to the southern regions. In cities like Milan or Turin, where tourism is more prevalent, tipping is often seen as a customary practice. However, in the southern regions, such as Sicily or Calabria, tipping may be less customary or expected.

Tourist Hotspots: Popular tourist destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice tend to have more established tipping expectations due to the high number of visitors. In these cities, it is common to tip tour guides as they play a crucial role in providing informative and engaging experiences.

Rural Areas: In more rural or remote areas of Italy, tipping may not be as common or expected. Since tourism may be less prevalent in these regions, the tipping culture may be more relaxed or non-existent. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is always appreciated to show your gratitude with a tip.

It’s important to adapt to the regional customs and expectations when it comes to tipping. Observing the tipping practices of locals or seeking advice from your local tour operator can provide helpful insights into the specific expectations of the region you are visiting.

Now that we have explored the regional differences in tipping customs, let’s discuss the distinction between group tours and private tours when it comes to tipping tour guides in Italy.

Group Tours vs. Private Tours

When it comes to tipping tour guides in Italy, there can be some differences between group tours and private tours. Here are some considerations to keep in mind for each type of tour:

Group Tours: In group tours, where multiple individuals are participating in the same guided experience, it is common practice to pool tips together and provide a collective tip to the tour guide. The tour operator or guide may collect the tip at the end of the tour and distribute it among the guides and staff involved. In such cases, it is customary to follow the typical tip range mentioned earlier and contribute accordingly. If you feel that the service provided by a specific guide was exceptional, you may consider giving an additional individual tip directly to them.

Private Tours: Private tours offer a more personalized and tailored experience for individuals or small groups. In these cases, the tip amount may carry more weight as the service is exclusively focused on the needs and preferences of the client. For private tours, it is common to tip on the higher end of the typical tip range, especially if the tour guide has provided exceptional service or tailored the experience to your specific interests.

Whether you are in a group tour or a private tour, it’s important to consider the level of service and the individual effort put forth by the tour guide. Acknowledging their hard work and dedication through a tip is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation.

Now that we have discussed the differences between group tours and private tours, let’s explore some alternative ways to show your appreciation to tour guides in Italy.

Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation

Tipping is not the only way to show your appreciation to tour guides in Italy. Here are some alternative ways to express your gratitude:

Write a Review: Leaving a positive online review on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, or the tour operator’s website is a fantastic way to show your appreciation. Your feedback can help future travelers make informed decisions and can also boost the tour guide’s reputation.
Recommendations: If you had a great experience with a tour guide, spread the word! Share your positive experience with friends, family, or fellow travelers who plan to visit Italy. Personal recommendations can have a significant impact on a tour guide’s business.
Thank-You Note: A handwritten thank-you note can go a long way in showing your gratitude. Take a moment to express your appreciation for the tour guide’s knowledge, passion, and dedication. This thoughtful gesture will be cherished by the tour guide.
Show Interest: Engage with the tour guide throughout the tour by asking questions, showing genuine interest, and actively participating in the experience. This interaction demonstrates your appreciation and validates the tour guide’s efforts.
Participate in Local Culture: Immersing yourself in the local culture and customs can be an indirect way of showing appreciation. Respect local traditions, learn a few basic phrases in Italian, and show genuine curiosity about the places you visit. This shows the tour guide that you value their expertise and their country.

These alternative ways to show appreciation can have a lasting impact on tour guides in Italy. While tipping is appreciated, these gestures can also make a meaningful difference in their professional lives.

Finally, let’s summarize the key points and offer some final thoughts on tipping tour guides in Italy.

Final Thoughts

Tipping tour guides in Italy is a personal decision that should be based on the quality of service received, the regional customs, and your own budget. While tipping is not mandatory in Italy, it is generally appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for exceptional service.

When considering how much to tip, factors such as the quality of service, group size, duration of the tour, special services or requests, and the local cost of living should be taken into account. The typical tip range for tour guides in Italy is around 10-15% of the tour price, but it’s important to tip within your means and based on your satisfaction with the service provided.

Regional differences in tipping customs exist in Italy, with the northern regions generally expecting more tipping compared to the south. Popular tourist destinations may have more established tipping practices, while rural areas may have more relaxed customs. Adapting to the local practices and seeking advice from tour operators or locals can help navigate these regional differences.

In group tours, it is common to pool tips together and provide a collective tip to the tour guide. Private tours offer a more personalized experience, and tipping on the higher end of the typical range is appreciated. However, it’s always important to consider the level of service and individual effort put forth by the tour guide.

Aside from tipping, alternative ways to express appreciation include writing reviews, recommending the tour guide to others, sending thank-you notes, actively engaging during the tour, and immersing yourself in the local culture. These gestures can have a lasting impact on tour guides and contribute to their professional growth.

Remember, tipping should be a genuine expression of gratitude and should never cause financial strain. It’s always helpful to research local customs and seek guidance from trusted sources if you are unsure about the appropriate tip amount.

By understanding the factors to consider, regional differences, and alternative ways to show appreciation, you can engage with tour guides in Italy in a respectful and considerate manner, ensuring a positive experience for both you and the guide.

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Tipping in Europe: An American’s Ultimate Guide

Tipping in the United States is often obligatory. Americans are accustomed to tipping their servers from formal dining settings to taxi rides. This is because Americans in the service industry largely rely on tips to earn an adequate income.

Waiters and waitresses, for example, earn just over $29,000 a year; one of the lowest salaries of full-time jobs in America. Fortunately, this is not the case in Europe.

As a result, tips are not expected in Europe as they are in the United States. American tourists often find this difficult to adjust to, so here is a comprehensive guide on tipping in Europe.

What is tipping culture like in Europe?

Americans are typically accustomed to leaving at least a 15 to 20 percent tip, especially at a U.S. restaurant. For many, tipping lower than that is indicative of poor service, while not tipping at all can feel downright wrong for many.

Tipping culture in Europe is very different, so there are some habits American travelers will want to leave at home. For most, tips are not expected in Europe, and it's fine not to tip at all, especially in more casual settings like bars or cafes.

In other cases, though, small tips may be warranted. That said, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to tipping in Europe, as it all depends on which country the tipper is in, the setting, and the quality of service.

Tipping in France

France is known worldwide as one of, if not the, best country for dining. Travelers would be remiss not to sample some of France’s best restaurants, bistros, and cafes. As a result, ample opportunity exists to leave, or not leave, a tip.

In France, tips are not obligatory . Like most European countries, French service industry workers are paid a living wage and do not rely on tips to earn a fair income.

One of the ways France supports its café, restaurant, and bar servers is by including a service fee equivalent to 15 percent of the bill. This is called service compris . Tourists can think of this as a tip, as it goes to the waiter. That said, diners may still leave a small tip to show appreciation.

The same goes for taxi drivers. Tipping is not expected, but passengers may wish to round up or leave an extra euro or two - especially if the driver helps with bags.

Rounding up is one of the most common tipping customs in France and Europe. Visitors can simply round the bill up to the next euro when a larger tip may not be warranted.

Tipping etiquette

Tipping in France isn’t quite as easy as rounding up or just not tipping at all. While this is usually sufficient, there are scenarios in which bigger tips can and should be offered, including:

Fine dining settings with attentive service: Five to ten percent
Dining with a larger group: One or two euros per person
Taxi drivers who help with bags: One or two euros per bag
Bellhops at hotels: One or two euros per bag
Housekeeping: Two to four euros per night
Concierge service: Five to 20 euros depending on the service

In the vast majority of cases, tipping should be in cash. Unlike most American restaurants, European servers will conduct payment at the table.

This means diners can either tell the server directly how much tip to add or hand them cash directly. Cash is generally the best way to ensure the server gets all of the tips.

Tipping in Italy

Italy is another European country known for serving some of the best food in the world. Travelers worldwide flock to Italy just to taste the pizza, pasta, and wine that Italy is renowned for.

Tipping is much less common in Italy than in some European countries, such as France. In the majority of cases, tips are not necessary . However, there are some instances in which you can tip.

Small tips can be left at restaurants in cases of excellent service. A small tip usually means a couple of euros, or perhaps five to ten percent of the bill. While a tip of this size would indicate poor service in the United States, it's appreciated in Italy. That said, leaving no tip at all would be considered normal.

As with many European countries, an accepted tipping practice is simply leaving the change from the bill or rounding up to the next euro. While this may not seem significant, it is a gesture of appreciation for service.

Diners should also check their bills for servizio incluso . This additional fee may be on a bill to cover the service. Unlike in France, this extra fee is not the law in Italy. However, when it is included, an extra tip is not necessary.

While tipping is not often expected in dining scenarios, there are some situations in which tipping is more often expected than not, including:

Housekeeping: One euro per night
Concierge: Five to ten euros depending on service
Porters: One euro per bag
Tour guides: Five to ten euros

Tour guides are one of the few professions in Italy that expect and rely on tips. Free tours are a common offering throughout Europe, and guides rely on tips for income. Even when it is a paid tour, tips are usually expected.

As with most countries in Europe, tips are best in cash. Restaurant bills will not have a line to add a tip, so cash handed directly to the server is the best practice.

Tipping in Greece

Greece differs from other European countries because servers are typically paid lower wages. Similar to the United States, tipping is not mandatory, but is often expected to support the server's living wage.

This is especially due to Greece’s economic dependency on tourism. For many Greek islands, such as Santorini, restaurants are full during the peak tourist season.

The rest of the year, tables are often left vacant. As a result, tipping can go a long way for servers who endure harder times in the off-season.

Even though tipping is more expected in Greece than in many other European countries, it still differs from the United States. American tippers will not need to tip as big in Greece as they might back home. For example, tipping a server ten percent is plenty. Anything over 15 percent would be considered very generous.

In Greece, service fees are rare. In cases with a service fee, though, it is typically listed on the menu rather than the check. A full tip is not needed on top of the service fee, although some diners may still choose to round up to the next Euro.

Since tipping etiquette in Greece can differ from other European countries, here is a quick guide:

Restaurant servers: Five to ten percent
Taxi drivers: Round to the next euro
Bars and cafes: No tip is necessary
Housekeeping: One or two euros per night
Nail and hair salons: No tip is necessary

As with most countries in Europe, Greek tour guides rely on tips. It is also important to note that tourists should always tip in the currency of their host country. EU countries that do not use the euro include:

Czech Republic

Tipping in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and, therefore, one of the most expensive to visit. People worldwide head to Switzerland to experience luxury at its finest; from restaurants to hotels. Many may be surprised to learn that there is no national minimum wage in Switzerland.

With this in mind, it's fair to wonder if Swiss service industry workers make a living wage. Fortunately, all Swiss restaurants charge a service fee. This ensures that servers are fairly paid without a tip.

Since restaurants charge a service fee, tips are not expected. It is customary to round up in full-service restaurants, leaving as much as five extra euros when the service is excellent.

However, larger tips are rarely expected. They can be appropriate, though, when dining in a larger group that requires more attention. As with any country, tips are not compulsory and should only be left when the service warrants it. Travelers should not be expected to tip when the service is unsatisfactory.

By and large, visitors do not have to worry about tipping in Switzerland. Again, restaurants charge a service fee, so rounding up or adding just an extra Euro is sufficient. There are some situations in which tipping is more expected, though:

Cafe servers: No tip necessary, although you can round the bill up if there is table service.
Bartenders: No tip is necessary, although you may if the service covers a prolonged period.
Taxi: No tip is necessary, although you can round the bill up, especially when bags are loaded and unloaded.
Porters: One to two euros per bag.
Housekeepers: One to two euros per night.

Similar to most European countries, tips in Switzerland are best in cash. Since tipping isn’t as customary as in the United States, receipts usually do not have a line to add a tip.

Do Americans need a visa to enter Europe?

Currently, U.S. Citizens do not need a visa to enter Europe, and they can stay in Europe for up to 90 days in 180 days without needing authorisation. This will change in 2025 with the implementation of ETIAS .

While Americans will continue to be able to travel throughout Europe visa-free, they will need to apply for ETIAS, an electronic visa-waiver program.

What is a Visa Waiver?

A visa waiver is an application process that allows certain travelers to enter a country without a visa. In the case of ETIAS, it allows travelers from 60 countries , including the United States, to enter the Schengen Area without a Schengen Visa.

This saves these travelers from the longer, more labor-intensive process of acquiring a Schengen Visa . ETIAS is a quick process that digitally attaches to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for up to three years.

What is the purpose of ETIAS?

The United States has a similar system called ESTA , which was introduced following September 11th, 2001. ETIAS has a similar scope - to further secure EU borders and citizens. In 2016, ETIAS was proposed for the following reasons:

Each year, around 200 million people cross EU borders, which continues to rise.
As a result of several international crises, the number of refugees and people seeking asylum has risen sharply.
Terrorist attacks have become disturbingly frequent, threatening the lives of citizens who call Europe home.
Technological advancements have made electronic pre-travel authorization a realistic and practical way of maintaining border checks and security.

ETIAS will create a safer EU not just for its citizens but also for its visitors.

What to do next

European customs can differ quite drastically from those of the United States. Tipping is one example. Thus, American travelers can often over-tip due to these differences.

While tipping customs are not the same in every European country, the best rule of thumb is to leave five to ten percent when in doubt. In many cases, though, this can be too much.

American citizens should also understand that they will soon be required to apply for ETIAS before entering Europe. This will change the way many people travel, so travelers need to understand how ETIAS affects them.

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A Guide to Tipping for Travelers

Andersen Ross Photography Inc / Getty Images

Tipping correctly can save you time, embarrassment, and money. While traveling, many people will offer their services to help make life easier, but it can sometimes be hard to tell who's just doing their job and who expects a tip.

Tipping is payment for a service rendered, but tipping can also be an act of gratitude for someone who goes beyond the call of duty, like a concierge securing front-row seats to the hottest show in town. Choosing not to tip will send a clear message that you have been dissatisfied with the service you've received.

These tipping guidelines are for the United States only. Expectations (and tipping amounts) can vary quite a bit from country to country. Check the travel guide for the particular country you will be visiting for the proper tipping etiquette.

Hotels and Resorts

Occasionally, you might stay at a hotel or resort with a no-tipping policy. In this case, you might find that you are already paying for service by way of a resort fee or service charge added your final bill.

When valeting your car, tip $1 to $2 to the attendant when he retrieves your car. You can also tip when dropping your car off, but this is optional.
You don't need to tip the doorman when he opens the door for you, but if he hails you a cab, you should tip $1 to $2.
Tip bellhops and luggage porters $1 to $2 for every bag they bring up to your room. At a luxury hotel, you might tip more, as much as $5 per bag.
For housekeeping, leave a daily tip of $1 to $5 per day, depending on the type of hotel and the size of the mess you've made.
If you order room service, you'll find most hotels already include a service charge on the bill. If there's no service charge, tip 15 percent.
The hotel concierge exists to help guests, so it's not necessary to tip if they give you directions or make a restaurant recommendation. However, if the service has been especially valuable, such as getting reservations to a restaurant that claims to be totally booked, tipping $5 to $20 is reasonable.
Be sure to check out our guide for tipping in Las Vegas as well.

In general, more and more cruise lines are moving away from traditional tipping and adding service charges, which will be split evenly among the crew. It varies from line to line, so make sure to ask about their tipping policy before you book your next cruise.

If the cruise line automatically adds the service charge to your account, you may be able to adjust it lower or higher as you deem necessary. The recommended amount is $10 to $20 per passenger for every day of your cruise.
Baggage handlers work for the port and not the cruise ship, so you should tip $1 to $2 per bag or $4 to $5 per party.
Like at a hotel, you can leave $1 to $5 per day for housekeeping in your cabin.
You will most likely have different servers every day, but if there is someone that stands out (like a bartender who remembers your drink order), feel free to hand them a small token of appreciation.
Upon any delivery to your cabin, like room service or a special request, you should tip $1 to $3 per visit depending on how much you order.
Tipping the head waiter isn't necessary, but you can give $5 to $10 if they accommodate a special request or go above and beyond.
Onshore excursions, you should tip your guides based on the level of personalization from $2 to $10.
For children's club counselors, tipping is not necessary.
It's the ship captain's job to command the ship and, occasionally, socialize with guests. Tipping is not necessary and would most likely be refused.

Restaurants and Bars

Whether you're enjoying a night out on the town or just popping down to the hotel lounge for a nightcap, standard tipping practices still apply when you're traveling.

Tip your server 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill based on the pre-tax total of the bill or more if you enjoyed the service. If a service charge has already been included, feel free to leave without tipping.
Bartenders should be tipped $1 per drink served, even if they're just pouring beer or wine.
Tip the sommelier 10 percent of your wine costs, even if it's a less expensive vintage.
If there is a bathroom attendant, who doesn't just hand out towels but also keeps the bathroom clean, drop a few coins in the tip jar or tip $1 per visit.
When collecting your things at the coat check, tip $1 per item checked.

Transportation

Depending on how you choose to get around when you travel, you might be expected to tip.

It's customary to tip cab drivers 15 percent to 20 percent of the fare.
If you use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, you're not obligated to tip the driver, but it's considerate to give $1 to $2 for a short trip or more for a long-haul ride.
If you arrange an airport shuttle transfer, tip $1 for every bag handled.
Tip limousine drivers 15 percent to 20 percent, unless a service charge is included.

How much you tip a tour guide varies depending on the tour's length, size, and overall quality. In most countries, tipping your guide at the end of a tour is standard practice and will be rarely turned down.

For a tour that only lasts a few hours, tip your guide 10 percent to 20 percent the cost of the tour. How much you tip also depends on the size of your tour, so you should tip more for a more personalized experience.
For a multi-day tour, you should tip your guide $5 to $10 per day on the last day.
If there was a driver in addition to a guide, tip them $1 to $5 per day.
For free tours, which are offered in many large cities , you should tip between $5 to $10, depending on the quality of the tour.

Spas and Salons

If you purchase an individualized service at a spa or salon, you'll be expected to leave a tip. Some spas might already include a service charge, so make sure to ask about this at the front desk when you go to pay.

For a spa treatment like a massage or a facial, tip 15 percent to 20 percent if no service fee has been included. If you're getting the treatment at a discount, your tip should be based on the original price.
There's no need to tip if you're visiting a spa with common facilities like saunas or hot springs without purchasing an extra treatment.
Medical spas might have more complicated treatments, like botox injections. Usually, tipping is not allowed for these kinds of services.
Hairstylists and manicurists should be tipped at 15 percent to 20 percent.
If someone else washes your hair, you can give them a $1 to $5.

Golf Courses

If you decide to go for a round of golf on vacation, you might run into these tipping scenarios.

On a golf course, the bag boy takes your clubs when you arrive and sets them up in a golf cart for you. He will also wipe them down before you leave, so tip $1 to $2 on arrival and $2 to $5 as you leave.
If you arrive without a tee time and the starter fits you in, you can tip them $1 to $5.
Caddies should be tipped 50 percent of the caddie fee, adjusted higher or lower for your satisfaction with their service.
A forecaddie works for a group of golfers and should be tipped $20 to $25 per player.

A Guide to Tipping in New York City

A Guide to Tipping Hotel Employees

A Guide to Tipping in Germany

A Guide to Tipping in Portugal

A Guide to Tipping in India

How Much You Should Tip in Amsterdam

A Guide to Tipping in Chicago

A Guide to Tipping in Mexico

A Guide to Tipping in France

A Guide to Tipping in the United Kingdom

A Guide to Tipping in Ireland

A Guide to Tipping in Nepal

A Guide to Tipping in Peru

A Guide to Tipping in Asia

Guide to Tipping in Las Vegas

A Guide to Tipping in Canada

The ultimate guide to tipping in Europe

Tipping in Europe isn't what it used to be. Though rounding up a restaurant bill by a few pounds or euros might have been the accepted practice in the past, in many destinations, it's now much more important to understand the percentages of your tip.

Should you be tipping housekeepers daily? And what about taxi drivers? You may have heard that French waiters are paid a solid professional wage and don't work for tips. But how true is that in 2022? Are you undertipping or overtipping during ski season in the Alps?

It's a veritable gratuity minefield out there. Simply knowing how much to tip can often be as awkward as knowing exactly how to tip (more on that later).

So come with us as we guide you through the choppy waters of tipping in Europe. And as we go, keep in mind that at the moment, euros and U.S. dollars are just about equal in value, so the amount of each tip listed in euros is about the same in U.S. currency.

How much should I tip in European restaurants?

A good rule of thumb when dining out in Europe — depending, of course, on the quality of the setting or the level of service provided — is to tip between 10% and 15% of the bill before tax.

However, in countries where hospitality workers typically enjoy higher wages than the norm, you may reasonably consider dialing your generosity down. Jannie Jørgensen, a professional secretary at The United Federation of Workers in Denmark (3F), the country's largest trade union with approximately 272,000 members, told TPG, "In Scandinavia, staff do not expect tips in the way they do in other countries. Because of the Danish [labor market] model, staff here get a salary they can live off and aren't dependent on tips."

There is "no culture of tipping" among the Danish, she adds. Instead, it is largely up to the individual. A former waitress herself, Jørgensen says that a regular diner in Copenhagen would generally tip 10% of the bill if they receive good service.

Of course, if the service is exemplary or somebody went out of their way to assist you — perhaps the chatty sommelier found the finest bottle of red for your perfectly cooked steak — then feel free to drop a 15% or even 20% tip in Nordic regions.

In mainland Europe, you can't really go wrong with anywhere between 10% and 15% as a standard tip, with anything more considered a bonus.

Should I still tip if a service charge has been added to the bill?

Depending on your point of view, adding a service charge to your bill is either a blight on the continent's best restaurants or a handy way of eliminating awkwardness around tipping.

The good news is, if you've scanned the bill and spotted a service charge — typically between 12.5% and 15% — then there's usually no need for an additional tip, though leaving some change is still appreciated.

In France, a 15% service charge ("service compris") is automatically added to bills in restaurants by law, but it's also still common for customers to leave a small token of a couple of euros for solid service. Being a waiter in France is widely seen as a more professional occupation than it is in many other countries, and, as such, staff are paid a higher base wage. As a result, you'll rarely find servers hovering over your table refilling drinks with the same frenzied verve as in the U.S., but tips can still make a real difference.

In 2017, France's Union des Métiers et des Industries de l'Hôtellerie (UMIH) even called for mandatory cash tips after the number of customers paying in cold hard currency dropped off. When considering your tip it's worth bearing in mind the current cost of living crisis and skyrocketing inflation biting into workers' paychecks across Europe — particularly in eye-wateringly expensive cities such as Paris.

Related: 4 European routes where you should take a train instead of a plane

While tipping may not be an expectation when service charges are included in your bill it's worth noting that not all restaurants are up front about where their "service charge" goes. In Denmark for example, Jørgensen says the service charges on bills "usually goes to the restaurant and not the staff." Additionally, if you choose to add a gratuity by credit or debit card, ask your server if they receive all the tips directly; they may well prefer being tipped in cash instead.

In August, Unite The Union took aim at the plush Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond, Scotland, after it was revealed 60 workers had been blindsided by a blanket 10% service charge that didn't go to the staff and left them between £200 and £300 pounds ($225 and $340) a month worse off. Which raises the question…

Is it better to tip in cash rather than by card?

Liz Wyse — etiquette advisor at Debrett's , a British company that has been coaching private clients and luxury brands as on authority on behavior since 1769 — says when it comes to tipping, cash is still king.

"It is always preferable to tip in cash. It ensures that the recipient is actually in receipt of the gratuity, and avoids making the whole tipping process cumbersome.

"If you are paying for a service by card and there is a facility to add a tip, then you should certainly do so in preference to leaving no tip at all. Better still, ensure that you have plenty of cash available for tipping purposes at the end of your stay."

Should I tip taxi drivers in Europe?

While tipping a cabbie is not always done up in Denmark, it is nonetheless "good karma to tip drivers," according to Jørgensen. In fact, this is true in most European nations, where a gratuity isn't a necessity when catching a taxi but is often gratefully appreciated.

If you encounter exceptional service (off-the-beaten-path tips for sightseeing, help hoisting large bags or suitcases into the trunk) then by all means go the extra mile in return. Just remember that taxi services in particularly touristic areas will often have steady work and slightly higher fares than elsewhere, so a huge tip won't be expected.

Tipping in cash? The best way is to round up to the nearest euro or equivalent, which also removes the need for mental arithmetic when trying to convert currency and percentages. Again, you should consider the local cost of living standards as you may find a big disparity in average tips between wealthier nations and poorer ones.

Should I tip housekeepers in European hotels?

According to Debrett's Wyse: you should always tip housekeepers.

These unsung heroes are also some of the most underpaid hotel staff around, says the etiquette expert. They're also often at the bottom of the tipping pyramid, so they tend not to get the same cash rewards from guests that are enjoyed by their front-of-house colleagues.

"In most countries €10 a week is perfectly acceptable — or €15 to €20 if you think the service was exceptional," says Wyse. "Generally, in good hotels, you will receive excellent service whether you leave a gratuity daily or not. It is therefore easier to leave a lump sum at the end of your stay. It is a nice gesture to add a note saying thanks for the service — and this will eliminate any uncertainty about the tip. Some hotels provide envelopes for gratuities; if not, just leave it on the nightstand."

If you're unsure on the day you check-out that the housekeeper looking after you is working, you can also hand an envelope with money and a thank you note at reception when you check out.

Related: Mobile tipping comes to hotels: Will housekeepers really benefit?

How much should I tip European hotel porters?

Listen, we've all seen Home Alone 2: Lost in New York . Nobody wants to tip hotel porters (or bellmen) with chewing gum if they can avoid it.

Should you find yourself standing next to a hotel employee who's just hauled your bags and suitcases up two flights of stairs, a tip of €1 to €2 per bag will suffice. However, if you've got more baggage than Jay Gatsby then maybe round it up to a crisp €5 note.

How much should I tip door staff and hotel concierge?

The fixers. The taxi flaggers. The behatted wonders who keep those revolving doors revolving. If there was a beating heart of a hotel, the door staff and concierge would be it.

With no bills in sight and much of the tipping with these heavyweights "off the books," so to speak, we asked Wyse to break down how much you should be looking to slide them:

If they flag or book you a taxi: "Not essential to tip — but at most €1 to €2."
If they help you plan a surprise for a loved one: "Tip is necessary — depending on the complexity of the surprise and amount of effort expended, €5-10."
If they sort out tickets for the hottest show in town: "Tip is necessary — probably around €10, though tip should be commensurate with difficulty of getting tickets. If they've helped you secure rarely available seats, which cost €100 to €150 or more each, then you should increase your tip accordingly — to at least €20."

Should I tip European bar staff?

Unlike in the U.S., where it's common to tip a bartender a dollar or the equivalent of a drink, it's practically unheard of in Europe. By all means, tip a few extra euros to a bartender who's gone the extra mile, or drop a few euros in the tip jar before you stagger out into the night, but tipping is always the exception when you order a drink at the bar, not the rule.

There are some exceptions, however. Germans, for example, will normally round a bill up to the nearest euro if expectations were met, and it's a good rule to follow if you've just enjoyed a few frosty steins. Likewise, there may be more of an expectancy for tips among bar staff working in buzzier nightlife destinations, such as Ibiza or Amsterdam, but they won't begrudge you for not leaving any change.

Table service, on the other hand, is a different story. In this instance, you should tip as you would in a restaurant, between 10% and 15%.

Always ensure you know how the "local" price of a pint converts to your own currency. After all, if you do want to tip on a round, there's no point gifting the equivalent of a dollar per drink in a city like Budapest, where the average pint of local beer works out to $1.65.

"While it may seem penny-pinching to factor in the average cost of living when calculating a gratuity, it is sensible to do so, otherwise you might find that your tips are absurdly extravagant," says Wyse. "It is not an exact science, and you should certainly err on the side of generosity in countries where the wages are lower."

If in doubt, tip like a local

When sizing up other tables on your travels, you may find that the natives aren't all that big into tipping. So, when in Rome, should you do as the locals do?

Emanuele Barrasso, ambassador for Italian wine brand Antinori with a long background in hospitality, believes so. "There's not really a strict rule on tipping in Italy; it's more of a courtesy gesture," he says. "Leaving a tip is entirely up to the guest; it's not a given, although it will be appreciated."

Related: Which first-class high-speed rail service between Milan and Paris is best?

Much like in France, one of the reasons that tipping culture isn't all that prevalent in Italy is that restaurants and cafes are likely to include a service charge ("servizie") or even cover charge ("coperto") from the start. Often, Barrasso adds, it depends on the sort of establishment you frequent.

"If it's a high-end restaurant, tips are very common, although, again, they are not expected," he explains. "If you don't tip in places like this — up to 10% of the bill — it might be perceived as rude. Again, it all boils down to courtesy. I was in the hospitality service for many years; therefore, I am the first to recognize all the effort and length servers go to provide guests with an enjoyable experience."

In short, just because you might look and sound like a foreigner doesn't mean hospitality staff will be expecting you to line their palm with silver. Take it on a case-by-case basis, depending on the level of service and where you find yourself.

How can I hand someone a tip without looking awkward?

Want to avoid any clunky moments when handing a cash tip to a member of staff? Remember these four pointers, says Wyse, and you can't go wrong:

"Have the money ready, no fiddling in pockets, bags or wallets."
"There is no need to conceal the money and press it into the recipient's palm."
"Simply hold out the folded note or coins with your right hand and accompany the gesture with a smile and a thank you."
"If you intend to shake hands with the person you are tipping, do so after you have handed over the money as a valedictory gesture."

And whatever you do, don't pile a bunch of random coins into someone's grasp, or make a show of not having any change. It's a straight-up no-no:

"Always make sure you have small-denomination notes, or large-denomination coins, ready when you are going to tip," Wyse says. "Emptying out your pockets and filling someone's hands with a random assortment of loose change is rude. It's also rude to look in your wallet, fish out a 50-euro note, and then say 'I'm so sorry, I don't seem to have any small change.' This will come across as patronizing."

Bottom line

Tip well for excellent service. Tip fairly for good-to-average service. Don't tip at all for terrible service.

Look to see if a service charge has already been added to a bill, and if not, base your tip on the amount before tax is added. If you're looking to tip on a credit card, then be sure to ask if the staff will actually receive it. Try to leave cash whenever possible.

Above all, be courteous and patient. This is a two-way street; you may find being a nice human being scores you better service than any wad of cash might do.

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American tipping culture means employers only have to pay waiters $2/hour — here's why

With so many industries now building tipping into people's tabs, it can be overwhelming to know when you're supposed to leave a little extra and how much.

The practice has brought on phenomena like guilt tipping , or the pressure to tip whenever presented the option, and tipflation , or customers seemingly being asked to tip everywhere. A majority, 60% of Americans say they're tipping more these days, according to an April 2023 LendingTree survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers. And about a quarter, 24%, say they always feel pressured to tip when presented the option.

While many industries have adopted the practice, tipping is most entrenched in the restaurant industry, where workers rely on gratuities to make up much of their wages. Even there, Americans have long been ambivalent about it.

Here's how tipping came to America in the first place, and how it became institutionalized in food services, specifically.

Americans brought tipping over from Europe

As a practice, tipping has its origins in Europe of the Middle Ages (a period which lasted from about 500 to 1,500 A.D. ) when the wealthy would give people in lower classes extra money for their services, according to Kerry Segrave's "Tipping: An American Social History of Gratuities."

In the 1800s, Americans who had seen tipping on travels abroad "thought this would be a wonderful thing to kind of mimic our brothers and sisters in Europe" and brought the practice to the U.S., says Stephen Zagor , a professor at Columbia Business School specializing in the restaurant industry. Though many Americans rebelled against it, the practice spread.

At the end of the Civil War, America's labor force "was flooded" with formerly enslaved people and immigrants, says Zagor. Employers took advantage of this class of "low-educated, low-income" workers, he says, and hired them for jobs that paid very little, encouraging patrons to tip as a supplement to wages. This shifted the responsibility of paying workers to customers and cut employers' costs.

Various businesses within the service industry adopted the practice. But the company that "really institutionalized" tipping, Zagor says, was the Pullman Company, which built and operated railroad cars.

In the 1860s, the company purposely hired "formerly enslaved people to achieve the high-quality customer service the Pullman cars were known for," according to the Library of Congress . Workers shined shoes, made beds, woke up passengers and so on. They worked long hours and relied heavily on tips for pay.

Companies liked 'to not have to pay for labor'

Americans continued to have mixed feelings about tipping, some patrons saying "it was condescending, it was classist," says Zagor. A few states even outlawed the practice around the turn of the 20 th century.

But "economically, companies really liked the opportunity to not have to pay for labor," he says. Those laws making tipping illegal were eventually repealed.

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, it established a minimum wage for some industries, excluding food services and others like retail and construction. But when restaurants were added in 1966 , they weren't covered under the typical minimum wage as other industries ultimately were.

Instead, restaurant owners would pay what's called a tip credit, "which means you can pay a percentage of the minimum wage as long as your tipped employees get enough tips to equal what the minimum wage is or more," says Zagor.

As of 1996 , the federal tipped minimum is $2.13 per hour.

'The whole thing is shifted onto the customer'

These days, tipping is deeply embedded in the restaurant industry.

In part, that's because restaurants are "very difficult to operate and very difficult to make money," says Zagor. "There's a lot of moving parts." Many businesses are small mom-and-pop shops with low margins and not too much excess capital. And labor "has now become the highest cost in any food and beverage business," says Zagor.

With tipping, because "the whole thing is shifted onto the customer," says Harry Holzer , an economist at Georgetown University and senior fellow at Brookings, "it's less expensive for [restaurant owners] to hire people." That makes it easier on those low margins.

For workers, however, that creates a pretty precarious wage system. "It's hard to plan because you don't know" how much you'll make, award-winning bartender Jena Ellenwood previously told Make It. "You're at the mercy of the customer."

If 'you feel the urge to tip, by all means do so'

Not all states have the same tipping system.

As is the case with the regular minimum wage, states can decide to create their own tipped minimum — as long as it's not lower than the federal minimum.

Vermont's tipped minimum wage is $6.59 per hour , for example. New Mexico's is $3 . Michigan's is $3.84 . Some states, including California , Alaska and Montana , have eliminated the tipped minimum altogether so employers have to pay the state's full minimum wage.

When you're sitting down at a restaurant, know the various people serving you are likely dependent on that gratuity to make a decent salary. In that instance, Diane Gottsman , founder of The Protocol School in Texas and a nationally-recognized etiquette expert, recommends tipping 15% to 20%.

In most other situations, it's up to you, she says. "If you experienced great service from this person," she says, "if there's a connection between [you and] them, they're smiling, they're friendly, and you feel the urge to tip, by all means do so."

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Photo of six people sitting in a small open boat look ing over their shoulders at a three-masted wooden ship overlaid on an orange graphic of a woodcut from a slave ship

‘Hidden in plain sight’: the European city tours of slavery and colonialism

From Puerta del Sol plaza in Madrid to the Tuileries Garden in Paris, guides reshape stories continent tells about itself

D odging between throngs of tourists and workers on their lunch breaks in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol plaza, we stop in front of the nearly 3-tonne statue depicting King Carlos III on a horse. Playfully nicknamed Madrid’s best mayor, Carlos III is credited with modernising the city’s lighting, sewage systems and rubbish removal.

Statue of a man on a horse on top of a plinth surrounded by multi-storey buildings

Kwame Ondo, the tour guide behind AfroIbérica Tours, offers up another, albeit lesser-known tidbit about the monarch. “He was one of the biggest slave owners of his time,” says Ondo, citing the 1,500 enslaved people he kept on the Iberian peninsula and the 18,500 others held in Spain’s colonies in the Americas. As aristocratic families sought to keep up with the monarch, the proportion of enslaved people in Madrid swelled to an estimated 4% of the population in the 1780s.

It is a nod to the kind of conversation – one often neglected or wilfully ignored across the continent – that Ondo and his counterparts in Europe are steadily wedging into everyday life. From Barcelona to Brussels, London to Lisbon, a cohort of guides has trained its lens on Black and African history, laying bare how the continent has been shaped by colonialism and slavery as they reshape the stories that Europe tells about itself. While California debates reparation bills aimed at compensating for generations of discriminatory policies, and the UK takes down tributes to slave traders and colonialists, similar conversations have been conspicuously absent across much of the continent.

“We’re not lifting up anyone’s mattresses,” says Ondo. “This is history hidden in plain sight.”

It is a statement that in some ways mirrors his own life. Born in Equatorial Guinea – the last Spanish colony to claim independence , in 1968 – he grew up in southern Spain, steeped in the culture of a former empire that had long ceased to remember its actions in what has been dubbed the “forgotten colony” of Spain.

Ondo and his family’s existence in Spain, however, acted as a powerful counter to this forgetting. “It was a conscious decision by European powers to disconnect themselves from the history,” says Ondo. “But history comes back to you.”

Eleven hundred miles away, the sentiment is echoed by Jennifer Tosch, who launched Black Heritage Tours in Amsterdam in 2013. The previous year, Tosch had arrived in the country as an international student from the US with a singular Dutch connection; with family roots that trace back to Suriname, she had family who had been living in the Netherlands for four generations.

Her attempts to explore this connection were futile – the result of what she describes as “wilful forgetting” or “colonial amnesia” – and convinced her of the need to bring the city’s hidden histories to the masses.

“Imagine me sitting here in courses, being told that your history wasn’t included, that you didn’t matter,” she says. “That there was nothing here for you to see that would bring you closer to an understanding about your past. It just didn’t sit right.”

As she geared up to tour visitors and locals past the gable stones that include the image of a servile, Black child and the dark-skinned figureheads with exaggerated features once used to signal pharmacies, the idea was initially met with scepticism by Dutch people of colour.

“Like: ‘No, no, there was no Black history here; no, there was no Black presence until much later’,” she says. “So questioning the notions of belonging and citizenship and identity were interwoven with my mission to prove that we belong here. And that our stories matter.”

Eleven years on, the conversation around Black history and colonialism in the Netherlands has shifted. In 2023, King Willem-Alexander apologised for his country’s role in slavery but stopped short of heeding demands for reparations, despite research suggesting his ancestors had earned the modern-day equivalent of €545m (£466m) from slavery.

The apology was a “pretty watershed moment”, says Tosch, albeit one that was carefully timed to dovetail with the growing attention being paid to this history. In other words, it was more a credit to the crucial work many had been doing to uncover the history than any royal initiative, she says.

Kwame Ondo speaks with a group of a dozen people outside a building

In Berlin, this kind of shift feels a long way off, says Justice Mvemba, who founded Decolonial Tours in 2022.

The locals who take her tours are often surprised to find out that Germany’s colonial empire once ranked as the third largest in Europe. “They’ve never learned anything about Germany’s colonial past, some don’t even know that the Berlin conference happened in Berlin,” she says, citing the 1884-85 gathering in which European imperial powers wrangled for control of Africa. “I think it is also shocking to them how those colonial continuities just live among us.”

Mvemba, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised in Germany, points to a potent example: Berlin’s African quarter, conceived in the late 19th century as a place where the city could host a permanent zoo that would exhibit both wild animals and humans in order to celebrate Germany’s colonial project.

While the zoo never came about, echoes of it resurfaced more than 100 years later, when a zoo in Bavaria sought to attract visitors by creating an “African village” that included performers and artisans.

The initiative went ahead despite widespread protests by anti-discrimination groups, Mvemba says, hinting at how Germany – a country often lauded for its efforts to deal with its more-recent past – had failed to meaningfully reckon with its history of colonialism. “So really, these tours are about making people reflect and realise that we are still living those colonial biases or reproducing them,” she says.

These efforts to connect the dots between the past and present come at a critical time for the continent, says Julia Browne. In 1994, she launched Walking the Spirit Tours , leading locals and visitors to Paris through the histories of those who had enabled slavery and confronted colonialism.

“It opens another chapter in the book of exploring French history – and European as well – and facing the facts, bringing it right out in front so that people can’t deny it,” she says. “And especially at this time, when the right wing is on the rise, the voices just have to keep getting stronger and stronger.”

In countries such as Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal, far-right parties have broken through to become key players in politics. In France and Germany, nativist parties are climbing steadily up the polls, pulling mainstream parties to the right as they compete for the attention of voters.

“They have a certain rhetoric and narration that creates fear in people, creates fear of what used to be called ‘the other’. And it gives the sense that people don’t belong if they’re not of European origin,” she says. “But it’s important for the other side to be heard, that, no, this is not the truth.”

She points to Place de la Concorde, set to be showcased to the world this summer during the Olympic Games. “But what else is there? There’s a place called Hôtel de la Marine. It’s a gorgeous building that’s been renovated, but it was in there that the system of slavery and colonialism was managed,” she says, describing it as an “administrative headquarters” for the country’s colonial empire before it was written into history as the location where the decree abolishing slavery in the colonies was signed in 1848.

People walking around a pond with a garden in the foreground and multi-storey buildings in the background

Nearby, is the Tuileries Garden. “It was there that slavery in the colonies was first abolished by the National Convention, but also re-established by Napoleon,” says Browne. “If you’re a person of colour, or have origins in the islands or origins in colonial Africa, these places are part of your history.”

In Madrid, Ondo’s walking tour begins to wrap up after crossing a crowded plaza where people were once sold to the highest bidder and visiting a church teeming with tourists seemingly oblivious to the symbols linked to enslavement carved into its stone walls.

His last stop, however, is at a changing roster of African restaurants in the city centre. It’s an ending with a dual purpose: showcasing the vibrant clutch of restaurants, including Senegalese and Equatorial Guinean, that have sprung up in recent years, and reinforcing how the stories of the past continue to colour life in Madrid today.

“All this is not really a thing of the past, it’s a thing that is still going on at the moment,” he says, pointing to the power that continues to be wielded by those whose families profited from slavery, to the companies that have supplanted colonial empires in extracting resources from the global south, and the EU’s crackdown on those risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean in small boats.

“It’s a never-ending process,” Ondo says. “It’s a transformation of the same issues of 200 years ago. Projects like mine and many others kind of open up a conversation about these things.”

Cotton Capital: ongoing series
Colonialism
Europe holidays

What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system

Schengen countries allow international travelers to move freely across borders without additional passport checks.

Europe’s “border-free” Schengen zone has added travel protections for two more countries, making it easier for more people to explore the southeastern region of the continent.

Romania and Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area on Sunday, which means visitors who arrive by air or sea from other countries in the zone can cross their borders without an ID check. Land borders will remain subject to ID checks because of opposition led by Austria, which has long cited irregular migration as a concern when it comes to welcoming the two Eastern European states into the Schengen agreement. The move comes more than a decade after Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union.

The European Commission had previously recommended that Bulgaria and Romania be admitted to join the Schengen zone, starting in 2011 and most recently in 2023. A combination of internal problems in the two countries and opposition from other countries citing irregular migration concerns — especially after the so-called “migrant crisis” of 2015 — meant they were caught in “Schengen purgatory” until now, according to Leon Züllig, a researcher and Schengen expert at Germany’s Justus Liebig University Giessen.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights ..

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

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The Ultimate Country-by-country Guide to Tipping in Europe
For a two-hour walking tour, for example, a tip of two to five euros per person is appropriate, according to Rick Steves. For a smaller group, the tip should be more, and for a private guide, 10 ...
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Locals just leave coins on the table, round up, or often don't tip at all. Resist the urge to tip American-style. If your bucks talk at home, muzzle them on your travels. As a matter of principle — if not economy — the local price should prevail. Please believe me — tipping 15 or 20 percent in Europe is unnecessary, if not culturally ...
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A good rule of thumb for tipping in Europe is to give at least one euro (or the equivalent in local currency) per service. For example, pay one euro per bag carried up to your room by a bellhop or porter, one euro per day for housekeeping, and one euro per day for breakfast staff. If you're staying in a five-star hotel, you may want to bump ...
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When valeting your car, tip $1 to $2 to the attendant when he retrieves your car. You can also tip when dropping your car off, but this is optional. You don't need to tip the doorman when he opens the door for you, but if he hails you a cab, you should tip $1 to $2. Tip bellhops and luggage porters $1 to $2 for every bag they bring up to your room.
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The Ultimate Country-by-country Guide to Tipping in Europe

Switzerland

Iceland and Scandinavian Countries

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General Advice For Tipping In Europe

Don’t Be “Pressured” To Tip (Especially For Americans)

Quick Tips On Tipping

Restaurant Tipping Customs In Europe By Country

Tipping In Austria

Tipping In Belgium

Tipping In The Czech Republic

Tipping In England

Tipping In France

Tipping In Germany

Tipping in Greece

Tipping in Hungry

Tipping In Ireland

Tipping in Italy

Tipping In The Netherlands

Tipping In Poland

Tipping In The Portugal

Tipping In Scandinavian Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

Tipping In Scotland

Tipping In Spain

Tipping In Switzerland

More Ways To Save Money While Visiting Europe

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The Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Europe

Make sure the tip isn’t already included

Always tip in cash

Try to hand the tip directly to the person who served you

Skip the tip if service is bad

When in doubt, tip 10 percent

How to tip in European restaurants and bars

Round up for drinks

Don’t tip for self-service

Leave a couple of euros for informal fare

Add 5 to 10 percent for formal dining

Tipping in hotels

Follow the one-euro rule

Reward your concierge accordingly

Do you tip taxis in Europe?

Country-specific rules to consider

No tips, please: Scandinavia and Iceland

Spend more, tip less: Greece

Name your total: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic

Pay for your bags with a smile: Ireland and Scotland

No cash for housekeeping: England

The Roaming Boomers

Tipping Guidelines for European Countries

Netherlands

Switzerland

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Tipping in Europe: A Comprehensive Guide to Tipping Etiquette

Introduction

Understanding Tipping in Europe

Factors Influencing Tipping Customs

Researching Tipping Guidelines

Tipping in Restaurants

How to Calculate the Tip?

Handling Service Charges

Tipping in Hotels

Tipping Concierge and Bell Staff

Room Service and Housekeeping Tips

Tipping in Transportation

Tipping for Ride-Share Services

Gratuities for Tour Guides and Drivers

Tipping in Bars and Cafés