Tipping in Europe
To Tip or Not to Tip: A Traveler’s Guide to Tipping in Europe
So you’ve booked a dream trip to Europe and you can’t wait to dive into all the amazing food, culture, history, and scenery. But before you go, there’s one important thing you need to figure out – the tipping etiquette. Tipping customs vary widely across Europe, and the last thing you want is an awkward moment at the end of a meal or taxi ride. Do you tip in cash or add the gratuity to your credit card? Do you tip bartenders and housekeeping staff? How much is customary in each country? This guide will give you the lowdown on tipping in Europe’s most popular destinations so you can enjoy your trip without worrying you’re under- or overtipping. Get ready to soak in the ambiance of those charming European cafes and taverns, you savvy traveler, you’ve got the tipping all figured out.
Tipping Etiquette in Europe: The Do’s and Don’ts
When in Europe, do as the Europeans do—at least when it comes to tipping. Here are some tips to guide you:
- For restaurants, leave around 5-10% of the total bill in cash. Tipping culture varies across countries, so check online or ask your hotel staff about standard tipping rates for each destination. In some places like Italy or Spain, a tip is appreciated but not expected. In others like France, a small tip is customary.
- Taxi drivers also appreciate a tip of around 10% of the fare, paid in cash. Round up to the next euro or just tell the driver to keep the change.
- As for hotels, if someone carries your bags, 1-2 euros per bag is suitable. Leave a few euros for housekeeping staff, especially if you made lots of requests.
- Don’t tip in pubs, cafes, or for counter service. Also skip tipping for transit, tours, or museum admission.
- If you’re still unsure about whether or how much to tip, don’t be afraid to ask a local for guidance. They’ll appreciate your consideration.
- One last tip: make sure any tip you leave is clearly marked as such to avoid confusion. Simply saying “tip” or “for you” will suffice.
Following these general rules of European tipping etiquette will ensure you don’t inadvertently offend anyone during your travels. So tip appropriately, relax, and enjoy all the culture, food, wine and history Europe has to offer!
Country-by-Country Guide to Tipping in Europe
When traveling through Europe, tipping etiquette can vary quite a bit from country to country. Here are some guidelines to keep in
mind:
Service charges are usually included in the bill, so tipping is appreciated but not expected. Round up the bill or leave some spare change, around €1-2 per person.
Tipping is also not mandatory but always appreciated. Leave 5-10% of the total bill in cash. If paying by credit card, you’ll need to add the tip in cash since tips are not added automatically.
It is customary to tip around 10% of the total bill. Service staff are paid decent wages, but tips are still an important part of their income. Leave the tip in cash, even if paying the rest by card.
Tipping is not expected in the Netherlands since restaurant and cafe workers earn a living wage. However, if you feel you received good service, you can round up the bill or leave a little extra, around 5-10%.
Leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill for good service. Some restaurants add a discretionary 12.5% service charge to the bill, in which case an extra tip is not necessary. However, if the service was poor, you can ask for the service charge to be removed before paying.
The key is to check on the local tipping customs in each country before your trip. When in doubt, a little courtesy can go a long way. Have a great trip!
Tipping Tips for Americans Traveling to Europe
As an American traveling in Europe, tipping can be confusing. Customs vary between countries, so do some research on tipping etiquette before your trip. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
It’s customary to tip less in Europe.
Tipping percentages are lower in Europe, averaging 5-10% for good service at restaurants. For taxis, round up to the nearest whole number or give a couple extra euros. There’s no need to tip for counter service at cafes or bars.
Tipping in restaurants depends on the country.
Service charges are common in France and Italy, so check your bill – if “service compris” or “servizio incluso” appears, no additional tip is needed. If not, leave 5-10% in cash. In Germany, Portugal and Spain, tipping around 5-10% is customary for good service. In the UK, 10% is standard. Leave tips in local currency, not USD.
Tipping hotel staff is at your discretion.
For housekeeping, you can leave a few euros in your room each day or give a larger tip at the end of your stay. Tip concierges only if they provide exceptional service. There’s no need to tip at budget hotels or hostels.
Tipping taxi drivers is common but not required.
Round up to the next whole number or add an extra euro or two for good service. Uber and rideshares are not customary in most European countries, so taxis are commonly used.
Do some research to avoid confusion.
Tipping norms in Europe differ from the typical 15-20% in the US. Do an online search for the latest tipping etiquette in countries on your itinerary. When in doubt, ask a local for guidance or observe what others do. Following local tipping customs will help you avoid awkward encounters during an otherwise amazing European adventure!
Conclusion
Whether tipping is expected or not, you should always express appreciation for good service. Leave a little extra on the table or hand your server some cash with a smile and sincere “thank you”. They work hard for little pay, so even small gestures can make a difference. Europe is filled with kind, generous people, so spread that spirit around. Pay it forward when you can. And when tipping is customary, do what you can within your budget. Every little bit helps. At the end of your European adventure, you’ll come away with memories of amazing food, stunning sights, and hopefully the warm feeling that comes from connecting with others through simple acts of kindness. What you put into the world comes back around. So tip generously when you’re able, say “please” and “thank you”, and be gracious. That’s the true European way.