Tipping in Europe

By Rick Steves

Tipping in Europe isn’t as automatic and generous as it is in the United States, but in many countries, tips are appreciated, though not expected. As in the US, the proper amount depends on your resources, tipping philosophy, and the circumstances. That said, there are big tippers and there are misers the world over. Tipping varies by country, but some general guidelines apply.

Restaurants

Restaurant tips are more modest in Europe than in America. At restaurants, check the menu to see if service is included; if it isn’t, a tip of 5–10 percent is normal. In most places, 10 percent is a big tip. 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 ignorant.

Tipping is an issue only at restaurants that have waiters and waitresses. If you order your food at a counter (in a pub, for example), don’t tip.

At table-service restaurants, the tipping etiquette and procedure vary slightly from country to country. But in general, European servers are well paid, and tips are considered a small “bonus” — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number.

In Mediterranean countries, the “service charge” (servizio in Italian, service in French, servicio in Spanish) can be handled in different ways. Sometimes the menu will note that the service is included (“servizio incluso”), meaning that the prices listed on the menu already have this charge built in. When the service is not included (“servizio non incluso”), the service charge might show up as a separate line item at the end of your bill. Fixed-price tourist deals (a.k.a. menu) include service.

In northern and eastern Europe, the menu or bill is less likely to address the “service charge,” but you can usually assume that it’s included in the prices.

Virtually anywhere in Europe, you can do as the Europeans do and (if you’re pleased with the service) add a euro or two for each person in your party. In very touristy areas, some servers have noticed the American obsession with overtipping — and might hope for a Yankee-size tip. But the good news is that European servers and diners are far more laid-back about all this than we are. Any tip is appreciated, the stakes are low, and it’s no big deal if you choose the “wrong” amount.

Typically, it’s better to hand the tip to the waiter when you’re paying your bill than to leave it on the table, particularly in busy places where the wrong party might pocket the change. Servers prefer to be tipped in cash even if you pay with your credit card (otherwise the tip may never reach your server); in many cases, there isn’t even a line on the credit-card receipt for a tip.

In Germanic countries, it’s considered discreet and classy to say the total number of euros you’d like the waiter to keep (including his tip) when paying. So, if the bill is €41, hand him €50 while saying, “45.” You’ll get €5 back and feel pretty European.

Taxis

For taxis, round up to the next euro on the fare (to pay a €13 fare, give €14); for a long ride, to the nearest 10 (for a €76 fare, give €80). If the cabbie hauls your bags and zips you to the airport to help you catch your flight, you might want to toss in a little more. But if you feel like you’re being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip.

Hotels

At hotels with porters, pay the porter a euro for each bag he carries; it’s nice (but not required) to leave a small tip in your room for the housekeeping staff when you depart.

Other Services

Tipping for special service is optional. Guides who give talks at public sights or on bus or boat tours often hold out their hands for tips after they give their spiel. If I’ve already paid for the tour or admission to the sight, I don’t tip extra (but if you want to tip, a euro or two is enough for a job well done). In general, if someone in the service industry does a super job for you, a tip of a couple of euros is appropriate...but not required.

When in doubt, ask. The French and British generally tip hairdressers, the Dutch and Swedish usually don’t. If you’re not sure whether (or how much) to tip for a service, ask your hotelier or the tourist information office; they’ll fill you in on how it’s done on their turf.

Comments

  • Interesting reading. Rick Steves' website had a lot of great information for travelers. The information on pickpockets and scams is well worth reading.
  • edited September 2014
    Good general advice on tipping. Customs do vary from country to country and on who is doing the tipping and how it's done.

    When travelling, my aim is to blend in rather than stand out. I don't want to be labelled as that Australian woman. I would rather be remarked upon as that Australian woman who tried very hard to say "thank you" in the language of the country. And one who knew that leaving an inappropriate tip would just make her the target of inappropriate jokes. I figure I create enough "fun" without offending people on top of it!
  • Well said, Jan. The first thing I always do when visiting foreign parts is to find out how to say "thank you". For me that is just being polite so is an essential element of my trip.
    Richard
  • For some odd reason I can still remember how to say thank you in Dutch … thanks to the patient coaxing of an enthusiastic, newly arrival Dutch immigrant way back in my extreme youth. And it turns out I have an excellent accent! Who knew! It's a great way to start a conversation. Thank you can lead to all sorts of wonderful things, particularly when everyone here appreciates the effort and speaks wonderful English. I had a lovely conversation with a small child today as he watched me photographing his neighbourhood. That's the real stuff of world travel. Priceless. I think I can still remember how to say the same in Swahili. Hmm…. let me think ………….
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