How To: Tip in Europe
Alas, travelers can catch a break from that painful pound and euro! In Europe tipping is far more modest and you do NOT tip 15-20% as you would in the States.
Here’s a quick little guide to tipping in Western Europe and some of my favorite wanderlust-inducing pictures..because, why not?
Austria
Restaurants | tips are usually included in the bill however it’s customary to add 10%
Cabs | 10% is perfect
Bars | round up to the nearest euro
Czech Republic
Restaurants | tips are usually included in the bill however if you don’t see it add 5%
Cabs | round up to the nearest euro
Bars | 10% is appropriate
France
Restaurants | by law it’s always included in the bill however adding 0-5% on top of the bill for good service is normal. FYI – The words “service compris” means no tip is required but locals still do.
Cabs | round up to the nearest euro
Bars | round up to the nearest euro
Germany
Restaurants | Give server tip at the time of payment, not left on the table afterwards. 5-15% is normal, no tip indicates poor service.
Cabs | round up to the nearest euro (more for longer rides) ex. total is 14.20 euro, handover 15 euro and you’re all set.
Bars | a euro per beer is the norm
Greece
Restaurants | round up to the nearest euro plus a little on top, ex. 22E bill, make it 25E
Cabs | nope! but if you round up to the nearest euro they’ll be delighted!
Bars | nope
Credit: Team Starnes
Iceland
Restaurants | nope! if you leave 5% then you’re a real winner
Cabs | nope
Bars | nope
Italy
Restaurants | No tip is necessary but for extraordinary service 10% is great.
Cabs | 1-2E is all!
Bars | 1-2E
The Netherlands
*The Dutch government requires that tips be included in all published prices.
Restaurants | 10% is perfect
Cabs | nope!
Bars | nope!
Portugal
Restaurants | 10% is customary
Cabs | round up to the nearest 5 euro ex. total fair is 7E, handover 10E
Bars | 1-2E
Spain
Restaurants | leave small change or 10% in higher-end restaurants (by the way, preference for tip in cash not on credit card)
Cabs | round up to the nearest euro
Bars | nope
Switzerland
Restaurants | Swiss law requires that tips are included in the published prices however adding up to 15% at high-end places is appropriate
Cabs | round up to the nearest euro
Bars | round up to the nearest euro
United Kingdom
Restaurants | tips are usually included in the bill however if you don’t see it add 10%
Cabs | round up to the nearest euro
Bars | nope!
**I’ve collected this information through my personal travels, various website and conversations with locals. If you think I’ve been misinformed about any of these then let me know! 🙂