Tipping in Europe: What to Know

Tipping in Europe – whether in cabs or at restaurants – can be a confusing process, and you shouldn’t be afraid to admit it. Not to worry, though, because we’ve compiled this handy guide of etiquette you should follow when traveling, whether you’re planning a trip to Spain, Germany, France, or other common destinations. While some customs overlap, some are specific to different countries, such as the fact that restaurants in Spain require you to tip in addition to the service charge, while those in the United Kingdom don’t. Likewise, in Greece, you’ll find that people are very open and prone to asking personal questions, while in The Netherlands, it’s the complete opposite. Each place has its own quirks, so to find out more about how navigate the etiquette in terms of tipping in Europe, keep reading this list. We've broken it down by country in order to ensure you make the most of your time abroad. 

United Kingdom

An ideal UK itinerary makes use of proximity and embraces the country’s varied topography. From rugged coastlines to the quiet countryside, Britain plays home to some of the most visited cities in Europe, including London, Edinborough, Cardiff, Belfast, and Glasgow. And here, you’ll find that the tipping etiquette here is the most similar to that of the United States. At hotels, it’s customary to tip the bellboys or concierge staff a couple of pounds, depending on the quality of accommodation, and it’s also considered appropriate to tip housekeepers (though it’s not required). The United Kingdom is also one of the only countries that doesn’t require you to tip at spas. When dining out, however, you are expected to tip between 10 and 15 percent, perhaps even a bit higher if you really enjoyed the meal. Make sure to peruse the bill first to ensure you haven’t been charged a “service” or “optional” charge, because in that case, you don’t have to tip any extra. In pubs and taxi cabs, you’re not required to tip, though most people round up to the next pound.

Spain

Spain is known for its delicious seafood, amazing wine, and picturesque beaches. Each city has its own charm, but a few of the most affordable airports to fly into are Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Seville, and Valencia. Cities in the south like Seville and Malaga offer a more historical Spanish experience through bullfighting, flamenco dancing, and cold tapas. In Madrid, you’ll discover a larger international presence, a thriving expat community, and arts and culture destinations; the multicultural influence is similar in Barcelona, though locals can get annoyed at those who refuse to speak Catalan (even saying “bon dia” instead of “buenos dias” can make a difference). Tipping at hotels and spas is expected, but unusual on a tour unless it is a private one, or in a bar when you’re ordering alcohol. When dining out at restaurants, it’s better to tip cash and hand the money directly to the waiter, even if the bill already includes some sort of service charge. Ten percent is the minimum for good service, and many caution against leaving a tip you believed it wasn’t up to par.

Germany

A mix of old and ultramodern new world traditions, Germany also allures tourists with the promise of cold beer and link sausages. Munich has long been visited for its famous Oktoberfest, and other major cities, such as Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, and Dresden, are all serviced by major airports and feature superb transport options. Locals may be sticklers for manners and formalities, so knowing small etiquette tips, like saying hello and goodbye when entering a space (even if it’s a store), or the fact that you should never be more than a few minutes early or late, will really help you when you’re navigating the landscape. Shaking hands is also considered an appropriate greeting regardless of context, but it’s seen as rude to leave your hands or elbows resting on a table during a meal. At restaurants, it’s likely that the waiter won’t bring you a bill, but rather just tell you what you owe. In these cases, add a couple of euros (5%-10%) to the final amount, and that should be a good enough tip. Always bring cash and never leave the tip on the table. Germany is also one of the few countries in Europe where tour guides will expect a tip of 10% or more, unless they specifically ask you to leave them a review instead.

France

France is a first choice for many visitors who have never traveled to Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. Aside from Paris, one of the biggest epicenters of fashion, art, and cuisine in the entire world, there’s also Versailles, housing the glorious palace, and the stunning countryside spots of Arles, Nice and Toulouse. When visiting, remember that some things may be considered less than flattering traits, such as dressing too casually, talking loudly in public, being exactly on time… At restaurants, it’s perceived as rude if you attempt to pour your own wine, especially if you’re a woman, and you’ll usually have to ask before someone brings you a glass of water. French law requires that all bills already have a service charge added automatically, though it’s not seen as inappropriate to tip on top of this if the service was good. In a bar or a cafe, you should leave at least one or two euros, as well as when you’re riding in taxis.

Italy

Italy is also high on many traveler’s lists due to its mixture of ruins, local food, and scenic beaches. Unlike France, however, there are significantly less faux-paus that’ll make you stand out; just remember to be polite, say hello and goodbye, and dress modestly whenever visiting a church. Tipping tour guides and hotel staff isn’t expected, but will be accepted graciously by any worker you believe is doing an exceptional job. The same goes for cabs, but it’s suggested that you at least decide on a fare before the trip even begins, that way you aren’t taken advantage of. No tipping is expected when dining in restaurants, but you’ll find that many cities in the north, such as Florence, Venice, or Pisa, will charge a “cover” or “service” fee, sometimes just for using silverware. This is normal, but will be indicated on the menu. If a service charge isn’t included, you should just round up the bill. Also keep in mind that it’s seen as rude to bring someone a bill without them asking.

Greece

As a holiday destination, Greece differs slightly from the rest of Europe in terms of tipping etiquette. Though the country has many islands, most visitors choose to fly into Athens or Thessaloniki, the two biggest cities. People dress more casually in Greece than in the rest of Europe, though the country’s attention to punctuality is akin to anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Greeks also tend to ask personal questions as a method of getting to know you, and find it endearing if foreigners make an effort to understand their culture, whether this means partaking in some sort of dance when you go out, or simply asking questions if you’re curious about something. Tourists are expected to tip at restaurants, and for this reason many places will try to cheat you by rounding the bill up anyway. Make sure to look carefully, and if they did, don’t tip. You can also expect a service charge of about one euro per person at restaurants and bars. Though tips aren’t required in taxis, it’s likely that many have come to expect it due to tourism.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small country with a lot to offer. Many visitors choose to fly into Amsterdam, the biggest and most popular city, due to its winding canals, cafe culture, and stroopwafels, a delicious dessert that’s covered in chocolate. Rotterdam, the second largest city, is similar in culture, but a direct contrast in appearance, as the city was rebuilt after WWII and more resembles a modern American metropolis. To escape the city, many choose to get a glimpse at Dutch village life in the small towns of Marken or Edam. The Dutch are known for being very reserved and punctual, and usually shy away from any excess or dramatics (describing something as “not bad” is a very high compliment). No matter what city you visit, a big no-no is referring to The Netherlands as a whole as “Holland.” Tipping in taxis, on tours, or at hotels is not common, though not viewed as impolite either. When dining at a restaurant, tipping 5 or 10% is custom unless there’s a service charge. If you’re ordering drinks at a bar, simply round up the bill.

Belgium

Belgium can seem like two different countries, depending on which region you visit. In the Flemish region to the north, you’ll find major cities like Antwerp and Ghent, and a culture that closely resembles that of the Netherlands. Many people will also speak Dutch, but gladly reply to you in English. In the Southern region of Wallonia, where Brussels is located, you’ll discover that the etiquette closely resembles that of France, and, as a result, it may be a little harder to get people to speak English without giving you a slightly dirty look. Nether regions are particularly known for their cuisine, but you will find an abundance of dessert and craft beer in both. General restaurant service, however, tends to be better in the Dutch-speaking part, though neither require you to tip as there’s usually a service charge. Taxi drivers aren’t usually tipped unless they’ve gone out of their way to help carry bags, and the same goes for hotel staff.

Switzerland

With its peaceful lakes and magnificent mountaintops, Switzerland is an ideal vacation. The Swiss value honesty, but partake in one custom that many Americans find extremely unusual: the lack of an orderly line. Whether at the supermarket or waiting to order food or a drink, you’ll find that the only effective way to get anyone’s attention is by shoving your way through and announcing that it’s your turn to order. One of the most famous delicacies is fondue, but you’ll soon discover that the Swiss also have particular rules for eating it, such as only pairing it with wine, tea, or schnapps. At most restaurants, a service charge is added to the bill and will cover any tip. Even if the service is outstanding, you should keep in mind that you can round-up a few CHF, but workers in Switzerland make much more per capita. The same rules are applied uniformly throughout hotels, spas and bars.

Croatia

Cities like Dubrovnik and Split have caused Croatia to increase exponentially in popularity over the recent years, now making it one of the most visited European countries alongside Italy, France, and Spain. The country uses kuna instead of euro, and differs from most others in Europe in that tipping is widely expected. At restaurants, it’s custom to leave anywhere between 10% and 15% (up to 20%, if you want to be generous), even if there is already a service charge on the bill. At smaller cafes or local restaurants, this is still equated with rounding up, however. At a local bar, don’t feel any obligation to tip unless you’ve stayed all night or came in with a large group that needed a lot of attention. At more touristy spots or fancy cocktail bars, it will be expected that you leave 10%. Cabs run on a meter and don’t expect tips.