The comprehensive guide to tipping across Europe

Tipping practices in Europe have evolved. While rounding up your restaurant bill may have been common in the past, today it's crucial to grasp the appropriate percentages for your tips.

Are you supposed to tip housekeepers every day? And what about taxi drivers? You might have heard that French waitstaff receive a decent salary and don’t rely on tips. But is that still the case in 2022? Are you tipping too little or too much while skiing in the Alps?

Navigating the tipping landscape can be tricky. Knowing how much to tip can be just as daunting as figuring out how to tip (more on that later).

Join us as we navigate the complex world of tipping in Europe. Remember, at this time, the euro and the U.S. dollar are nearly equal in value, so the tip amounts provided in euros are roughly the same in U.S. currency.

What is the appropriate tipping amount in restaurants across Europe?

A common guideline for tipping in Europe is to leave between 10% and 15% of the pre-tax total, depending on the service quality and ambiance of the restaurant.

In some nations where hospitality employees earn relatively high wages, you might consider reducing your tip. Jannie Jørgensen, a professional secretary at The United Federation of Workers in Denmark (3F), which represents around 272,000 members, explained to TPG, "In Scandinavian countries, staff don't expect tips like they do elsewhere. Due to the Danish labor model, employees receive salaries that allow them to support themselves without relying on tips."

According to her, there is "no tipping culture" among the Danish people. Instead, tipping is left to personal discretion. As a former waitress, Jørgensen notes that a regular customer in Copenhagen might typically tip around 10% if they experience good service.

If you experience outstanding service or someone goes above and beyond—like a friendly sommelier who finds the perfect bottle of red for your steak—consider tipping 15% or even 20% in Nordic countries.

In mainland Europe, a standard tip of 10% to 15% is generally acceptable, with any amount above that seen as a generous extra.

Is it necessary to tip if a service charge is included in the bill?

From one perspective, a service charge on your bill could be seen as a drawback in the continent's top restaurants, while from another, it might simplify the often awkward tipping process.

The silver lining is that if you notice a service charge—usually around 12.5% to 15%—there’s often no need for an extra tip, though leaving some spare change is still welcomed.

In France, a 15% service charge, known as "service compris," is legally included in restaurant bills. However, it's still customary for diners to leave a small tip of a few euros for good service. Being a waiter in France is often viewed as a more prestigious profession compared to other countries, leading to higher base salaries. Consequently, you won’t see servers hovering over your table as energetically as in the U.S., but tips still have a significant impact.

In 2017, France's Union des Métiers et des Industries de l'Hôtellerie (UMIH) advocated for mandatory cash tips due to a decline in customers using cash. When deciding on a tip, it’s important to consider the ongoing cost of living crisis and rising inflation affecting workers' earnings throughout Europe, especially in high-cost cities like Paris.

While it may not be customary to tip when a service charge is included, it's important to note that not all restaurants transparently disclose where that "service charge" goes. In Denmark, for instance, Jørgensen mentions that service charges often benefit the restaurant rather than the staff. Moreover, if you opt to tip via credit or debit card, check with your server if they receive those tips directly, as they might prefer cash.

In August, Unite The Union criticized the luxurious Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond, Scotland, after revealing that 60 employees were affected by a blanket 10% service charge that didn’t benefit them, resulting in a loss of between £200 and £300 ($225 to $340) monthly. This raises an important question…

Is it more advantageous to tip in cash rather than through a card?

Liz Wyse, an etiquette expert at Debrett's, a prestigious British firm specializing in coaching clients and luxury brands on proper behavior since 1769, emphasizes that cash remains the preferred method for tipping.

"Tipping in cash is always the best option. It guarantees that the recipient actually receives the gratuity and keeps the tipping process straightforward.

"If you're paying for a service by card and have the option to add a tip, you should definitely do so instead of leaving nothing. Ideally, make sure you have enough cash on hand for tips by the end of your trip,"

Is it customary to tip taxi drivers in Europe?

In Denmark, tipping taxi drivers isn't always customary, but Jørgensen notes that it's "good karma" to do so. This sentiment holds true across most European countries, where tipping isn't obligatory when taking a cab but is often warmly appreciated.

If you experience outstanding service—like unique sightseeing tips or assistance with heavy luggage—feel free to show your gratitude with a generous tip. Just keep in mind that taxi services in heavily touristed areas usually have steady business and slightly higher fares, so a large tip isn’t typically anticipated.

When tipping in cash, a practical approach is to round up to the nearest euro or its equivalent. This simplifies the process by eliminating the need for calculations involving currency conversions and percentages. Additionally, consider the local cost of living, as tipping norms can vary greatly between wealthier and poorer countries.

Is it appropriate to tip housekeepers in European hotels?

Debrett's Wyse advises that you should always tip housekeepers.

These often-overlooked staff members are among the lowest paid in the hotel industry, according to the etiquette expert. They typically sit at the bottom of the tipping hierarchy, receiving less cash from guests compared to their front-of-house counterparts.

"In most places, tipping €10 a week is quite acceptable, or €15 to €20 for exceptional service," states Wyse. "Generally, good hotels provide excellent service regardless of daily gratuities. Therefore, it’s simpler to leave a total amount at the end of your stay. Including a note expressing your thanks can clarify your intention. Some hotels offer envelopes for tips; if not, just leave it on the nightstand."

If you're uncertain about the housekeeper's presence on your checkout day, you can also leave an envelope with cash and a thank you note at the reception when you check out.

What is an appropriate tip for hotel porters in Europe?

We all remember Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Nobody wants to give hotel porters (or bellmen) a tip of chewing gum if they can help it.

If you find yourself next to a hotel employee who has just carried your bags up two flights of stairs, a tip of €1 to €2 per bag is appropriate. However, if you’re traveling with more luggage than Jay Gatsby, consider rounding it up to a generous €5 note.

What is the appropriate tip for door staff and hotel concierges?

The facilitators. The taxi hailing experts. The elegantly dressed individuals who keep the revolving doors turning smoothly. If a hotel had a heartbeat, the door staff and concierge would be at its core.

With no formal bills to reference and much of the tipping for these key players being somewhat informal, we turned to Wyse for guidance on how much you should consider giving them.

• If they flag down or book you a taxi: "It's not mandatory to tip — but around €1 to €2 is appreciated."
• If they assist you in planning a surprise for someone special: "A tip is warranted — based on the complexity and effort involved, consider €5-10."
• If they secure tickets for the most sought-after show in town: "A tip is necessary — likely around €10, though it should reflect the difficulty of obtaining the tickets. If they've managed to get you rare seats that cost €100 to €150 or more, consider raising your tip to at least €20."

Should I tip bartenders in Europe?

Unlike in the U.S., where tipping a bartender a dollar or the price of a drink is common, this is quite rare in Europe. Feel free to leave a few extra euros for a bartender who has provided exceptional service, or toss some coins into the tip jar as you leave, but remember that tipping is generally the exception rather than the rule when ordering drinks at the bar.

There are exceptions, though. For instance, Germans typically round up their bill to the nearest euro if their expectations were met, a good practice to follow after enjoying a few refreshing beers. Additionally, bartenders in lively nightlife spots like Ibiza or Amsterdam may expect tips more often, but they won't mind if you don't leave any change.

When it comes to table service, the rules change. You should tip similarly to how you would in a restaurant, typically between 10% and 15%.

Always check how the local price of a pint translates into your own currency. If you plan to tip on a round of drinks, there's little point in leaving the equivalent of a dollar per drink in a city like Budapest, where a local pint averages around $1.65.

"While it might seem stingy to consider the local cost of living when deciding on a tip, it's actually wise to do so; otherwise, your tips could end up being excessively generous," explains Wyse. "It’s not a precise calculation, and in countries with lower wages, it's always better to be a bit more generous."

If you're unsure, follow the local tipping customs.

When observing other tables during your travels, you might notice that locals tend not to tip excessively. So, when in Rome, should you adapt to local practices?

Emanuele Barrasso, an ambassador for the Italian wine brand Antinori and a seasoned hospitality professional, holds this view. "There's no strict guideline for tipping in Italy; it's more of a courteous gesture," he notes. "Tipping is entirely at the guest's discretion; it's not mandatory, but it is appreciated."

Similar to France, the reason tipping culture is not deeply ingrained in Italy is that many restaurants and cafes include a service charge ("servizie") or a cover charge ("coperto") in the bill from the outset. Barrasso further explains that the tipping norm often depends on the type of establishment you visit.

"In upscale restaurants, tipping is quite common, although it's still not obligatory," he clarifies. "Not leaving a tip—up to 10% of the bill—might be seen as impolite. Ultimately, it comes down to courtesy. Having worked in hospitality for many years, I fully appreciate the effort servers put into ensuring guests have a wonderful experience."

In summary, just because you might appear and sound like a tourist doesn't mean that hospitality staff will expect you to tip generously. Assess the situation based on the quality of service and the type of venue you're in.

What’s the best way to give someone a tip without feeling awkward?

To avoid any awkwardness when giving a cash tip to a staff member, keep these four tips from Wyse in mind, and you'll be set:

• "Have the cash ready; no need to rummage through pockets, bags, or wallets."
• "There's no requirement to hide the money before placing it in the recipient's hand."
• "Just extend the folded note or coins with your right hand, paired with a smile and a thank you."
• "If you plan to shake hands with the person you’re tipping, do so after handing over the money as a final gesture."

And whatever you do, avoid dumping a bunch of random coins into someone’s hand, or pretending you have no change—it’s simply unacceptable:

"Always ensure you have small notes or large coins handy when preparing to tip," Wyse advises. "Pouring a collection of loose change into someone’s hands is impolite. It’s equally inconsiderate to dig through your wallet, pull out a 50-euro note, and then say, 'I'm sorry, I don't have any small change.' That comes off as patronizing."

The bottom line is...

Reward exceptional service with a generous tip. For good to average service, tip reasonably. If the service is poor, feel free not to tip at all.

Check if a service charge has already been included in your bill. If not, calculate your tip based on the pre-tax amount. If you plan to tip via credit card, confirm that the staff will actually receive it; cash is preferable whenever you can manage it.

Above all, practice courtesy and patience. Remember, being kind can sometimes earn you better service than any amount of cash ever could.