Tipping in Europe: Culture & Service Expectations

Learn about tipping in Europe, country-specific customs, and service expectations. Find out when, where, and how much to tip across the continent.

Tipping customs vary widely across Europe, and understanding them can enhance your travel experience while ensuring you show appreciation for quality service without overpaying or offending anyone. Unlike in the United States, where tipping is expected and often constitutes a significant part of service workers’ wages, many European countries either discourage tipping or include service charges in the bill. This guide breaks down tipping in Europe, covering restaurants, cafés, hotels, taxis, and other services.

Western Europe

France

Restaurants: A service charge (“service compris”) of 10–15% is typically included in the bill. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (1–5 euros) as an extra token of appreciation is common.
Cafés & Bars: Rounding up the bill is appreciated but not required.
Hotels: A few euros for housekeeping and porters is common but not obligatory.
Taxis: Rounding up the fare to the nearest euro is standard practice.

Germany

Restaurants: A service charge is usually included, but it’s customary to round up the bill or add 5–10%. Hand the tip directly to the server rather than leaving it on the table.
Cafés & Bars: Small change or rounding up to the nearest euro suffices.
Hotels: 1–2 euros per bag for porters; 2–5 euros for housekeeping per stay.
Taxis: Round up by a few euros (5–10% of the fare).

Netherlands

Restaurants: Service is typically included, but rounding up or adding 5–10% is polite.
Cafés & Bars: Rounding up small amounts is common.
Hotels: A few euros for porters or housekeeping is optional.
Taxis: Rounding up or adding a small tip is appreciated but not expected.

Southern Europe

Italy

Restaurants: A “coperto” (cover charge) is often included, but an additional 5–10% tip for good service is appreciated.
Cafés & Bars: Some places charge a table service fee; otherwise, rounding up is enough.
Hotels: 1–2 euros per bag for porters, and a small tip for housekeeping.
Taxis: Rounding up is common, but tipping isn’t expected.

Spain

Restaurants: A service charge is not usually included, but tipping 5–10% for excellent service is customary.
Cafés & Bars: Rounding up to the nearest euro is standard.
Hotels: A few euros for housekeeping or porters is appreciated but not mandatory.
Taxis: Not expected, but rounding up is common.

Portugal

Restaurants: 5–10% is typical for good service.
Cafés & Bars: A small tip or rounding up is enough.
Hotels: A few euros for porters and housekeeping is polite.
Taxis: Rounding up is appreciated but not necessary.

Northern Europe

Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland)

Restaurants: Service is included, and tipping is not expected, though rounding up or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is common.
Cafés & Bars: No tipping required, but rounding up is appreciated.
Hotels: Tipping is rare but a small amount for housekeeping or porters is a nice gesture.
Taxis: No tipping required, though rounding up is customary.

Eastern Europe

Poland

Restaurants: Tipping 10% is customary, but check if service is included.
Cafés & Bars: Rounding up or small tips are welcome.
Hotels: 1–2 euros for porters and housekeeping.
Taxis: Rounding up or 10% is appreciated.

Czech Republic

Restaurants: 10–15% is standard, but confirm whether service is included in the bill.
Cafés & Bars: Small change or rounding up is acceptable.
Hotels: A few euros for housekeeping or porters.
Taxis: Rounding up or a small tip is common.

Hungary

Restaurants: A 10% tip is customary.
Cafés & Bars: Rounding up is common.
Hotels: A few euros for porters and housekeeping.
Taxis: 10% is typical.

Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Restaurants: Tipping 10% is common in most places, but some restaurants include a service charge. Check the bill before tipping.
Cafés & Bars: Rounding up to the nearest euro/kuna/dinar is appreciated but not mandatory.
Hotels: Porters and housekeeping staff typically receive 1–2 euros per bag or per night.
Taxis: Rounding up the fare or adding 5–10% is standard.

United Kingdom & Ireland

Restaurants: 10–15% is typical but check if service is included.
Cafés & Bars: Tipping isn’t common at bars; at cafés, rounding up is polite.
Hotels: Tipping porters (£1–£2 per bag) and housekeeping (£1–£2 per night) is customary.
Taxis: Rounding up or tipping 10% is standard.

General Guidelines

Always check if service is included before tipping.
Rounding up is widely accepted in most European countries.
Cash tips are often preferred, as some service workers don’t receive electronic gratuities.
In luxury establishments, tipping may be expected at a higher rate.
In some Eastern European countries, tipping is seen as more of a necessity than a courtesy.
In Scandinavia, tipping is generally unnecessary due to high wages.

Tipping in Europe is less obligatory than in the US but remains a thoughtful way to show appreciation for good service. By understanding the specific customs of each country, travelers can ensure they tip appropriately without overdoing it. When in doubt, rounding up or leaving a modest tip is a safe and polite choice.