A Useful Resource for Gratuities in Europe
Here is a guide on tipping amounts in ten European nations, covering various services like hotels, dining, taxis, and tour guides.
Organizing a trip to Europe can be thrilling, regardless of whether it’s your inaugural journey or you’re a seasoned traveler. As you prepare for your adventure, you may encounter numerous inquiries, but the most common one tends to be: Is it necessary to tip while in Europe?
In brief, the answer is affirmative: tipping is customary in Europe. Many travelers recognize that the approaches to tipping vary between the United States and various European nations. According to Rick Steves, a renowned author, television presenter, and authority on European travel, in an interview with Travel + Leisure, "People tend to complicate the concept of tipping while in Europe." His website echoes this sentiment, offering the straightforward suggestion: "Don’t worry about tipping."
Nonetheless, there are some helpful recommendations to consider. Simone Amorico, co-founder and CEO of Access Italy, states that "In Italian restaurants, a tip of about 10 to 15 percent is customary. For drivers and tour guides, the typical tip is around 10 percent, although many people tend to give more." He also mentioned that "At hotels, guests might choose to tip the concierge or guest relations staff based on the services they receive, in addition to leaving something for housekeeping."
Richard Nahem, a long-time resident of Paris and proprietor of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, remarked, "Typically, a service charge is included in the total amount, which means tipping isn’t mandatory. However, it’s common practice to leave a gratuity of around three to five percent as a gesture of appreciation. Most eateries and cafes don’t have the option to add a tip to your credit card charge, so it’s advisable to carry some coins. It’s better to give the cash tip directly to the server instead of placing it on the table." He also mentioned, "It’s standard to tip hotel concierges, and for taxi rides, leaving one or two euros is sufficient."
According to Rick Steves, if you’re considering tipping your guide after a two-hour walking tour, a suitable amount would be two to five euros per person (or the equivalent in other currencies like francs or kroner). For smaller groups, you might want to increase the tip, and if you have a private guide, a total of 10 to 20 euros for the group is acceptable, unless you receive exceptional service. In Europe, it’s not common to tip bartenders, though leaving some change or a euro is often appreciated. Additionally, tips are generally not expected for takeout food or drinks, dining at a counter, or receiving stand-up service.
It’s evident that expert opinions on tipping in Europe differ, and ultimately, it often relies on individual discretion. Nonetheless, there is a consensus that regardless of the amount of money a traveler decides to leave, showing respect and kindness towards servers and hospitality staff is of utmost importance.
Below are some tips for gratuity practices in ten European nations.
Italy
In Italian restaurants, the service charge (servizio) is typically included in the bill and clearly stated. If you don’t see a service charge, a gratuity of 10 to 15 percent is appropriate. A cover charge (coperto) is often listed as well, but this usually doesn’t go to the waitstaff. When staying at hotels, it’s customary to give one to two euros for each bag handled and to tip housekeeping one to two euros per night. For taxi rides, tipping is not required, but it is common to leave the change for the driver. Tips for tour guides can vary, but around 10 percent is generally considered standard.
France
In French restaurants, a service fee is usually already part of the bill; if it isn’t, leaving a tip of five to ten percent is customary. When staying at hotels, it’s typical to tip porters one to two euros for each bag they handle, and the same amount daily for housekeeping staff. Taxi drivers generally appreciate a euro tip or simply the leftover change if it’s sufficient—for example, if you pay a €10 fare for a €9.15 ride. For tour guides, a tip of around 10 percent is standard, but you might want to give more if your guide offers exceptional service.
Greece
In Greek restaurants, service charges are typically already included in the bill. If they are not, a tip of 10 to 15 percent is seen as generous. Tipping is not required for taxi rides, but it’s acceptable to round up the fare or leave the change. When staying at hotels, it’s common to give one euro per night for housekeeping, and the same applies to porters who assist with your luggage. For tour guides, tipping can differ based on the tour type; starting at 10 percent is a good guideline, with more recommended for private tours.
Ireland
Similar to many other nations, if a service charge isn’t included on your restaurant bill in Ireland, it’s customary to add 10 to 15 percent. When taking a taxi, you can simply round up the fare or leave the change if paying in cash. In hotels, it’s advisable to give housekeeping around two to three euros each night, and for porters, a tip of roughly one euro per bag is appropriate. For tour guides, a tip of around 10 percent is a good initial guideline.
Switzerland
A service fee is generally included in your bill; however, it’s common practice to give an additional tip of around 10 percent, depending on the quality of service received. For taxi rides, simply rounding up the fare is acceptable. When staying at hotels, it’s appropriate to tip porters and doormen two to three francs, and the same amount per night for housekeeping staff. Tips for tour guides can differ based on the tour type, but a standard starting point is 10 percent.
Spain
In higher-end restaurants, the menu will indicate if a service charge is already included (servicio incluido). If it is not, a tip of around 10 percent is appropriate. When taking a taxi and paying with cash, it’s acceptable to round up the fare. At hotels, it’s courteous to give one to two euros per luggage item for the bellhop and about two euros each night for housekeeping. If a concierge assists you with reservations, a tip of five to 10 euros is suitable. For tour guides leading large group tours, a tip of two to three euros is adequate. In the case of smaller group tours, a five-euro tip is recommended, while for private tours, a tip of 15 euros per person is appropriate.
Iceland and the Scandinavian Nations
In Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, tipping practices vary from those in many other European countries, as gratuities are generally not anticipated. Most dining establishments include service charges in their prices, so it’s common to simply round up or leave small change when paying in cash. Hotel staff typically do not expect tips for their services, although you can give a modest tip for exceptional assistance. Similarly, taxi drivers and tour guides do not expect tips. However, if a guide provides exceptional service or if you are on a private or full-day tour, a tip of around 10 percent is advisable.