Growing up in the Cinque Terre, I spent a lot of time working in my parents’ restaurant. I learned early on the value of hard work, team spirit, and how small gestures, like leaving a tip, can really brighten someone’s day. In Italy, tipping wasn’t about making up for low wages—our staff were paid fairly. It was simply a way to express gratitude for good service. If you weren’t happy with the service, you simply didn’t tip. It was straightforward and honest.
Now, as the owner of a boutique hotel, I still hold the same belief. When guests leave a tip, it’s divided equally among the entire team, from receptionists to the back-of-house staff. The pride on their faces when they receive it is priceless—it’s a simple but meaningful way to show that their efforts are appreciated.
But what about when you’re traveling across Europe? Tipping customs can vary greatly from what you might be used to in the U.S., leaving many visitors feeling unsure about how much (or if) they should tip. The good news? It’s far less complicated than you might think. Here’s a breakdown of tipping practices in Europe, so you can feel confident the next time you’re on the continent.
Tipping in Restaurants
In most European countries, tipping isn’t mandatory. Servers are generally paid a fair wage, so tipping is more about showing appreciation than fulfilling an obligation.
How much should you tip? In many Mediterranean countries, a tip of around 5% is perfectly acceptable, and 10% is considered quite generous. Locals often round up the bill or leave a few coins on the table as a simple gesture of thanks.
In places like France, Spain, and Italy, you’ll often see “servizio incluso” (service included) on the bill, which means a service charge is already added. If not, you might find it listed as a separate charge. In either case, you’re not expected to tip much more.
In Germany and Austria, rounding up is the typical approach. For example, if your meal costs €18, you’d give the server €20 and say “Neunzehn, bitte” (nineteen, please)—the server keeps the €1 as a tip. However, leaving loose change on the table can be seen as a bit rude.
Pro Tip: European credit card slips typically don’t include a tip line, so it’s a good idea to have some small notes or coins ready. Handing the tip directly to your server makes it more personal and avoids any confusion.
Tipping in Taxis
When it comes to taxis, tipping is usually just about rounding up the fare:
- Short rides: Round up to the nearest euro (e.g., a €13 ride becomes €14).
- Longer rides: Round to the nearest €10.
If the driver helps with your luggage or gets you to your destination in record time, you might want to leave a little extra. However, if you feel the driver took a longer route than necessary (a “tourist detour”), no tip is needed.
Tipping Local Guides
Guides are another area where tipping can be a bit unclear. If you’ve already paid for a tour, tipping is usually optional but always appreciated.
For group tours, a tip of €2–5 per person is standard. For private guides, consider tipping around €10–20 for a couple of hours of service. If the guide has gone above and beyond—such as making special arrangements or offering personalized insights—feel free to tip more.
Tipping in Hotels
When staying at hotels, tipping is a nice gesture but not expected. Here’s what you can consider:
- Porters: €1 per bag.
- Housekeeping: It’s thoughtful to leave a couple of euros in your room when you check out, but again, it’s not mandatory.
- Reception staff: Typically, they don’t expect tips, but if someone goes out of their way to help you with special requests, feel free to show your appreciation.
Don’t forget to ask how tips are shared among the staff at the hotel—it’s always nice to know how your contribution will be distributed.
Tipping for Other Services
In many parts of Europe, tipping outside of restaurants, taxis, and hotels is less common. For example, hairdressers in France or the UK may receive a small tip, but in the Netherlands or Scandinavia, tipping is rare.
If you’re unsure about tipping in any situation, don’t hesitate to ask a local (just avoid asking the person who is serving you). Locals are usually happy to give straightforward advice.
The Bottom Line: Tipping in Europe
Tipping in Europe isn’t about supplementing someone’s salary—it’s simply a way of saying “thank you” for good service. Even a small gesture can make a big impact. From my own experience in hospitality, I can tell you that a little appreciation goes a long way.
So here’s my advice: don’t overthink it. Round up, leave a coin or two, and tip when you feel it’s deserved. That’s more than enough!
