Tipping customs in Europe can vary significantly from country to country. While some nations include service charges in the bill, others expect additional gratuity for good service. Knowing the tipping etiquette in each country ensures you show appreciation appropriately without over- or under-tipping. Here’s a country-by-country guide to tipping in Europe.

General Tipping Guidelines in Europe

Before diving into specifics, here are the general tipping norms across Europe:

• Restaurants: Service charges may be included in the bill, but tipping 5–10% extra is common in some countries.
• Bars: Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is standard.
• Hotels: €1–€5 per night for housekeeping, €5–€10 for concierge services.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up the fare or adding 5–10%.
• Hairdressers & Spa Services: 5–10% of the service cost.
• Delivery Drivers: Rounding up or adding a small tip of €1–€5.

Country-Specific Tipping Trends

Since each country has its own approach to gratuity, here’s a breakdown of tipping etiquette across major European destinations.

France

• Restaurants: A 15% service charge (“service compris”) is typically included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving small coins.
• Hotels: €1–€2 per night for housekeeping, €5–€10 for concierge assistance.
• Taxis: Rounding up or adding 5%.

United Kingdom

• Restaurants: 10–12.5% is usually added as a service charge; if not, tipping 10–15% is standard.
• Pubs & Bars: Tipping is not expected but appreciated for table service.
• Hotels: £1–£2 per night for housekeeping, £5–£10 for concierge services.
• Taxis: Rounding up or tipping 10%.

Italy

• Restaurants: A “coperto” (cover charge) is common; no additional tip is required, but leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up to the nearest euro.
• Hotels: €1–€2 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Rounding up the fare.

Germany

• Restaurants: Service is not included; tipping 5–10% is customary.
• Bars: Rounding up the bill.
• Hotels: €1–€3 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: 5–10% of the fare.

Spain

• Restaurants: Service charges are rare; tipping 5–10% is standard in tourist areas.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up or leaving small change.
• Hotels: €1–€3 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Rounding up or tipping 5%.

Final Thoughts

Tipping etiquette varies across Europe, with some countries incorporating service charges into the bill and others relying on additional gratuity. When in doubt, rounding up or tipping modestly is always a safe bet. Use this guide to navigate tipping customs while traveling in Europe!