Why Tipping in Europe Feels So Confusing

For Americans used to tipping 15-25% back home, Europe can feel like a maze.
You sit at a cozy Parisian café, the waiter brings your bill, and you freeze: “Do I tip? How much?”

Good news: tipping in Europe is waaay simpler — and cheaper — than in the US.
In most places, 5-10% is the norm for good service, sometimes even just rounding up is enough.

👉 This guide will tell you exactly how much to tip across Europe — from restaurants to taxis to hotels — so you can relax, be polite, and not waste a cent.

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Quick Tipping Table for Europe (Summary)

How Much to Tip in Europe: A Country-by-Country Breakdown

Let’s get real detailed now — just how you like it.

France: Service Charge Included, Small Tip Appreciated

• Restaurant: In France, most restaurants automatically include a 15% service charge (“service compris”). Still, for good service, it’s polite to leave an extra €1-€5 depending on the bill size.
• Cafés/Bars: Just round up by €1 or leave small change.
• Taxis: Round up by €1-€2, especially if they helped with bags or gave good service.
• Hotels: Porters usually expect about €1-€2 per bag, and housekeeping deserves around €2 per day.

Why? Service staff are paid decent wages, and tipping is truly a bonus.

Italy: Tip Small, Keep It Light

• Restaurant: Many Italians just round up. For really good service, tip 5-10%.
• Cafés/Bars: Drop a euro or some coins in the tip jar.
• Taxis: Round up €1 or so, no stress.
• Hotels: €1-€2 for help with bags or for housekeeping.

Tip: If you see “coperto” on your bill, that’s a cover charge — not a tip.

Germany: Always Tip, But Modestly

• Restaurant: Germans expect around 5-10%. Tell them directly when paying (e.g., if the bill is €27, say €30).
• Cafés/Bars: Round up by €1-€2.
• Taxis: Add about 10% or round up €1-€2.
• Hotels: €2-€5 for housekeeping, €1-€2 per bag.

Note: Wages are solid, but tipping is seen as appreciation for personal service.

Spain: Rounding Up Is Fine

• Restaurant: Small cafés? Just round up. Fancier spots? Tip 5-10% for good service.
• Cafés/Bars: Spare coins are perfect.
• Taxis: Round up by €1.
• Hotels: A few euros for bellhops and housekeeping.

Extra Tip: Spaniards aren’t heavy tippers even for great service.

United Kingdom: Watch for the Service Charge

• Restaurant: If no service charge is listed, tip 10-12.5%.
• Cafés/Pubs: Tipping isn’t expected unless it’s full table service.
• Taxis: Round up £1-£2.
• Hotels: £1-£2 per bag or service.

Heads up: Always check the bill — if service charge (usually 12.5%) is added, no extra tip needed.

Greece: Modest Tips Appreciated

• Restaurant: Round up or tip around 5-10%.
• Cafés/Bars: Leave spare coins.
• Taxis: Round up €1 or small change.
• Hotels: €1-€2 for service.

Note: Greece has a lower cost of living, so small tips go a long way.

Switzerland: Service Included, But Extra is Kind

• Restaurant: Bills legally include service, but leaving 5% for excellent service is a nice touch.
• Cafés/Bars: Not expected, but rounding up is polite.
• Taxis: Round up 1-2 CHF.
• Hotels: 1-2 CHF for housekeeping or porters.

Why? High wages mean tipping is purely a gesture.

Netherlands: Only for Exceptional Service

• Restaurant: Tipping 5-10% is for exceptional service.
• Cafés/Bars: No tipping needed, but rounding up €1 feels polite.
• Taxis: Round up €1 or €2.
• Hotels: €1-€2 for good service.

Culture Tip: The Dutch value honesty and practicality — no fuss about tips.

Essential Tipping Tips for Europe (Don’t Skip These!)

✅ Always carry some cash. Especially coins!
✅ If service is bad, don’t tip. Europeans see tipping as a thank you, not a must.
✅ Round up whenever unsure. In most cases, it’s enough.
✅ Watch the bill. “Service included” means you can skip tipping or just leave loose change.
✅ Tip directly into their hand. In many places, leaving money on the table can cause confusion.

Final Thoughts: Tipping in Europe is About Gratitude, Not Obligation

Tipping while traveling in Europe shouldn’t be a stress.
Stick to 5-10% for restaurants if no service charge is added, round up taxis and cafés, and give a small thank-you at hotels.

Simple, right?

When you tip thoughtfully, you not only respect the culture — you also spread a little extra goodwill on your trip. And honestly, it just feels good.