Ready to tip-toe through Europe without stepping on cultural toes? We get it: the tipping game overseas can feel like a wacky roller coaster.
Too much? Too little? Total no-no?
Fret not! We’re here to untangle the tipping knot. With Trainline, you’re not just hitching a ride — you’re snagging front-row seats to the “who, what, when” of tipping in Europe.
To tip or not to tip: Europe’s tipping temperament
Here’s the million-dollar question: “Do you tip in Europe?” The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Tipping in Europe varies not just from country to country, but city to city, and even establishment to establishment. Generally, though, service charges are often included in the bill. But exceptional service? That often merits a little something extra.
Understanding the "why" behind the tip
Curious about “why is there no tipping in Europe?” It often boils down to the fact that service staff tend to be better paid than their counterparts stateside. So, while tipping isn’t a local custom in places like London or Paris, it’s often appreciated as a kind gesture reflecting the extra-mile service.
How much to tip your tour guide in Europe
Embarking on a guided tour? Figuring out how much to tip a tour guide in Europe can be tricky. A rule of thumb is €2 (that’s just a little over $2) for half-day excursions and at least €5 (about $5.50) for a full day. Of course, if their insight helps you see Europe in a new light, feel free to express your gratitude a bit more.
The nuances of tipping in Europe: country-by-country
Tipping culture shifts as you chug along from one European destination to another. In sunny Spain, rounding up the bill is the norm, while in the bistros of France, leaving an extra euro or two will earn you a smile. And if you’re sampling currywurst in Germany, a 5-10% tip is considered polite.
🇦🇹 Tipping in Austria
- Restaurants: Round up the bill or add up to 10% for great service.
- Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.
- Hotels: Tip porters about 1-2 euros per bag.
🇧🇪 Tipping in Belgium
- Restaurants: Service is included, but feel free to leave some small change for good service.
- Bars: Tipping is not expected.
- Taxis/hotels: A small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not required.
🇨🇿 Tipping in the Czech Republic
- Restaurants: Check if service charge is included; leave up to 10% of the bill for good service.
- Taxis: Round up the fare.
- Hotels: Tip porters and housekeepers a small amount.
🇩🇰 Tipping in Denmark
- Service is included in most bills. Tipping more is not expected, but you can round up or leave a small amount for exceptional service.
🇫🇷 Tipping in France
- Restaurants: Consider leaving a few euros for good service, even though a service charge is typically included.
- Taxis: Round up the fare.
- Hotels: Consider 1-2 euros per bag or per day for housekeeping.
🇩🇪 Tipping in Germany
- Restaurants: Add 5-10% for good service.
- Taxis: Round up the fare.
- Hotels: Tip 1-3 euros for porters or housekeepers.
🇬🇷 Tipping in Greece
- Restaurants: Leave 5-10% unless service charge is included.
- Taxis: Round up the fare.
- Hotels: Tip daily for housekeeping, 1-2 euros.
🇭🇺 Tipping in Hungary
- Restaurants: Tip 10% in cash, directly to the server.
- Taxis: Round up the fare.
- Hotels: Small tips are appreciated for good service.
🇮🇹 Tipping in Italy
- Restaurants: Service charge is often included, but you may leave a small tip for exceptional service.
- Taxis: Rounding up the fare is common.
- Hotels: Consider tipping porters or housekeeping.
🇱🇺 Tipping in Luxembourg
- Service charges are typically included. For exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
🇳🇱 Tipping in the Netherlands
- Restaurants: Service charge is included, but a tip for great service is appreciated.
- Taxis: Rounding up the fare is common.
- Hotels: Tip porters or housekeeping for good service.
🇵🇱 Tipping in Poland
- Restaurants: Leave 10-15% for good service.
- Taxis: Round up the fare.
- Hotels: A small tip is appreciated for services.
🇸🇮 Tipping in Slovenia
- Restaurants: Service charge is often included, but extra tip for good service is appreciated.
- Taxis: Round up the fare.
- Hotels: Small tips are appreciated for good service.
🇪🇸 Tipping in Spain
- Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% unless service charge is included.
- Taxis: Rounding up the fare is common.
- Hotels: Consider tipping porters and housekeepers.
🇨🇭 Tipping in Switzerland
- Service is included in most bills. For great service, you might leave a small tip or round up.
- Taxis/hotels: A small tip or rounding up is common courtesy but not mandatory.
🇸🇪 Tipping in Sweden
- Service charge is usually included. Tipping more is not expected, but for exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a small amount is appreciated.
🇬🇧 Tipping in the United Kingdom
- Restaurants: 10-15% is standard unless a service charge is included.
- Taxis: Round up or tip 10-15%.
- Hotels: Tip porters 1-2 pounds per bag and housekeepers 1-2 pounds per day.
Tipping etiquette in Europe: the do’s and don’ts
“Do people tip in Europe?” Sure, they do! But keep these pointers in mind: always try to tip in cash and in the local currency, avoid leaving large tips that can be seen as ostentatious, and most importantly, base your tip on the quality of service—European servers pride themselves on their work.
Seamless journeys with Trainline: tip-free travel
Guess what? The tipping quandary evaporates on trains! With no obligation to tip, you can recline in your seat, relishing the scenic European tapestry unfurling outside your window. Booking with Trainline offers a breezy, tip-free travel experience, ensuring you keep a hold of your coins as you coast from culture-rich capitals to charming rural outposts.
So there you have it, your survival guide to tipping in Europe. Armed with these tidbits, you’re ready to navigate the terrains of European generosity like a pro.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Peter Dazeley