A Helpful Guide to Tipping in Europe

Here's how much to tip in 10 European countries, from hotels and restaurants to taxis and tour guides.

Planning a vacation to Europe, whether it's your first trip or you're an old pro, is super exciting. Trip planning can lead to dozens of questions, but there's one that's asked the most: Is tipping in Europe a must?

The short answer is yes, you do tip in Europe. Most travelers are aware that tipping practices differ between the U.S. and European countries. Rick Steves, author, TV host, and expert on European travel, told Travel + Leisure, "People overthink tipping in Europe." Steves' website also begins with similar advice: "Don't stress over tipping."

Still, some guidelines can be helpful. According to Simone Amorico, co-owner and CEO of Access Italy, "At restaurants in Italy, an average of 10 to 15 percent is appreciated. When it comes to drivers and tour guides, the average is 10 percent, but many leave more." He added, "At hotels, guests may tip the concierge or guest relations, depending on the services requested, as well as housekeeping."

Richard Nahem, longtime Paris resident and owner of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, said, "The tip is usually included in the bill, and it's called the service charge. It's perfectly acceptable not to leave a tip, but [leaving] three to five percent as a courtesy [is customary]. Most restaurants and cafes are not equipped to add a tip to your credit card bill, so it's best to have some coins with you. Hand the cash tip to the server, rather than leaving it on the table." Nahem added, "It's also customary to tip the concierge at hotels, and for taxis, a euro or two is fine."

If you want to tip your guide for a two-hour walking tour, for example, a per-person tip of two to five euros (or the equivalent in francs, kroner, etc.) is appropriate, according to Rick Steves. For a smaller group, the tip should be more, and for a private guide, 10 to 20 euros for the group is fine, unless extra service is provided. You do not tip bartenders in Europe, but leaving change or a euro is always appreciated. Tips are also not customary for takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service.

Related: Here's How to Plan Your Very First Trip to Europe, According to a Professional Traveler

Clearly, even advice from experts varies when it comes to tipping in Europe, and in many cases, it comes down to personal judgment. However, all would agree that no matter how many euros a traveler leaves, it's most important to treat servers and hospitality workers with courtesy.

Here are a few guidelines on tipping in 10 European countries.

Italy

The service charge (servizio) at restaurants in Italy is usually included and noted on the check. If there's no service charge, a 10 to 15 percent tip is fine. A cover charge (coperto) is usually indicated, but this is generally not for the waitstaff. At hotels, tip one to two euros per bag, and for housekeeping, one to two euros per night. For taxis, no tip is necessary, but leaving the change for the driver is customary. Tips for tour guides vary, but consider 10 percent an average.

France

In restaurants in France, a service charge is often included, but if not, five to 10 percent is normal. At hotels, tip one to two euros per bag for porters, and the same per day for housekeeping. Taxi drivers expect a euro, or the change if it's enough — for example, you gave a €10 bill on a €9.15 fare. For tour guides, tip about 10 percent, but you may wish to add more if your guide provides special service.

Greece

Service is generally included on the bill at restaurants in Greece, but if not, 10 to 15 percent is considered generous. No tip is necessary for taxis, but rounding up or leaving the change is fine. At hotels, one euro per night is customary for housekeeping, and the same goes for a porter who takes your bag. Tour guide tips vary, depending on the type of tour. Start at 10 percent, but offer more for a private tour.

Ireland

As in most other countries, add 10 to 15 percent if a service charge isn't indicated on the check at a restaurant in Ireland. For taxis, leave the change or round up if paying cash. In hotels, leave two to three euros per night for housekeeping, and tip porters approximately one euro per bag. Tour guide gratuities should be about 10 percent as a starting point.

Switzerland

A service charge is typically included in the check, but it's customary to add about 10 percent, depending on the service. For taxis, rounding up the total is fine. At hotels, tip two to three francs for porters and door people and the same per night to housekeeping. Gratuities for tour guides will vary depending on the type of tour, with 10 percent as a general base.

Spain

At more upmarket restaurants, the menu will say whether a service charge is included (servicio incluido). If there's no service charge, tip 10 percent. For taxis, if you pay in cash, rounding up is fine. At hotels, one to two euros per bag for the bellhop and two euros per night for housekeeping is polite. If a concierge helps with bookings, tip five to 10 euros. For tour guides on big group tours, two to three euros is fine. For a smaller group tour, tip five euros, and for a private tour tip 15 per person.

Iceland and Scandinavian Countries

Tipping in these countries — Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden — is different from most of the other European destinations in that gratuities are not expected. Most restaurants include service in the bill; at most, round up or leave change if paying in cash. Hotel employees don't expect tips for services, but you may still provide a small amount for extra help. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, either, nor do tour guides. However, for a guide that offers something special, or for a private or full-day tour, you may want to tip around 10 percent.

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