In the US tipping has become de rigueur in recent history. What was once considered a reflection of service received is now pretty much standard. For Americans a tip of 20% of a restaurant bill is usually assumed and added onto payment. After all, it's become part of the livelihood in most service industries here. But our friends in Europe do tipping in an entirely different way.
Tipping in most any culture is appreciated. In general, Europeans don’t automatically expect a tip and especially not one as generous as in the US. So let’s shed a light on the custom of tipping at restaurants and bars and for services when in Europe.
Make Sure the Tip Isn’t Included
In many countries in Europe, such as France and Spain, it’s common practice to add a 10%-15% service charge, called service compris, to the bill. When the service charge is added there is no tip expected unless the service was over-the-top exceptional. Be sure to review the bill before you pay so you’ll know if there was a service charge added and you can tip-or not-accordingly.
In Spain there is really no obligation to tip. If you feel the need to recognize over-the-top service a few coins is the standard gratuity. Anything over 10% is considered exceedingly generous and almost unheard of. Typically Spaniards don’t ever tip at restaurants with table service. If they do it’s not much as a service charge or servicio incluido is usually included in the bill. Be sure to check the bill. If service is not included “servicio no incluido” will appear on your bill and you may tip up to 10%.
In Italy it’s common, especially in the tourist areas, for restaurants and bars to charge a per person coperto. The coperto is considered a cover charge and typically given to the restaurant owner and not the staff to whom a fixed salary is paid. If you experience exceptional service and wish to tip, make sure to give it directly to the person or people with whom you dealt.
Always Tip in Cash
Keep a stash of local currency handy so you can tip in cash. This applies even if you pay by credit card.
Consider Simply Rounding Up Your Bill
In many countries in Europe it's considered in good taste to round up your bill. Bars, restaurants, taxis and the like appreciate the gesture.
Hotel Staff
If your hotel has someone to help you with your luggage when you’re checking in or out it is considered acceptable and appreciated to directly give the individual one Euro per bag. When you check out of your hotel room the polite gesture is to leave a few Euros as a thank you for the cleaning staff. Room service accepts a tip if you like.
How Much to Tip
In bars and restaurants, especially in France, the acceptable amount to leave for exemplary service is 5%-10%. But, to be clear, tipping in France is not required nor expected. A 15% service fee is added in all restaurants in France and it is a per item fee. Unlike wait staff and servers in the US those in France enjoy salaries or living wages, paid vacations and healthcare.
Other Than Restaurants, Bars and Taxi Service
It is acceptable in Europe for you to tip hairdressers, theater ushers, tour guides and parking valets. If your hotel concierge has performed a special service for you such as concert or theater tickets, tour reservations or arranged for a special celebration to commemorate a birthday or anniversary it's customary to tip generously (10%-15%).
Tour Guides
Tour guides at popular tourist sights such as monuments and museums often hold out their hand in expectation once they have finished their presentation. You can offer a Euro or two depending on your level of satisfaction however it isn’t necessary especially if you’ve paid for admission.
For a group tour it’s appropriate to tip a few Euros. For a few hours’ city walking tour, for example, you would offer a per person tip of €2-5 depending on the size of the group. For a smaller private tour you should give your guide a tip of €10-20 per day. If your guide goes above and beyond with services such as arranging for a driver, tip a little more than the average.
