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Tips for Tipping in Europe

Tips for Tipping on Activity Holidays

Tips on Tipping in Europe

Tipping in Europe is quite different to that of other parts of the world; it is almost always at your discretion. When you tip and how much varies between countries. As Eastern and Central European countries become more popular alongside Western European favourites, you can be confused with what to leave and where. In Northern and Eastern Europe, the bill is less likely to address the "service charge," but you can usually assume that it's included in the prices. If you're taking a cab, rounding up to the nearest euro is usually more than enough. In hotels, €1-€2 per bag for porters and €10-€20 for the concierge if they went out of their way for you is fairly customary across Europe.

Western Europe & Scandinavia

When eating in a restaurant you should check for 'service included' on the bill, for much of Western Europe and the Scandinavian countries. However, it is considered a kind gesture to leave anything from a few Euros to a 10% tip or round up the bill for outstanding service.

Eastern Europe

Service is not usually included in Eastern European countries and leaving a tip is very much appreciated, particularly as salaries are relatively low. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is the usual amount.

Great Britain and Ireland

In the UK, tipping is more common than on the rest of the continent and is customary. Many establishments are now adding service to the bill. Look to see if tips are includes before you leave change.  If service is not included into the final total, then 10%-15% is considered acceptable.  In the big cities like London, tipping up to15% is quite common particularly in more upmarket places.

Popular European Destinations 

Italy

Tips are not customary in Italy they are usually applied when a special service is given. In restaurants leave as close to 10 percent as is convenient, but no more. When at hotels, leave Porters 5 Euros, housekeepers 1–2 Euros per night and more for extra service. It is quite common to leave taxi drivers with change. 

Croatia 

Tips are expected in restaurants but it is not compulsory. For dinner in a nice restaurant, where tips usually are not included you should leave about 10 to 15 percent. If you are having a quick lunch it is ok to leave change. 

France

Tips are usually included on the bill, ‘service compris’ on your bill mean no tip is required, but most French people leave up to 10 percent in coins. Tipping at bars is not expected. 

Austria  

Tipping is not mandatory although at restaurants you should round up the bill, or tip 5-10%. You should tip in cash and give the tip directly to the server. 

 

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