Do you tip in Europe? To tip or not to tip, that is the question.
I have been traveling to Europe since 1990 and have struggled with this question for years. So, you are not alone.
In contrast to the United States, where tipping is expected and essential for the livelihood of many service workers, employees in the European hospitality sector earn a livable wage. As a result, tipping is not expected or necessary. Instead, it is considered a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service. Here’s what I have learned and what I do:
Cafes
We often stop at cafes for an espresso. When I pay in cash, we usually leave small change as a tip. For instance, if a coffee costs €1.50 and we pay with a €2 coin, I typically leave 50 cents as a tip.
However, if I pay the exact amount, there is no small change left over, but if I have some small coins in my pocket, I may leave those as a gratuity if the service was exceptional; otherwise, we do not leave anything. I’ve noticed that this practice is also common among the French and other Europeans.
If we spend more time at the table and have more food and drinks, I tend to round up the bill or leave a tip of 2 to 3 euros when the total is under 50 euros and the service is exceptional. However, based on my observations of other tables, 9 of 10 French or European customers do not leave a tip in these situations.
Cassual Restaurants
Last fall, my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting an older French couple who live in Paris. We observed how they appreciated exceptional service during several lunches by leaving a small tip. For instance, if the bill were 100 euros, they would leave a 5-euro tip as a token of their gratitude, essentially 5%. This is the tipping approach I have adopted since then. However, based on my observations while looking around at other tables as diners leave, 9 of 10 French or European patrons do not tip.
Taxis
Regarding taxi or Uber drivers, I generally do not tip for short rides unless the service was exceptional. For example, I might tip if the driver gets out to open the doors, helps with grocery bags, or is engaging and provides valuable advice during the ride.
Long Car transfers
I typically tip around 5 percent of long transfers if the driver is friendly and manages the bags well in and out of the car. If we have a lot of luggage and the driver helps carry it in and out of our hotel or Airbnb, I increase the tip to 10 percent.
Hotel staff
Regarding hotel staff, I tip the doorman 1 euro per bag for assistance, with a maximum tip of 5 euros, unless there is a good reason to tip more. For extra helpful staff or the concierge, I tend to tip a few euros or more, depending on the level of assistance.
Tour guides
Regarding tipping tour guides, I generally tip between 5 percent and 10 percent of the total tour price. If the guide is friendly and provides a good experience for small group tours, I tip around 5 percent, assuming that others will also contribute. However, for private tours, I tend to tip 10 percent.
In summary
Adjusting to tipping practices in Europe can be challenging and takes some getting used to.
It does not help that staff in tourist areas often expect tips because American tourists have inadvertently trained them to expect them. So you might feel some external or internal pressure. Avoid the false quilt.
As mentioned earlier, tipping practices vary depending on the situation. Small coins or a tip of 5 percent are generally considered adequate, while a tip of 10 percent is seen as generous.
Tipping is not the norm in Europe. Therefore, don’t feel pressured—externally or internally—to leave a tip. It should only be used as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service. If the service is indifferent or poor, I would not tip.