If your wallet has been feeling a little lighter over the past few months, you’re not alone. Inflation is affecting the cost of living throughout the world and in some countries, it’s even changed the way you need to tip. Here’s the ultimate guide to tipping in restaurants around the world in 2024.
It’s almost easier to say what you don’t tip for in the USA, rather than what you do. Despite recent reports saying that tipping is ‘out of control’, in American restaurants the rules are the same: gratuities aren’t included on the bill and tips are absolutely non-negotiable.
15 per cent (absolute) minimum, but you should be tipping 20 per cent. Really excellent meal and service? Consider a 25 per cent tip.
If you listen to the locals, many Italians will tell you that they’ll only tip for exceptional service. But “una mancia” is very much appreciated by restaurant staff, no matter how big or small the establishment.
No more than 10 per cent, and usually only for excellent service or food.
Regardless of whether you’re sitting at a small café having pastries or eating at a fancy restaurant, French law mandates the inclusion of a 15 per cent gratuity on restaurant bills.
You may see the words ‘service compris’ on your bill, which is the 15 percent service charge. It’s totally acceptable to tip on top of that – you can round up to 10 per cent.
In general, tips are not expected in Greece. However, workers in service roles tend to be very appreciative of tips.
Some restaurants in big cities will add a 10 per cent gratuity, but it’s always welcome if you add a few euros to your bill.
Like many European countries, tipping is a matter of personal preference. If you’ve had excellent service, then a tip is always valued.
If you are going to tip in Spain, 10 per cent (or round up the bill to nearly 10 per cent) is standard.
Rounding up the bill is the most common form of tipping in Croatia, but it’s always done at your discretion and is definitely not expected.
Hospitality staff in Croatia have a fairly low minimum wage so if you’re pleased with your meal and service, rounding the bill up is a nice thing to do.
Tips are always appreciated in Portugal, but there’s no expectation that you’ll leave a gratuity every time you eat out.
If you’d like to leave a tip, it’s customary to round up the bill. If there’s a particular waiter/waitress you’d like to tip, give the money to them directly rather than leave it on the table.
While tipping isn’t compulsory in Germany, there is more of a culture of tipping than some other countries in Europe.
