So you’re sitting at a restaurant in Europe and the check comes. Should you tip? If so, how much is appropriate? If you’re in one of our programs in Italy, Spain, or France, chances are you might be traveling around Europe a lot. Which means you might have a lot of meals at restaurants. And don’t get us wrong, we like being generous. It’s nice to tip a waiter or waitress who does a great job. But tipping too much? Not a fan. We’d rather save that money for something fun! Maybe a weekend in Greece or extra gelato. Here are 12 things you might not know about tipping in Europe.

1. You don’t need to stress about tipping

Tips are nice wherever you travel, but tipping in Europe is different. In America, a good tip is 15-25% of the bill. In Europe, that’s definitely too much. Americans tend to be more generous and automatic in tipping compared to Europeans. When it comes down to it, any tip is appreciated so you don’t need to stress about leaving the ‘wrong’ amount of tip.

2. Waiters and waitresses are well-paid.

Restaurant tips are more modest in Europe than in America. This is because servers in Europe are well-paid and tips are considered a small “bonus.”

3. Many restaurants already include a service charge.

In fact, many restaurants and cafes already account for a service fee. So be sure to check the menu to see if this service charge is included (servizio in Italian, service in French, servicio in Spanish). If it is, don’t worry about tipping because it’s already included in the price.

4. A restaurant tip of 5 to 10% is normal.

Yep, a tip of 5–10% is normal! In fact, 10% is a big tip in most restaurants. Tipping 15 or 20% in Europe is unnecessary and even culturally ignorant​.

5. Sometimes you don’t need to tip at all.

If there aren’t waiters and waitresses, don’t tip. For example, if you order at a pub or counter, tips aren’t necessary.

6. Don’t leave it on the table.

Generally, it’s better to hand the tip to the waiter when you pay the bill. It’s usually not great to leave it on the table, especially in busy places. And most servers prefer to be tipped in cash.

7. Tips vary slightly by country.

Here are some examples of the ways tips vary by country in Europe:

• France: All restaurant prices include a 12–15% service charge, so locals tip very little, if at all.
• Mediterranean Europe (including Italy): a 10% service charge is usually built into your bill. If you want, you can add an extra €1–2 for each person in your party, or about 5%.
• Spain: If you order at a counter (i.e. when sampling tapas at a bar), there’s no need to tip but you can round up with a few small coins.
• London: Restaurants commonly include a 12.5% service charge in the bill.
• Scandinavia: Service charge typically included in your bill might go to the restaurant owner instead of your server, so for good service, add 5–10%.
• Czech Republic: Speaking just a few Czech words will likely get you better service in the Czech Republic, and you won’t be expected to tip more than a local (5-10%).
• Greece: It’s considered rude to leave a single euro, even for a small total so if the service isn’t included in the bill, leave at least a €2 tip, even for a small bill.
• Iceland: No-tipping country! 

8. When in doubt, add €1-2 at a cafe.

If you’re at a cafe or restaurant and you’re pleased with the service, it’s easy to calculate tip. You can tip 5-10% of the bill. Or just add a euro or two for each person in your party.

9. Round up for taxi tips.

Just round up to the next euro on the fare (to pay a €13 fare, give €14). For a long ride, round to the nearest 10 (for a €76 fare, give €80). If the driver carries your bags or helps you catch your flight, maybe add a bit more.

​10. Tour Guides

​If you’ve already paid for the tour, you don’t have to tip extra. You can add €1-2 euros if you want to (that’s plenty). If you’re on a free tour €2–5 tip per person is good, depending on the size of the group. For example, there are tons of free city walking tours. For tours with a private guide for a few hours, a tip of €10–20 for the group is fine. If your group is smaller, tip towards €5 per person. If it’s a large group, stick to around €2 per person. Of course, you can do more if your guide goes above and beyond.

11. Sketch city? Skip the tip.

For example, if you’re in a taxi and being driven in circles, don’t feel obligated to still give a tip. If something is sketchy or you’re being ripped off somehow, skip the tip!

12. Ask your host family

If you really want to know what a local would do, just ask your host family. As you’ve seen in this post, different countries tip for different things and at different rates! So if you’re not sure, just ask your host family. They can help you better than Google. And then when you’re on your next weekend trip, you can be totally stress-free knowing that you tipped well.

Have you traveled in Europe before? What was your favorite restaurant? Tell us about your experience!

If you’re ready to experience the beauty of European restaurants and more, apply today to live in Italy, France, or Spain! And if you’re not into language barriers, you can apply to live in Australia.

Over 30 years old but you still want an adventure abroad? Apply to our Teach in China program.