Do you pay at the table in Spain?

It's almost always the case that when you pay with card, a machine will be brought over to your table or you'll have to go behind the counter to pay. You should also make sure to check the bill before you pay, Spanish restaurants are notorious for inaccuracy when it comes to charging.



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The waiter will normally bring you a small plate of whatever they have available to accompany your drink. You shouldn't ask for a free tapa and only kindly receive it if given to you.

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In Spain, tipping is entirely optional and it's not very common. You may see people leaving small change at cafés and bars and, eventually, someone tipping at a nice expensive restaurant. But most of the time, you won't see anyone other than tourists leaving a tip.

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Keep your hands visible: Place your hands on either side of the plate when not eating. Hiding your hands is seen as suspicious. Be sure to keep your elbows off of the table, while keeping your hands visible. Don't dip your bread in the soup: In Spain, it is considered rude to dip your bread in the soup.

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In Spain, tipping is entirely optional and it's not very common. You may see people leaving small change at cafés and bars and, eventually, someone tipping at a nice expensive restaurant. But most of the time, you won't see anyone other than tourists leaving a tip.

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Basic Etiquette Say hello and goodbye when entering any shop or establishment. Greet people when they enter an elevator/lift. If you need to give an object to someone, pass it to them. It is rude to toss it in their direction.

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Tap water is always available for free at restaurants and cafes around Spain and you often don't even need to ask for it, they will simply bring it over to you with menus.

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A question often asked by foreign visitors when they come to Spain is “Is it okay to drink the tap water here?” The simple answer is yes, you can! Spanish tap water is considered to be 99.5% safe to drink, although the taste may vary somewhat according to the region.

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Waiters will take your plates when you finish, but will never bring you the check unless you ask for it. Delivering an unsolicited bill to a table is extremely rude in Spain. In Spanish culture, a good waiter leaves you alone until you specifically call him or her over to the table.

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Taxi drivers and bartenders may be tipped less, a few coins is sufficient in either case. Most petrol stations are self service, in those that are attendant service it is not usual to tip the station attendant despite what is still says in many guide books.

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Price: While there are some more expensive restaurants, generally speaking, expect to pay between 3.50 – 6 euros for a tapa. In many of these places, some dishes are only available as a half or full plate. So, you will see some dishes priced between 7 – 15 euros.

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