Tipping in Portugal is just as important as in other parts of the world. All waiting staff, attendants and clerks earn a wage, but wages are low and many do rely on tips to supplement their income.
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Tipping is not mandatory, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable about it and if you want to reward truly exceptional service. Tipping for great service is very much appreciated.
Iceland is an emphatically no-tipping country. A side effect of the tipless culture is that waiters in Icelandic restaurants are usually happy to split the bill for groups.
At bars in Europe, tips are not customary, but leaving change or a few euros is always appreciated, if not expected. For takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service, tips are also not customary.
Tipping servers in restaurants and cafés in Spain, while appreciated, isn't mandatory. It's tough for Americans to get used to not leaving a tip, but locals generally don't leave anything extra at all in more casual eateries. In fine-dining restaurants, a tip may already be included in the check.
Dinner Time in Portugal (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)The best time to have dinner in Portugal is between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. While some restaurants will open at 7 p.m., most of them will still be empty at that time. There are a few exceptions of course, especially if it's a famous restaurant like Cervejaria Ramiro.
It's generally safe and healthy to drink the public tap water across Portugal. Get a water filter such as TAPP 2 to improve the taste and reduce the risk of contaminants. Avoid plastic bottled water in Portugal as most plastic doesn't get properly recycled. Get a high quality reusable water bottle like TAPP.
While Portugal has all the facilities to accept card payments you'd expect from a modern economy, there are going to be many instances when you need cash on your trip. Some places won't take cards if you're spending less than €10 – €20 Euros, while other merchants won't take cards at all.
Just as in Japan, it is not customary to tip in China. Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances so when taking a taxi, enjoying a refreshing drink or tucking into a delicious meal there's no requirement to leave any gratuities.
15% is appropriate for average service ; 20% if your server is above average. You should feel free to tip above 20% if you received excellent service. If you received poor service, it is better to talk to the manager than skip on the tip. Leaving no tip does not correct the problem of poor service.
I could tell the waiter in advance that I won't tip and explain why. I could offer to leave if they don't want non-tipping customers. I could leave a pamphlet with my bill explaining it all, offering more information about why tipping is bad. I may need to use a masked credit card in case of retaliation.