Paying for tapas in Spain is governed by local etiquette that varies by region. In traditional "tapas crawls" (ir de tapeo), it is customary for one person in a group to pay for the entire round at one bar, with another person paying at the next stop. This avoids the hassle of splitting small bills. In many bars, especially in Andalusia, you don't pay as you order; instead, the waiter keeps a "tab" (often literally written in chalk on the bar counter) and you pay the total at the very end before leaving. In the Basque country, where tapas are called pintxos, you might be handed a plate to help yourself to items on the bar; you then save the toothpicks from each snack, which the waiter counts at the end to determine your bill. Credit cards are widely accepted in 2026, but carrying small cash is still preferred for "one drink and one snack" orders. Tipping is not mandatory but leaving the "small change" (the coins left over from your bill) is a common way to show appreciation for good service.