Is it bad to not tip in Europe?

When dining at a restaurant in Europe you should expect to tip a bit more modestly than you would in America. If a service charge is included in your bill then leaving a tip is optional. If it isn't you can leave a 5-10% tip without insulting your waiter or waitress.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

At table-service restaurants, the tipping etiquette and procedure vary slightly from country to country. But in general, European servers are well paid, and tips are considered a small bonus — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number.

MORE DETAILS

Unlike some countries you do not have to tip in the UK. However, there are some unsaid social rules about leaving a tip. For example, if you take a taxi it is normal practice to round up the fare to the nearest pound.

MORE DETAILS

Is it expected? Tipping in Spain works differently: The customer actually has the option to not leave any tip at all. However, restaurants expect a 10% tip on each bill—although it's not a formal rule, and that percentage is much lower than tipping practices in other countries.

MORE DETAILS

Tipping is not considered etiquette by French people in French restaurants, but if you enjoyed your meal, it's nice to leave 5 - 10%. If you really enjoyed the meal, or plan on returning to the restaurant and want the wait staff to like you, 15% is a generous tip.

MORE DETAILS

If you ask locals “Do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.

MORE DETAILS

Tipping may date back to the Roman era, but most sources trace it back to medieval Europe, when wealthy visitors to homes would leave tips for servants who provided good service.

MORE DETAILS

Tipping isn't mandatory in Germany. Instead, it's seen as a gesture of appreciation for a good experience. A tip is always welcome, but in Germany, it's usually based directly on the quality of service. If you're satisfied, leaving a tip is a way to show it.

MORE DETAILS

Do you tip in London? It is customary to leave 10 to 15% of the bill as tip when eating out, though some restaurants add on a service charge instead. In London hotels, people often tip porters. It is polite to round up your taxi fare to the nearest pound for black cabs and licensed minicabs.

MORE DETAILS

Locals may just round up to the nearest 5 0r 10 euro note – and if you feel comfortable doing this, by all means do exactly that. Nobody will be insulted if you leave a small tip – but if you prefer to tip to international standards, and feel you enjoyed good value for money, feel free to tip as you see fit.

MORE DETAILS

People may not have the money for a tip and are embarrassed at leaving a small tip. They think you'll think they “forgot” rather than they were cheap.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS