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Is it rude to tip in Europe?

Restaurant tips are more modest in Europe than in America. At restaurants, check the menu to see if service is included; if it isn't, a tip of 5–10 percent is normal. In most places, 10 percent is a big tip. If your bucks talk at home, muzzle them on your travels.



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She explains that in Japan, tipping is similar to giving a child an allowance, or as it's referred to in Japan, an “okozukai.” So giving a working adult something akin to an allowance comes across as condescending.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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US dollars: I carry $100–200 as a backup. While you won't use it for day-to-day purchases, American cash in your money belt comes in handy for emergencies, such as when banks go on strike or your ATM card stops working. I've been in Greece and Ireland when every bank went on strike, shutting down without warning.

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The same goes for taxi drivers. Tipping is not expected, but passengers may wish to round up or leave an extra euro or two - especially if the driver helps with bags. Rounding up is one of the most common tipping customs in France and Europe.

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In America, tipping is optional in name only. Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 15 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why.

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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.

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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.

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In Switzerland, the guest is not obliged to tip. In many restaurants, however, it is customary to pay a tip. This amounts to approximately 10 percent or it is rounded up to a round amount.

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There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.

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Transportation Tipping Cab driver: 15 percent to 20 percent tip of the fare. (Find out ahead of time if your cabbie accepts a credit card. If he or she doesn't, make sure you have enough cash for both fare and tip.)

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