What does IVA 10% mean in Spain?

At pricier restaurants you may encounter an IVA (value added tax, currently 10% on food and bar service) to the final bill. This should be clearly indicated on the menu. Also, some larger parties may see the words servicio or servicio incluido on the final bill, which is an indication that a gratuity has been included.



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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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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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Spaniards are very passionate about food and do not take it lightly when their food is criticized or modified in any way. Other habits to avoid when dining in Spain is to not place your elbows on the table, do not slurp your food or burp in public. All these actions are considered bad etiquette in Spain.

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Spanish bars and restaurants often have very few waiters. This means one person often attends to more than 10 tables at a time. 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.

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No sorbas (Don't slurp): While in other countries such as Japan, this is considered polite, it's rude to slurp in Spain. No eructes (Don't burp): Just like slurping your food, burping is considered rude in Spain. Some people definitely burp in public, but trust us, no one likes those people.

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