While tipping is second nature in the U.S., it’s not always the case in Europe. In many European countries, tipping customs are far more modest, and leaving a large tip can come across as unnecessary, awkward, or even offensive.
When traveling in Europe, understanding local tipping customs is key to showing respect for the culture and avoiding awkward situations. Stick to rounding up the bill or leaving small change, and you’ll fit right in with the locals.
Here are 8 places in Europe where leaving a big tip could confuse or upset locals, and what you should do instead.
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Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
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Why Over-Tipping Can Offend Locals
Cultural Misunderstanding: Excessive tipping may suggest that locals are underpaid or that their standard service is inadequate.
Lack of Custom: In many European countries, tipping beyond small amounts is simply not part of the culture, and large tips may make servers uncomfortable.
Service Charges Included: Many countries already include service charges in the bill, making extra tipping redundant.
1. France
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
In France, tipping (or “le pourboire”) is already included in the bill as a service charge (service compris). Leaving a significant extra tip is unnecessary and may be seen as misunderstanding the system.
What to Do Instead:
Round up the bill slightly or leave €1–€2 if the service was exceptional.
For drinks at a café, leaving small change is appreciated but not expected.
2. Italy
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
In Italy, service charges are often included in the bill as “coperto” (a cover charge) or “servizio incluso” (service included). Extra tipping isn’t part of the culture and can confuse locals.
What to Do Instead:
If you want to tip, leave small change (up to €1–€2) for a coffee or meal.
For more formal meals, round up the bill slightly, but anything beyond that is unnecessary.
3. Spain
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
Tipping in Spain is very minimal and not expected for most services. Locals often only leave small change, if anything at all, especially in casual restaurants or cafés.
What to Do Instead:
Leave small change (€1–€2) for excellent service at restaurants.
Skip tipping entirely for counter service or small cafes.
4. Portugal
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
In Portugal, tipping is not customary and can be seen as excessive. Locals may tip small amounts at sit-down restaurants but rarely for casual dining or coffee stops.
What to Do Instead:
Round up the bill slightly or leave €1–€5 for excellent service, depending on the meal’s cost.
Avoid tipping for things like drinks at a bar or simple meals at casual spots.
5. Germany
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
In Germany, waitstaff are paid fair wages, and tipping isn’t obligatory. Locals typically round up the bill rather than leave a separate percentage-based tip.
What to Do Instead:
Round up the total to the nearest euro or leave 5–10% for exceptional service.
Avoid leaving money on the table—hand it directly to the server when paying.
6. Switzerland
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
In Switzerland, service charges are included in the bill, and leaving extra money can feel out of place. Locals rarely tip beyond rounding up small amounts.
What to Do Instead:
Round up the total to the nearest 5 CHF or add a few coins for excellent service.
Avoid tipping in casual situations like buying coffee or snacks.
7. Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Norway)
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
In Scandinavian countries, workers are paid living wages, and tipping is not part of the culture. Service charges are typically included in the price.
What to Do Instead:
Round up the bill slightly in restaurants or taxis.
Avoid tipping entirely in casual settings or for counter service.
8. The Netherlands
Why You Shouldn’t Tip Big:
Tipping in the Netherlands is modest, as most people are paid fair wages. A service charge is often already included in the bill, and tipping beyond that may feel unnecessary.
What to Do Instead:
Round up the bill or leave €1–€2 for exceptional service.
Skip tipping for simple orders like coffee or drinks at a bar.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.