By , Cruise Specialist | January 01, 2013 ( Comments)
When to tip, where to tip and just how much to tip is a common concern for travelers in Europe, as no one wants to offend by either tipping too much or too little for services.
Tipping in European countries is different than what we are used to in the United States and Canada, it is almost always at your discretion and varies between countries.
For example, France and Spain are both in Western Europe; however, their etiquette for tipping is quite different.
How to Tip in France
Restaurants in France (by law) always include a 15% service charge (service compris) notated either directly on the bill or menu. Unless dissatisfied with the meal or service, it is customary to leave small change or another €1.50 (2-3%) for the waiter. An easy general rule of thumb for exemplary service is to leave €1 for every €20-€25.
Bars and cafes also add the 15% service compris to each check, and in both it would be appropriate to round the bill to the next euro as a tip. In upscale restaurants, like in Paris, adding an extra 10% is recommended.
If you want to leave something extra for the waiter or service staff, cash or coins is best to ensure they will actually receive it. Leave the coins in the tray where the check was presented, hand it to the waiter or leave it on the table (last resort). Don’t feel obligated to over-tip. Leave whatever you feel comfortable with, tipping is to reward a good meal and great service.
If staying at a hotel in France, a tip of €1-€1.50 per bag is appreciated for the porter and depending on the length of stay and quality of hotel you’re staying at €5, €10, or €20 is appreciated for the concierge.
Tipping taxi drivers isn’t necessary, but a few euros or 5-10% of the metered fare will suffice, using your discretion as to the level of service you received. For example, if they get you to your destination quickly and help with all of your heavy luggage – tipping would be appropriate. But, if they take the ‘scenic’ route and try to make the trip much longer than it needs to be, you shouldn’t give them any extra.
Hairdressers receive 10%, small tips (€.50-€1) are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants and theater ushers. Tip museum tour guides €.75-€1.50. It is also standard practice to tip tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion €1.50 or more. Service station attendants are not tipped for giving gas or oil, but get €.75-€1.50 for checking tires.
How to Tip in Spain
To tip or not to tip in Spain is a particularly heated debated. But, the final word seems to be this: although appreciated, tipping (propina) isn’t very common unless in a nice restaurant.
Restaurants in Spain do not automatically include a service charge, such as in France. If the meal or service was extraordinary, round up to the nearest euro or tip 5-7% if feeling generous. You will probably not see anyone other than tourists leaving a tip in Spain. Remember to tip in coins or cash and hand it directly to the waiter, or in the tray if possible.
At bars and cafes, leaving small change is appropriate. Tips for other service providers such as hotel staff, taxi drivers and hairdressers is at your discretion but usually just small change, slightly more for affluent areas.
The best way to alleviate any concern about tipping in a foreign country is to ask. You can ask your ship’s Guest Services desk, hotel concierge, tour guide or the local tourism office. Exorbitant tipping isn’t mandatory, but any small token of gratitude is appreciated.
