Many tourists are confused about how to tip when they’re traveling abroad. The standard in the US is to tip fifteen percent or more, but that custom is not universal. While traveling through Europe, you should be aware of the tipping etiquette for restaurants, hotels, bars, taxis, and even public restrooms. There may be other situations that require you to tip, but these are the most common tipping scenarios for most travelers.

Please note: because most of Europe is using the euro, I use that as the currency here, however, if you’re in a country that does not use the euro, tip a similar amount in that country’s currency.

Restaurant Tipping: The Basics

In Europe, some general rules for tipping at restaurants apply to most countries. At restaurants, gratuity is usually included in the cost of your meal, unless your bill specifically states that it does not. It’s still polite, especially if you received good service, to round up the bill to the nearest euro, or even give a little more than that, particularly if the bill is large. You should always give change, rather than charging the tip to your credit card. And always give the change directly to the server. In some countries, it is considered rude to leave the money on the table. It is also acceptable to not tip at all if the service is bad.

Sometimes when you receive your food bill, you may see a space to write in an amount for a tip. Write in a zero for the amount. The tip is most likely already included, and you can give your server a bit of extra change. Bartenders usually expect a small tip as well, about two to five percent.

If you are in a restaurant or bar with a coat check, tip the coat check employee one euro per coat.

Tipping Etiquette for Hotels

Service charges are usually included in your hotel bill as well, but it’s always polite to tip a little extra. You should expect to tip your porter or bellhop about a euro per bag. It is also polite to tip the room cleaning staff, perhaps a euro or so per night. If the front desk staff does any special service for you, you should leave them a small tip as well.

Don't Forget Your Taxi Driver

The standard in Europe for tipping your taxi driver runs about ten percent of the cost of the fare. You may want to tip the driver extra if you have particularly heavy or cumbersome luggage.

Pocket Change and Public Restrooms

Throughout Europe, public restrooms are not usually free. There is usually an attendant who cleans the stalls frequently. A small plate will be left at the entrance to the restroom. It’s customary to tip around thirty euro cents. Sometimes it may cost more or less. If there is no sign indicating how much you should tip, there is usually at least one coin already in the plate. Just give a matching amount. In some cases, an attendant will be collecting change at the entrance, or you may have to pay into a coin slot to get into the restroom or stall.

Tipping customs may vary from country to country, but these tipping rules are generally accepted throughout Europe. Do a little research before you go on your trip to find out what specific tipping etiquette applies to the country you are visiting. Make sure to carry around plenty of coins, and use your own good judgment when it comes to tipping in other situations, such as spas or salons. And above all, if you receive good service, make sure it is properly rewarded.