In his Europe Travel Blog, Rick Steves highlights that while tipping is customary in the U.S., it can be perceived as overly generous in many European destinations. For example, in France and Italy, where it’s worth indulging in tourist attractions, the bill often already includes a service charge. In cities like Rome and Paris, locals typically leave nothing. Look for terms like “service compris” in France or “servizio incluso” in Italy. When you see these, there’s no obligation to tip, but rounding up the total or leaving a few coins as a thanks is appreciated. However, skipping the tip entirely won’t attract any attention.
According to Lonely Planet, tipping between 5% and 10% is generally unnecessary unless the bill explicitly states that a service charge isn’t included. Leaving a 15% to 20% tip, as many Americans are accustomed to, can seem out of place or even awkward for your hosts, as service staff in much of Europe don’t rely on tips for their livelihood. Rick Steves explains that tipping in Europe is more about appreciation than obligation. Offering a small, discreet tip when appropriate shows you understand local customs and helps you avoid overpaying out of habit.
Tipping taxis, cafés, and bars
Outside of restaurants, tipping service workers in Europe often seems unnecessary and sometimes misplaced. Rick Steves notes that cab drivers usually prefer a simple round-up instead of a percentage. In cities like Amsterdam, offering a large tip might even cause confusion and be politely declined by some drivers.
Across much of Europe, baristas and bartenders don’t expect tips unless they’re providing full table service, according to Travel + Leisure’s 2024 tipping guide. At a café where you pay at the counter, the total on your bill is typically the end of it. Locals might leave a few coins, but that’s about it. While giving a large tip for a quick espresso won’t raise eyebrows, it will just cost you more without adding any real charm. Instead of calculating a tip, learn Rick Steves’ secret trick to lower your café bill in France.
A typical 20% tip might feel routine, but when applied to every drink, cab ride, or café stop, it can quietly eat into your daily travel budget and overall financial health, especially when you might already be spending a lot on your vacation. Being smart about tipping doesn’t mean you’re stingy. In Europe, it means knowing when a small gesture suffices and when to keep things polite, practical, and in tune with local culture.
Relying on cards or U.S. dollars instead of local cash
Rick Steves also mentions that in many small hotels, cafés, and family-run places across Europe, tipping by card often isn’t possible, even if it worked for your main purchase. Having a few smaller denomination coins ready can save you from an awkward conversation or the hassle of tipping with a bill that’s too large. It’s a simple way to stay prepared without overdoing it.
Steves also notes that many small businesses still prefer cash, often because they can’t easily process digital tips or divide card payments among staff. In some hotels and restaurants, you might even find tip envelopes left as a subtle reminder to use cash if you choose to leave something.
Additionally, The Times warns against tipping in U.S. dollars as it disrupts local cash flow and creates inconvenience for the recipient. They might have to find a place to exchange the money, often at a cost, or simply refuse it, especially if the bills are small, damaged, or unfamiliar. If you can afford to tip, using local currency keeps things simple and respectful.
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