In Austria, it is customary to tip around ten percent. “In many countries, a five to ten percent tip is also common, but tips are not expected everywhere,” says Yvette Polasek, travel specialist at ÖAMTC. The mobility club has put together the most important tips for the most popular holiday destinations so you don’t have to think about this topic when you get the bill at the restaurant.
The ten percent rule is usually right
* Italy and Croatia: In Austrians’ favorite holiday countries, a surcharge of around five to ten percent is considered a reasonable tip, as long as no toppings have been included – otherwise the tip may also be less.
* Spain and Portugal: “In restaurants, from five to 15 percent of the value is left on the table”, explains the ÖAMTC specialist. “However, it shouldn’t be small coins, that seems particularly petty.” When driving a taxi, you also tip about ten percent.
* France: In France, people pay first and then leave a tip on the table. Tipping is given collectively as a group and not individually by each guest at the table. Typically, the total amount is divided by the number of people to calculate how much of the tip is for each individual. About ten percent is appropriate. Tipping is also customary for taxi drivers.
* Greece: Depending on the type of restaurant, round up (for example, in taverns) or tip five to ten percent if the tip is not included in the bill. Rounding is also done in the taxi.
Tips from ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek.
Photo: Christian Hussar
* Turkiye: “Here it is considered bad manners not to tip,” warns the ÖAMTC expert. “Five to ten percent of the invoice amount is common in restaurants, and in taxis it is also rounded.” Service charges are already included in hotel bills. Housekeepers and porters, however, expect a tip.
* Scandinavia: In Finland and Denmark, waiters do not expect tips, in Finland this is already included in the bill. In Norway, service and VAT are already included in hotel, restaurant and bar bills, but an additional tip of around five percent can be given if you are satisfied with the service. In Sweden, people generally round.
* Benelux: In restaurants, taxis and hotels, tips are usually included in the price. “You can still reward good service with five to ten percent of the invoice amount,” recommends Polasek. Taxi drivers in Luxembourg expect up to 15% of the fare. Theater or cinema ushers also receive a small tip.
* Asia: “Tipping is quite uncommon in Asia,” Polasek knows. “In China it can even be considered an insult if you tip.” Thailand is an exception in Asia, however, because monetary appreciation is already established there. But even in tourist centers, a maximum of ten percent is given or the amount is rounded off.
* United Arab Emirates: Although a service charge is usually included in the hotel or restaurant bill, waitresses expect a 10 to 15 percent tip for good service.
* USA and Canada: You should aim for 15 to 20 percent. Even if the bill includes a service charge, a tip is expected.
* Australia and New Zealand: Tipping is not common in New Zealand. “It was similar in Australia, but now you reward good service at your discretion,” explains the ÖAMTC expert.
Outside the Eurozone, it may happen that the foreign currency in your wallet is not enough for an adequate tip. In that case, you can also use euros. However, only banknotes make sense (currencies cannot be exchanged).