The short answer is yes, you do tip in Europe.
Most travelers are aware that tipping practices differ between the U.S. and European countries.
Steves’websitealso begins with similar advice: “Don’t stress over tipping.”
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Still, some guidelines can be helpful.
Hand the cash tip to the server, rather than leaving it on the table."
is appropriate, according to Rick Steves.
Kaitlyn Collins
You do not tip bartenders in Europe, but leaving change or a euro is always appreciated.
Tips are also not customary for takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service.
Here are a few guidelines on tipping in 10 European countries.
Kaitlyn Collins
Italy
The service charge (servizio) atrestaurants in Italyis usually included and noted on the check.
If there’s no service charge, a 10 to 15 percent tip is fine.
A cover charge (coperto) is usually indicated, but this is generally not for the waitstaff.
Kaitlyn Collins
For taxis, no tip is necessary, but leaving the change for the driver is customary.
Tips for tour guides vary, but consider 10 percent an average.
No tip is necessary for taxis, but rounding up or leaving the change is fine.
Kaitlyn Collins
Tour guide tips vary, depending on the key in of tour.
Start at 10 percent, but offer more for a private tour.
For taxis, leave the change or round up if paying cash.
Kaitlyn Collins
Tour guide gratuities should be about 10 percent as a starting point.
For taxis, rounding up the total is fine.
For taxis, if you pay in cash, rounding up is fine.
Kaitlyn Collins
If a concierge helps with bookings, tip five to 10 euros.
For tour guides on big group tours, two to three euros is fine.
For a smaller group tour, tip five euros, and for a private tour tip 15 per person.
Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, either, nor do tour guides.
