Spain and Portugal for Visitors
by
John Ross
  Sections   Tipping in Spain and Portugal      
 

Cities of Spain
Spain/Regions

Cities of Portugal
Portugal/Regions

Accommodation
Activities/Sports
Beaches
Business Trips
Culture
Eating & Drinking
Events
Gay/Lesbian
Getting Around
Getting There
Heritage
Living/Working
Maps
Nightlife
The Outdoors
Photos/WebCams
Practical Info
Sex and Drugs
Weather
What's On


Tools

 



Currency Converter		  
 

 

How much to leave? The answer is - it depends. If in doubt, do not tip! Tipping is never obligatory and may be insulting. In Europe in general, unlike the US, waiters and bar staff do not depend on tips to make a living.

Bar staff Small change (e.g., 20-50 eurocents). If you receive no change, do not tip
Barbers/Hairdressers Nothing
Hotels (concierges, porters, car park attendants) Nothing/1-2 euros
Petrol-pump attendants Nothing
Restaurants 5-10% (or less)
Taxis Nothing/50 cents-1 euro

Remember to look at your restaurant bill to see whether servicio has been added on (not usual) - if so, leave no tip, unless you are really impressed with the service. (Do not confuse IVA, which is a value-added tax, with a service charge.)

 
 

Hotels
 Hotel Club
This booking service covers a very wide range of places in both Spain and Portugal.

Venere.com
An on-line booking service with great discounts.

Car Hire
Auto Europe
Car rental, motor homes, minibuses... And an interesting short-term lease option.