tipping tour guides in spain

Do You Tip in Spain? A Helpful Guide to Tipping in Spain

By: Author Hannah Cooper

Posted on Last updated: January 26, 2024

Do you tip in Spain? If so, how much? Besides restaurants, is tipping in Spain the norm for other tourism services such as taxis, tours, and housekeeping?

We’ve all been there: we’re in a foreign country and have just polished off a delicious meal. The server is walking over with the bill and we panic because we’re not sure whether it’s expected to leave a tip or seen as offensive.

Or maybe we’ve booked a day trip, got overzealous with the ice cream and souvenirs, and aren’t sure whether we need to find a cash machine pronto to tip the guide.

Tipping etiquette varies from country to country and is always a conundrum your first time in a new place. This guide to tipping culture in Spain clarifies the main points.

Tipping in Spain: Do you tip in Spain?

Let’s tackle the main questions about tipping in Spain:

• Do people tip in Spain?
• If so, how much to tip in Spain?
• Or, is it offensive to leave a tip?
• Does tipping in Barcelona differ from tipping in Madrid or other parts of Spain?

There is no specific tipping culture in Spain. Spaniards don’t generally tip and it’s not expected of foreign visitors. Of course – there are exceptions and you can always expect to find Spaniards and tourists tipping from time to time.

A tip is never expected by restaurant staff, taxi drivers, housekeeping workers, or tour guides. Unlike in the United States, those working in hospitality and tourist-facing jobs are paid a living wage and do not depend on tips to pay their bills. The tipping etiquette in Spain is more comparable with that of the United Kingdom – it’s based on merit.

However, there are some instances where tipping in Spain restaurants can feel appropriate. More on that to follow! And – there are one or two situations where tipping in Spain actually is expected. Namely, “free” walking tours and hotel porters.

In terms of how much to tip in Spain when the occasion arises, 10% is the golden rule.

A tip is not considered offensive in Spain. However, tipping over 15% might feel a little awkward as it’s not the custom in the country.

When tipping in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville , and other major cities, the same rules generally apply. You might find that more tips are left in these places popular with international tourists who are used to tipping back home. Also, restaurants in these cities and other metropolitan cities in Spain are more likely to apply a service charge to your bill.

This meal in Girona remains one of the best I’ve eaten in Spain, all thanks to the recommendations from our waiter, so of course, I left a small tip!

Tipping in Spain restaurants

Restaurants in Spain very rarely – if ever – apply a “tip” to the final bill. If you were pleased with the service you received or feel like the wait staff went above and beyond, it’s perfectly reasonable to leave a cash tip.

It’s a welcome token of appreciation that will be received graciously. When dining as a larger group, it’s more customary to leave a tip for the staff. A couple or small family would not be expected to tip but a group of 10 or upwards might actually be unofficially expected to leave a gratuity subject to the restaurant. In some cases, they might communicate in advance that a service charge applies only to larger groups (usually mentioned on the menu).

If you do wish to tip, you can just round up the bill and leave the change. Alternatively, a tip of around 10% is more than sufficient.

Do you tip in Spain if service is included?

What you might find in some places is that a “service charge” is applied to the bill.

A “ servicio incluido ” is more common in fancier restaurants (especially those located in popular vacation destinations in Spain ).

When this is the case, the menu should state the service is included so that you know before sitting down and placing an order.

A service charge in Spain will usually be 15% but it may be a little more. This should go straight to the staff as a tip and you should not be required to pay anything in addition to the service charge.

This service charge is a little sneaky as there’s no guarantee that the restaurant will give the money to the staff. It’s a bit of a gray area.

As such, you might feel inclined to leave an extra tip on top – although you actually shouldn’t. Looping back to the general tipping culture in Spain, the server is never expecting a tip anyway. And, regardless of whether the server receives the service charge and if you add any additional, you can rest assured they are still receiving a living wage.

At small bars in the Basque where there are lots of pinchos on the bar, you don’t need to tip since there hasn’t really been any service!

Tipping in Spain bars and cafes

There’s never an expectation to tip a bartender or a barista. Especially if all you ordered was wine, beer, or cafe con leche. It’s not even part of the tipping culture in Spain to tip for cocktails.

If you receive table service and add food to your order, you may want to leave the change or 10% as described for a restaurant.

It’s your call: the bartender/barista will be happy if you do but they won’t be in the slightest bothered if you don’t. In these types of places you might spot a tips jar and want to just toss a few coins in for good service.

That being said, have a look at what the locals are doing at the establishment you are at. I have found that in smaller towns and cities around Spain where locals pop in for their morning cafe con leche, change is usually left alongside the empty mug. If the coffee costs €1.50, most people leave €2 and walk away without change.

Tipping a cab in Spain

Tipping a cab driver is even less common than tipping in restaurants in Spain. When you book with a service such as Uber (or Uber in Spain alternatives ) you will have the option to add a gratuity via the app. Just as you would in any country. It’s never expected or required. However, if your driver impresses you and you can afford to leave a tip – go ahead.

When paying for taxis hailed off the street, tipping a cab in Spain is never expected or required. Again, if you receive exceptional service you can always leave a tip as a means of saying thanks.

Tipping culture in Spain generally means that a tip may be given if the driver helps you with particularly cumbersome bags.

The credit card terminal may prompt you to leave a tip although it would be better to give them a tip in cash. If paying for your ride in cash, you can always tell the driver to keep the change or round it up. Again – it’s your call based on the experience.

If you are taking a tour and the guide has been particularly fantastic, you can offer them a small gratuity as a thank you, but it’s not an obligation.

Tipping housekeeping in Spain hotels

It’s not common to tip the staff for attending your room in a hotel in Spain. Housekeeping is part of the service you have paid for when you booked the hotel.

If you’re spending a couple of nights in a hotel at a time – or even a whole week – there really isn’t any need to tip for housekeeping.

Yet again, tipping culture in Spain is a flexible affair (like most things in Spain!). If you do feel inclined to leave a gratuity, go ahead.

If you’ve been an untidy guest, you might want to leave a tip for the additional cleaning. Of course, any damages or breakages should just be reported to the front desk.

Tipping for other services in Spanish hotels

Do tip the porter if they bring your bags to your room. A couple of euros per person will suffice for one bag although a larger delivery warrants closer to €5.

To be honest, porters aren’t common in budget or mid-range hotels so this only really applies to high-end luxury properties.

There’s no need to tip for room service: this will include a fee on top of the cost of food anyway. And concierges don’t expect a tip in Spain although it’s at your discretion if you have leaned on them heavily for travel support.

If you are staying in a luxury hotel where the service has been truly exceptional, you may want to leave a tip for the staff who helped make your trip so special.

Tipping tour guides in Spain

There is an expectation of tipping in Spain when you book a “free” tour. These tours – prevalent throughout Europe – are advertised as free tours and are usually a walking tour of one to two hours. There is no fee to book them but there is an unspoken rule that a gratuity should be given in cash to the guide. They should really be called “tips-based tours.”

These guides are often young people and they do such a remarkable job that they earn every cent. How much to tip will vary on the length of the tour and the value.

As a rule of thumb, you should tip around €10 per person for these tours. If you were bowled over by the knowledge and passion of your guide, you could tip a little more.

$5 per person is okay if the tour was less than one hour and maybe if you were less impressed by the quality. Of course, these tours were initially launched as a means of supporting budget travelers. They still do target young backpackers with limited funds although nowadays they attract a mixed bag of honeymooners, families, and affluent travelers.

If you book a paid walking tour or day trip then gratuities are not expected. These types of tours can be a little awkward. Travelers from the United States are so accustomed to tipping that you’ll likely see them handing over a tip. However, travelers hailing from countries where tipping is not customary or even considered offensive are less likely to tip. This one is really a judgment call based on the experience.

In big cities in Spain, guided tours in Barcelona for instance, can be fairly costly to begin with and you shouldn’t feel guilty about not tipping if a) you’re traveling on a tight budget or b) you didn’t feel the guide played a major role. A lot of day trips operate more like transport and have lots of free time in the itinerary.

If you do decide to tip a tour guide on top of the cost of the tour, around €10 per person is fine.

How much to tip in Spain

In summary, tipping in Spain is very rarely expected and is only at your discretion as a customer.

If you do decide to tip for any services in Spain, 10% is the norm.

There’s never any need to tip any more than 10% – unless you want to and feel the staff have gone the extra mile. Tipping 5% isn’t going to cause any offense, nor is rounding up the bill, or simply leaving the excess change.

Bars where you are having a drink and some tapas, you don’t really need to think about tipping. It’s simply not customary in Spain.

How to tip in Spain

You’ll have the chance to pay with a card or with cash in most places in Spain. International Visa and Mastercards are widely accepted and paying for things in Spain is made even easier with a Wise or Revolut card .

If you pay for your meal via credit or debit card and wish to leave a tip: leave it in cash. When you pay a tip on your card, there is no guarantee it will make it back to your server. Leaving a cash tip is much better.

For that reason, it’s handy to always have a couple of small notes or coins to hand. It might sound silly to say it but only ever tip in euros!

How to say tip in Spanish

In Spanish, a tip is called “ la propina .”

How to say tip in Spanish is nice and easy: “pro-pee-na.”

A gratuity known as a propina will not usually appear on a bill. This is totally at your discretion. As mentioned previously, you might spy “ servicio incluido ” on your bill – indicating that the mysterious service charge has been applied.

However, tipping in Barcelona, Madrid , and other major tourist cities is somewhat more common these days. As such, you might notice a charge for a “ propina ” on your bill in place of or alongside a servicio incluido . This is very rare though and a charge itemized as a propina will be optional.

If you decide to tip a waiter, you can just leave the change on the table when you leave. When the staff inevitably thinks you’ve left it by mistake, you can say “ es una propina .”

If you are handing the money directly to the server, you could always say, “ quédate con el cambio ” – keep the change.

In some smaller bars and cafes, you might spot a tips jar on the counter. This may say “ propina ” or even just the universally understood “tips.” You can always drop a couple of coins in if you feel like it and have received good service.

A Guide to Tipping in Spain

Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

While failing to leave a tip in some other countries (most notably the United States) can come across as rude and even offensive, that's not the case in Spain . In fact, many Spanish service industry professionals are puzzled by the generous quantities of money American tourists tip them. While there are situations where tipping is welcomed in Spain, it's far and away a much less common practice than in other countries. 

Why is tipping fairly uncommon in Spain ? Because while many service industry professionals earn lower wages and depend on tips for living in countries like the United States, their Spanish counterparts often earn comparatively higher salaries. At the end of the day, tips are little more than pocket change to many of these highly paid professionals. You might even see some restaurant servers tossing the tip their table left for them into the cash register—the extra coins will probably just take up space in their wallet. 

Bars and Cafes

In general, the more informal a place is, the less common tipping will be. When ordering a coffee or beer in Spain, virtually nobody will leave a tip—especially if that's all you order. Some locals may simply leave the coins they're given as change if they also order food, such as a pastry or a tapa , but many will simply pocket the change without a second thought. 

Restaurants

Tipping is also not expected in the majority of sit-down  restaurants . Just like at smaller establishments, many Spaniards—if anything—will just leave the change the wait staff returns to them after paying the bill.

For example, if the bill for your meal comes out to, say, 19 euros and you pay with a twenty, go ahead and leave that extra coin as a tip—or don't. It's completely up to you, and wait staff won't feel offended if they see you pocketing your change.

When it comes to larger group meals at more elegant restaurants, tipping is more common. However, most Spaniards in this situation still only leave about 5 percent of the total bill as a tip—a fraction of the 20 percent expected in the United States. 

Taxis and Cabs

Generally speaking, most cab drivers in Spain appreciate but do not expect tips. 

If anything, many Spaniards will simply round up to the nearest euro and give the driver that amount. However, there are still plenty of people who pay their cab drivers the exact amount shown on the meter, which is perfectly acceptable as well.

Some Spaniards will tip their cab drivers more if he or she performed a special service, such as helping carry luggage from the cab itself into a hotel. Even in this case, though, the total tip never usually exceeds one euro.

Hotel Staff

Tipping hotel staff in Spain is more common than the other instances listed above. You'll even see travelers from other parts of Spain leaving tips at hotels when visiting a new city.

• Porters: Around 1 euro per bag
• Housekeeping: Between 2 and 5 euros per day, left in the room after your stay or paid up front
• Concierge: 5-10 euros for exceptional service
• Room service: 1 or 2 euros to the person who delivers your meal
• Doorman: 1-2 euros if they help you with luggage or hail a cab

Spa and Resort Staff

As is the case with many of the above-listed service-industry professionals, spa staff are often highly trained and well-paid. Tipping is not expected, but you can leave around 10 percent of your total bill if you wish. 

Tour Guides

Your tour guide is most likely a freelancer with a varying monthly income, so they will almost certainly welcome any tip you choose to leave them. As a general rule, the smaller your group is, the more you should tip. 

For example, if you and your partner are taking a private guided tour and your guide provided excellent service, most people would tip them anywhere from 10 to 20 euros. If you're taking one of the ubiquitous free tours that make their way through the streets of Spain's largest cities every day, a 5 euro tip per person is fine.

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Do You Tip in Spain? Sometimes—Here’s When and How Much to Give

In spain, like much of europe, tipping isn’t expected the way it is in the u.s. still, there are some situations where you may want to give a little extra..

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Don’t get hung up on customs: Local practices are easy to translate with some simple rules of thumb.

Photo by Novikov Akeksey / Shutterstock

If you’re traveling in the land of paella and pintxo, you might find yourself asking at the end of a meal or taxi ride: do you tip in Spain ? Sometimes—unlike in the United States, tipping in Spain is not required, though there are some situations where it’s very much appreciated. Sometimes simply leaving the coins you received as change can serve as a gratuity, and sometimes you should leave more. Just note that whatever you give, it’s always a good idea to tip in cash rather than adding gratuities to a credit card slip (since that may not ultimately make it back to the person who gave the good service).

For more details on specific situations, be it at a restaurant, hotel, taxi, or bar, here’s when and how much to tip in Spain.

Overview of tipping in Spain

How much to tip at hotels in spain.

Courtesy of Autograph Collection

Bellhops/Porters

Leaving a tip is customary when a bellhop or porter helps with your luggage. Give one or two euros per bag , up to a maximum of five euros for multiple suitcases.

Housekeeping

Leave one euro for each night of your stay; for exemplary service, leave more. (The people who clean your room are often the least well-paid members of a hotel staff, so if you can afford it, be a little more generous here.) Since you don’t always have the same person cleaning your room each day, it’s recommended to leave a tip every day that you receive a room cleaning, rather than a lump sum at the end.

If the hotel concierge helps you out by booking restaurant reservations, lining up tour guides, or recommending local activities, a gracias and a gratuity between five to 10 euros is expected.

Room service

While tipping for room service in Spain is not required, giving one or two euros to the person who delivers your meal will always be appreciated.

How to tip at restaurants and bars in Spain

How much do you tip post-paella in Spain?

Courtesy of CSP_martiapunts

Restaurants

Tipping servers in restaurants and cafés in Spain, while appreciated, isn’t mandatory. It’s tough for Americans to get used to not leaving a tip, but locals generally don’t leave anything extra at all in more casual eateries.

In fine-dining restaurants, a tip may already be included in the check. Scan the bill to see if the phrase “ Servicio incluido ” is printed on the tab. If you see that phrase, it means the tip is included in the total. If you don’t, a 10–15 percent tip is appropriate for good service at nicer restaurants.

As in the USA, cash is preferable and ensures that the tip money gets to the server, as tips on credit card receipts sometimes don’t make it back into their pockets.

Cafés and coffee shops

You do not need to tip for a coffee at a café or coffee shop.

In Spain, you generally don’t tip for a glass of wine or beer, especially if that’s all you ordered. However, if you ordered food, leave a few coins on the bar or round up to the nearest euro.

Tipping taxis or drivers in Spain

Rounding up the fare to the next euro is all the tip you need when you’re paying off a cab. Unless, that is, the driver goes out of his or her way in service, like carrying your heavy suitcase into the hotel or airport terminal. In those cases, add a few euros to the fare.

If you’re using a Spanish rideshare service (like Cabify and BlaBlaCar ), tipping is not required. But if you receive especially good service, you can leave a tip in the app afterward.

How much to tip for a tour in Spain

Park Güell was initially intended to be a housing development but was later converted into a park.

Photo by Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock

You should absolutely tip your tour guide in Spain, since guides rely on them for their living. What you tip will depend on the quality of the service, the length of the tour, and also how big the group is.

For private tours where you and your travel partner(s) are the only clients, you should tip 10–15 euros for a half-day tour and 15–25 euros for a full day (total, not per person).

For public tours that require a fee, your tip would depend on the size of the group. If you are part of a small group, thanking the guide with a tip of three to five euros per person is a good practice. For larger group tours, one euro will suffice.

Tipping spa therapist, masseuse, barber, or hairdresser

For spa treatments and similar kinds of personal services, leaving a tip of one or two euros is customary in Spain.

This article was originally published in 2019. It was most recently updated on April 12, 2023 to include current information.

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How Much To Tip A Tour Guide In Spain

Published: December 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Katherina Burch

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• Travel Guide
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Introduction

When visiting Spain, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions, including tipping practices. Tipping is a common practice in many countries, and Spain is no exception. However, the tipping culture in Spain differs from that of other countries, and it’s important to understand the etiquette to ensure you show your appreciation appropriately.

Spain is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Barcelona or taking in the beautiful landmarks of Madrid, a knowledgeable tour guide can make your experience even more enjoyable and insightful. However, knowing how much to tip your tour guide can be a source of confusion for many visitors.

In this guide, we will delve into the factors to consider when determining the appropriate tip for a tour guide in Spain. We will also discuss the importance of tipping in the country and provide you with a general idea of the average tip amount. Additionally, we will share some valuable tips to help you navigate the intricacies of tipping in Spain with ease.

By understanding the tipping customs and guidelines in Spain, you can ensure that you show appreciation for the excellent service provided by your tour guide. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of tipping in Spain!

Factors to Consider

When determining how much to tip a tour guide in Spain, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help you gauge the level of service provided and make an informed decision about the appropriate tip amount. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Quality of Service: The quality of service provided by your tour guide is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Did they go above and beyond to make your experience enjoyable? Did they provide insightful information, answer questions, and cater to your needs? If the service was exceptional, you may want to consider a higher tip.
• Duration of the Tour: The length of the tour can also influence the tip amount. A shorter tour may warrant a smaller tip compared to a full-day or multi-day tour. Consider the effort and time invested by the tour guide when deciding on the tip.
• Group Size: The size of your tour group can impact the tip amount as well. If you’re part of a large group, the tour guide may have had to manage more people and provide individualized attention to a larger audience.
• Personal Budget: Your personal budget is another factor to consider. While it’s important to show appreciation for the service provided, you should also consider what is financially feasible for you.
• Local Customs: Understanding the local customs and expectations is crucial. Tipping practices can vary from country to country, so it’s important to be aware of what is culturally appropriate in Spain.

By taking these factors into account, you can evaluate the overall experience and determine an appropriate tip amount that reflects the quality of service you received.

The Importance of Tipping in Spain

Tipping holds a significant role in the hospitality industry in Spain, and it serves as a way to show appreciation for good service. While tipping is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged and appreciated by service providers, including tour guides. Here are a few reasons why tipping is important in Spain:

1. Recognition of Excellent Service: Tipping is a way to recognize and reward tour guides for their exceptional service. It shows that you appreciate their efforts in making your experience memorable and enjoyable. By tipping, you acknowledge their expertise, knowledge, and dedication.

2. Motivation and Incentive: Tipping serves as a motivation and incentive for tour guides to provide exceptional service. When they receive gratuities, it reinforces their efforts and encourages them to continue delivering high-quality experiences to visitors. It creates a cycle of excellent service that benefits both travelers and the tourism industry as a whole.

3. Cultural Norm and Tradition: In Spain, tipping is deeply rooted in the country’s traditions and customs. It is a social practice that has been embraced for generations. By tipping in accordance with local customs, you show respect for the culture and contribute to the preservation of its traditions.

4. Support for Workers: Many service industry workers in Spain rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. Tipping allows you to directly contribute to improving the livelihood of those who work tirelessly to make your experience memorable. Your tips can help support local communities and families.

5. Positive Interaction and Relationship Building: Tipping can create a positive interaction and establish a good rapport with your tour guide. It fosters a sense of goodwill and appreciation, which can lead to a more enjoyable and personalized experience. Your tip can leave a lasting impression on your guide and contribute to building positive relationships between tourists and locals.

While tipping is not obligatory in Spain, it is a meaningful gesture that can have a positive impact on the individuals who make your trip memorable. Taking the time to tip your tour guide shows your appreciation for their service, promotes cultural understanding, and helps support the local tourism industry.

Average Tip Amount for a Tour Guide in Spain

When it comes to tipping tour guides in Spain, there is no fixed rule or percentage that applies universally. The tip amount can vary based on various factors, including the quality of service, duration of the tour, and your personal budget. However, here are some general guidelines to help you determine an average tip amount:

1. Guideline Percentage: As a general guideline, many travelers opt to tip around 10% of the total cost of the tour. This can serve as a starting point when deciding on the tip amount.

2. Consider the Service: Take into consideration the quality of service provided by your tour guide. If they went above and beyond to make your experience exceptional, you may consider tipping on the higher end of the scale, such as 15-20%.

3. Small Group Tours: For small group tours, a higher tip amount may be appropriate due to the more personalized and intimate experience provided by the tour guide. Consider tipping around 15% or more for these types of tours.

4. Large Group Tours: If you are part of a large group tour where the tour guide is managing a larger number of people, a lower tip amount around 5-10% may be considered acceptable.

5. Duration of the Tour: Longer tours that span over a full day or multiple days may warrant a higher tip amount compared to shorter tours. Take into account the effort and time invested by the tour guide when determining the tip.

It’s important to note that these are just average tip amounts, and ultimately, the decision on the tip amount is up to your discretion. Consider your overall satisfaction with the service provided and the factors mentioned above when deciding on the appropriate tip for your tour guide.

Remember, tipping is a gesture of appreciation, and any amount you give will be well-received by your tour guide.

Tips for Tipping in Spain

While tipping in Spain is not as prevalent or expected as it is in some other countries, it is still appreciated and can be a way to show your gratitude for exceptional service. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when it comes to tipping in Spain:

1. Check the Bill: In some cases, a service charge may already be included in the bill. Look for the phrase “servicio incluido” or “propina incluida.” If a service charge is included, an additional tip may not be necessary. However, it is still customary to leave small change or round up the bill as a gesture of appreciation.

2. Cash is Preferred: While credit cards are widely accepted in Spain, when it comes to tipping, it is best to have cash on hand. Many service providers, including tour guides, prefer to receive tips in cash rather than through card payments.

3. Be Discreet: When giving a tip, it is best to be discreet and hand it directly to the tour guide. Avoid making a show of the transaction, as it may make the guide and those around you uncomfortable.

4. Consider the Quality of Service: As mentioned earlier, the quality of service provided should be a key factor when deciding on the tip amount. If your tour guide has gone above and beyond to make your experience memorable, consider rewarding them with a higher tip.

5. Round Up or Add a Small Percentage: In cases where a service charge is not included, it is customary to round up the bill or add a small percentage as a tip. You can round up to the nearest whole amount or add 5-10% of the bill total.

6. Tailor the Tip to the Service: Consider the level of service provided when determining the tip amount. If the tour guide has provided exceptional service, consider tipping on the higher end of the spectrum. Conversely, if the service was subpar, you may choose to give a smaller tip or none at all.

7. Be Mindful of Local Customs: Different regions in Spain may have their own tipping customs. For example, in some areas, such as Barcelona, tipping may be more common, while in others, like Madrid, it may be less expected. Researching and understanding the tipping practices specific to the region you are visiting can help you navigate the situation more confidently.

Remember, tipping in Spain is not obligatory, but it is a gesture appreciated by service providers. Adjust your tip amount based on the circumstances and your level of satisfaction with the service provided. By following these tips, you can ensure that your tour guide feels appreciated for their efforts and dedication.

Tipping is a cultural practice that varies from country to country, and understanding the tipping etiquette is important when visiting Spain. While tipping is not mandatory in Spain, it is appreciated and can be a way to show your appreciation for excellent service provided by tour guides. By considering factors such as the quality of service, duration of the tour, and your personal budget, you can determine an appropriate tip amount.

It is important to remember that tipping in Spain is not as prevalent as it is in some other countries. However, it is still a meaningful gesture that can make a difference in the lives of service industry workers. Tipping not only acknowledges their hard work and dedication but also serves as an incentive for them to continue providing exceptional experiences to visitors.

When tipping in Spain, it is advisable to have cash on hand, be discreet when giving the tip, and consider rounding up the bill or adding a small percentage as a tip. Tailor the tip to the level of service provided and be mindful of local customs, as tipping practices may vary across different regions of Spain.

In conclusion, tipping your tour guide in Spain is a personal decision based on various factors. By showing your gratitude through a tip, you not only support the individuals who make your trip memorable but also contribute to the preservation of cultural traditions and the overall tourism industry in Spain.

So, the next time you embark on a tour in Spain and receive exceptional service from your guide, consider expressing your appreciation through a thoughtful tip. Your gesture will be valued and remembered, and it will help cultivate positive relationships between tourists and locals.

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Home » Europe » Spain » Tipping in Spain – The ultimate Guide on where and how much to tip in Spain

Tipping in Spain – The ultimate Guide on where and how much to tip in Spain

Many of us would certainly not leave a restaurant or café without leaving an appreciable tip. But what is it actually like in Spain? Is tipping in Spain also common? And if so, how much gratuity should you leave?

After living in the country for almost six years, I have adapted well to the Spanish tipping culture. Therefore, in this guide, you will find everything you need to know about leaving tips in Spain, standard tipping rates, and an overview of where and how much you should tip.

What to find out in this post

• 1 Do you tip in Spain?
• 2 Tip Calculator for Spain
• 3 How much tipping is customary in Spain?
• 4 A step-by-step guide to tipping in a Spanish restaurant
• 5.1 Card payment fees
• 6.1 Tipping in Restaurants in Spain
• 6.2 Tipping in Bars & Cafés in Spain
• 6.3 Tipping in the Hotel in Spain
• 6.4 Tipping Travel Guides in Spain
• 6.5 Tipping City Guides in Spain
• 6.6 Tipping Taxi Drivers in Spain
• 6.7 Tipping for other services in Spain
• 6.8 Tipping when Going Out (Clubs, Discos, & Night bars) in Spain
• 6.9 Tipping for other means of transport (Boats etc.) in Spain
• 7.1 Tipping on the Balearic Islands
• 7.2 Tipping in Canary Island
• 7.3 Tipping on the Spanish mainland (Barcelona, Madrid, and more)
• 8 Summary of Spanish Propina
• 9.1 About the AuthorVicki

Do you tip in Spain?

Tipping in Spain is common but not required. Tipping is, therefore, only necessary or advisable for outstanding service. However, for tourist activities such as room service or city tours, you should definitely leave a little gratuity.

Tip Calculator for Spain

How much tipping is customary in spain.

In restaurants, bars, and cafes, around 5-10% of the bill is common. Generally, however, there is no set standard rate, so you can decide how much you think is appropriate. Despite everything, tipping is not required.

Accordingly, you only need to tip if the service is excellent.

Later in this article, however, we will discuss various situations and places where tipping might be appropriate.

A step-by-step guide to tipping in a Spanish restaurant

While in the US, you can directly add the amount you would like to leave, tips in Spain work a little differently.

In the following paragraph, you will find a small step-by-step guide to tipping in Spain.

• When you are done with your food or drink, you can let the staff know that you want to pay by saying, “ Me cobras? ” (“ Will you charge me ?)” or “ La cuenta, por favor ” (“ The bill, please “).
• Pay the requested amount in cash or by card and get your change (“ cambio “) if necessary.
• Afterward, you can leave some coins (about 5-10%). This can be done either on a small tip plate (if available), leaving the money at the bar or table, or giving it directly to the waiter/barman.

Tipping in cash or with Credit Card in Spain?

The service in the restaurant while trying out various delicious Spanish dishes was excellent, and you would like to leave a tip. But if you pay for your meal with a card, should you pay the tip in cash or directly with a card?

Both are common in Spain. It is probably easier to tip in cash since no knowledge of Spanish is required. However, you also have the option of tipping directly when you pay by card.

Before paying, indicate that you would like to leave a tip. In this way, the waiter can easily adjust the amount to be paid.

Note: Of course, keep in mind when paying by card, the money may go directly to the owner of the establishment and not to the wait staff, which is especially the case in larger establishments or chains.

Card payment fees

If your account is located within the European Monetary Union (Euro), you usually don’t have to worry about bank fees when paying by card. Most banks and credit card providers do not charge any fees for card payments within the European Monetary Union.

However, if your account is located outside of this zone or you regularly use a different currency, you should definitely check the costs before traveling. If you are charged for paying abroad or in another currency, it is worth paying in cash instead.

Especially in big tourist cities like Barcelona or Madrid , it can be worthwhile to carry as little cash as possible with you. This is because Barcelona is considered the capital of pickpockets .

Tipping in Spain: Where and how much?

Tipping in restaurants in spain.

In a restaurant in Spain, tipping is not usually expected . However, if the service was very good and you would like to leave a tip, it will, of course, be appreciated. You can simply round up your bill.

The usual amount is about 5-10 % of your bill .

The tip is usually given after the actual payment. Only when paying by card, should you let them know at the time of payment that you would like to pay a tip.

Otherwise, when you leave the restaurant, you can simply leave a few coins on your seat, in the leather wallet or the pay tray (if available), or to the waiter himself.

Tipping in Bars & Cafés in Spain

Tipping is also not a must in bars and cafes in Spain. You could leave around 5-10% of the bill or round up your bill if the service was great .

Like restaurants, you usually pay the tip after the actual payment. Only if you pay by card should you already indicate when paying that you want to leave a tip.

Otherwise, when you leave the bar or café, you can simply leave a few coins at the table or the counter or hand them directly to the waiter. Some bars also have a kind of tip box (“ bote “) at the bar, into which you can throw a few coins when leaving or paying.

Tipping in the Hotel in Spain

Especially in the tourist sector, tipping is also becoming more and more common in Spain. The rule of thumb here is the more touristy/expensive, the more typical it is to tip . Therefore, this is especially true in tourist resorts, all-inclusive hotels, or luxury hotels. In hostels and backpacker accommodations, on the other hand, tipping is anything but obligatory.

In an averagely expensive middle-class-upscale hotel, you can, therefore, gladly leave a tip for room service or fulfilled extra requests. Here you can orientate yourself to about 1 € per night stay. If the service was particularly good, this can of course also be increased.

If the hotel staff brings the luggage to the room, you can tip about 1 € per suitcase .

If breakfast or other meals are included in the hotel, the waiters and staff in the catering area are also happy to receive a small tip, which can be divided between the employees. Depending on the service and length of stay, tipping around €5 at the end of the stay is reasonable .

Another option is to simply round up the amount to be paid for the hotel staff’s tip box when paying at check-out.

Tipping Travel Guides in Spain

If you are visiting Spain on a package tour or group tour, you may have a travel guide on-site. Although the guide is, of course, compensated, it is still customary to leave a small tip.

On group tours, the tip is often handed over by the group. Either each group member gives a prearranged amount, or everyone contributes what they think is appropriate.

Of course, it depends on how often the guide accompanies you and how good the service is. As a rule of thumb, however, you can orientate yourself to 1-5 € per day per person .

Tipping City Guides in Spain

Are you planning a city tour at your destination in Spain? Then you will surely be interested in the tipping habits regarding city guides.

It is quite common to give your guide a small tip after the tour . The amount depends mainly on the length and type of the tour and the size of the group (e.g., whether it is a group or private tour).

Especially with so-called “Free Walking Tours” (free city tours), you should leave an appropriate tip . Because these city guides live off the visitors’ tips, they show the city to. (And let’s face it, if you get a free city tour, there are definitely a few euros in it, right). Here, depending on the length of the tour, you can gladly give € 5-15 per person .

With paid city tours, on the other hand, if you pay cash, you can simply round up the amount or hand the city guide a few coins at the end.

Tipping Taxi Drivers in Spain

When taking a taxi in Spain, it is not customary to give a tip. However, if you have a lot of luggage that the cab driver has stowed well in the car, you can very well tip a small amount at the end.

If your cab driver gives you great tips for your trip or has been helpful in any other way, you can feel free to leave a small token of gratitude. Otherwise, though, you don’t need to feel compelled to leave a tip.

If you use taxi apps or other online services to order your cab, you often have the option to add a small tip to your payment afterward. In any case, your driver will be happy to receive a good review.

Tipping for other services in Spain

Whether it’s a hairdresser, a massage, or another type of service, should a tip be left in this case? In general, we can summarize again that the tip depends on the type of service and especially the cost class.

In general, however, it is also true for general services that the tip is purely optional and is, therefore, usually not required. The more touristy the service, the more common the tip.

For luxurious and expensive treatments, such as expensive hairdressers, massages, or beauty treatments, you can round up the amount when paying or leave a few euros tip when leaving.

Tipping when Going Out (Clubs, Discos, & Night bars) in Spain

Similar to most European countries, it is also unusual in Spain to leave a tip in night bars, clubs, and discos . If your drink was particularly good or the service surprisingly pleasant, you can leave a coin or two.

In general, there is no standard percentage, as it is not customary to leave a tip.

Tipping for other means of transport (Boats etc.) in Spain

For tourist transportation, such as a boat tour or a rickshaw, you can certainly leave a few euros at the end of your tour.

For public transport such as the metro, buses, or the airport bus, however, it is very uncommon to give a tip.

Tipping in different Regions of Spain

Now that we’ve already looked at where tipping is appropriate let’s take a look at a few of the different regions of Spain and compare tipping habits.

Tipping on the Balearic Islands

Mallorca and Ibiza are two of the most touristy regions in Spain. In the very tourist areas, you might want to leave a little bigger tip if the service is good.

Outside the tourist strongholds, however, you can orient yourself well and gladly to the previous guide for tipping.

Tipping in Canary Island

The Canary Islands are also a popular destination for travelers. In general, similar tipping habits apply here as on the Spanish mainland. In general, you can also follow the rule of thumb: the more touristy or expensive a place is, the more likely it is that you are expected to tip .

Generally, however, tipping is also optional in the Canary Islands, and you can always choose not to tip at all.

Tipping on the Spanish mainland (Barcelona, Madrid, and more)

Generally, tipping is not required on the Spanish mainland and can be done by feel. If you experience great service, you can round up the bill or leave 5-10% of the bill amount.

However, if the service was only average or did not convince you at all, you can leave without tipping without a guilty conscience.

Summary of Spanish Propina

In general, it can be said that tipping is not obligatory in Spain. In fact, tipping is generally less frequent and less frequent than in the US, Uk, or Germany.

Despite this, tipping is gladly accepted and can therefore be given if the service is very excellent. You can accordingly calculate the tip according to your feelings. It is enough to round up or give a few coins.

The more touristy and expensive a place is, the more common the tip is.

FAQ about Tipping culture in Spain

Tipping is not usually included in the bill in Spain. However, since waiters are entitled to the minimum wage, tipping is not obligatory.

In Spain, tipping is not obligatory and is therefore reserved for exceptional service. If you wish to leave a tip, around 5-10% of the bill is appropriate.

In Spain, it is not impolite to leave a restaurant without tipping. As a rule, tips are only given for very, very high-quality service.

In Spain, it is normal to pay by credit card. If you wish to tip, you can do so by credit card in many establishments. However, keep in mind that tipping is not obligatory in Spain.

In Spain, people usually pay as a group and therefore tip as a group. If you are invited by another person, you can also offer to take over the tip.

The word “tip” translates to “propina” in Spanish.

The whole of Spain uses Euros as its currency. Accordingly, if you want to leave a tip, it makes more sense to tip using Euros.

in general, leaving a tip in Spain is optional. Therefore, you can choose whether you think the service deserves a tip or not and tip accordingly.

Interested in Spain?

About the Author Vicki

Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.

7 thoughts on Tipping in Spain – The ultimate Guide on where and how much to tip in Spain

I live in Andalucia, southern region in Spain for more than 8 years now. I read your post and I am totally disagree with your post about tipping here in Spain. In Andalucia, most natives won’t leave tip like in the US which is required around 15 – 18% and sometimes the tip is immediately add for party more than 4 people, unless some changes less than 1 euro. It is not a common thing to leave tips; however, yes to some extent foreigners from UK, US, and other primer countries normally they leave tips because the price is considered cheap compare to their country origin. Sometimes WOW exclamation heard because yes, it is cheap! In the bar, the servers or camarer@s don’t expect tips or propinas from clients because they already receive monthly salary whether there are clients or no clients. It is different in the US where all server don’t even get close to minimum wage and they normally depend on tips.

Hi Carong, Thanks for your comment. But that’s exactly what the article says? 😀

Not correct (from a permanent resident of 20 years). What the article says is firstly that “Tipping in Spain is common, but not required. Tipping is therefore only necessary or advisable for outstanding service.” It then says that “tipping in restaurants is 5 – 10%”. The two statements are therefore contradictory. Carong is therefore correct. In the British/USA/Canadian sense and level, tipping is indeed not common. Unless a restaurant meal is outstanding in terms of EXCEEDING expected quality/service/value, there will be no drama if you don’t tip anything. Locals do no appreciate foreigners importing their standards into Spain, where a minimum wage at any popular tourist establishment is almost guaranteed, unlike in, say, the restaurant business in the U.S.A. in decades perhaps now past. The question should be if tipping in THOSE countries is still justified.

Thanks a lot for your comment and your side of things. That’s basically what the article says, isn’t it? 🙂 I absolutely agree with you that in local places, a tip is not required. But many touristy places appreciate (and even expect) the tip anyway, and if you are a tourist visiting looking for the right amount to give when you have been treated wonderfully, 5-10% is a reasonable amount. Hope that clears things up

You’re absolutely right. I live in Madrid. The only people who would even think about tipping here are idiots from the United States, which can’t pay its restaurant workers a living wage.

What would be the tip for a full day private driver and a guide? (Andalucia)

Hi Bo Hahn,

It depends on how much you enjoyed the trip and how expensive it was. I’d probably say about 10 € per person (guide + driver each) is totally fine if you are a small group. If you are a bigger group, 5 € per pax is great.

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Latitude 41

Tipping in Spain: The Definitive Guide for Tourists

*This site contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission when you buy. See my full disclosure .

As an American who has lived in Spain for 15 years, I understand how tipping culture can be confusing for my compatriots when they come here. In Spain, tipping is not as common as it is in the US, but it is very much appreciated when provided. Who doesn’t want free money? Rest assured, here are some tips (pun intended) to help you navigate the murky waters Spanish tipping etiquette. Read on in this comprehensive guide to standard tipping in Spain!

Table of Contents

Everything you need to know about tipping in Spain

Tipping in cash or credit card.

You can tip in both cash or credit card – neither is better than the other. Tipping in cash is the most common situation. However, when you are paying by credit card, you can tell your waiter or service provider to round up to the nearest euro. For example, they can charge you €13 instead of €12.61.

Tipping culture in Spain vs. tipping culture in the US

The expectation to tip in the United States is very high. Whenever I go back to the US to visit, tipping feels compulsory even though it isn’t. Restaurants – even where you pick up your own food and maybe even put in your own order – do the math for me and tell me how much of a gratuity I should leave. WTH?!

The expectation to tip in Spain is very low and non-existent . Many Spaniards don’t tip at all, and they are not shamed into tipping. It is not compulsory or expected. When it comes to tipping big, the maximum is 15% for an exceptional quality of the service. If you wish to leave a tip in Spain, the gesture is more about how much you enjoyed or appreciated the service, and not out of social obligation.

Tipping in restaurants and cafés in Spain

The most common situation to leave a tip is at restaurants, cafes, or tapas bars . Tipping sometimes depends on the size of the group.

If you’re in a big group of about 5 people, it’s generally acceptable to leave a few coins on the table – nothing too extravagant, just enough to show you appreciate the service. But if you’re feeling particularly generous, you could always round up the bill to the nearest euro.

Restaurants and tapas bars, do not have an option to add a tip to the credit card payment. You will never see a blank tip line on your restaurant bill in Spain. If you want to leave a gratuity, simply ask your waiter or service provider to charge you €24 instead of €22.17. The restaurant will easily adjust the amount for you.

If you want to be certain that your tip goes to your waiter for his table service, and not the restaurant, leave your cash tip on the table, or hand it to him directly. Waiters and restaurant workers do not depend on tips to make a living in Spain.

If you’re at a fancy restaurant like Arzak with a big group of 10 people, things get a bit trickier. As a general rule of thumb, aim to leave around 10% of the total bill. Some restaurants in Spain may include a “service charge” or “cover charge” on their bills, but it is not common.

Read about eating customs in Spain here !

Tipping taxi drivers or other drivers in Spain

You don’t have to tip taxi drivers in Spain, especially if it’s a short distance. It is common culture in Spain to round up the fare to the nearest euro or simply leave a small tip of a few coins. If your cab driver helped load your luggage, was very friendly, or went the extra mile with service, feel free to leave a tip and round to the nearest euro. If you are taking a private car service, tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated.

Tipping in hotels in Spain

In hotels, tipping is not expected at all . Unless it’s a very high-end hotel, you can tip hotel services such as the porter, housekeeping, room service, or other hotel staff. You can leave €1-€2 for them. You can leave 5-10% at the concierge at the end of your stay if they assisted you with your trip, but it is not expected.

Tipping tour guides in Spain

If you take a guided tour in Spain, it is not customary to tip the tour guide. But depending on the depth, quality, and length of the tour, you can leave a tip of €1-€10.

For example, you’re not expected to tip if you’re in a large group of 20 people, and you’re getting a 2-hour guided tour of the Sagrada Familia. On the other hand, a tip would be more welcome if you’re on a small-group tour of 5 people, it’s 8 hours long, and your tour guide is answering all your questions. Again, you can leave a tip of €1-€10, and go with your gut.

Tipping other services in Spain

For other Spanish service industry workers, such as those who provide beauty treatments, massages, or pet grooming, it is not common in Spain to leave a tip. But I’m sure they’ll welcome any tip you choose. You can tip the person around 5-10% of the total cost of the service, or round up the bill.

Is it rude not to tip in Spain?

No, it is not rude to tip in Spain. If you do not tip your barber, hotel staff, or taxi driver, no one will bat an eye, and you will not be shamed. Some Spaniards will leave a few coins from €.20 to €2 tip if they received good service from the wait staff, especially at a bar or restaurant. Or, they will round up to the nearest euro. But, if you just pay for your meal, and that is it, it is not rude.

Is tipping expected in Barcelona?

Tipping is the same in Barcelona as it is in all over the country. The general rule is that tipping is not expected in Spain. It is optional, and any service worker will almost certainly welcome any tip. As with tipping in Madrid, Valencia, and all other Spanish cities, round up to the nearest euro, or leave a few coins.

In conclusion, tipping in Spain is optional. If you’re at a restaurant and want to leave a tip, you can decide at the end of a meal. And leave the tip you choose to leave. If you’re feeling generous, by all means, leave tips for every service worker you meet. YOU decide how much to tip in Spain – or not – without feeling guilty or stingy. In short, tip in Spain if the service is good. Tipping is not required!

If you want travel tips before you come to Spain, read my guide to planning your trip !

Did you find this guide helpful? Let me know in the comments! I read all of them!

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

Just wanted to say that I appreciate your recognition of how tipping in the US feels so obligatory. And it’s getting worse. So it’s refreshing to feel like I can just ignore it in Spain and that it’s my choice, as it should be!! Kind of a pet peeve of mine. lol

Yes, it really is annoying! Why should we pay for something that I served MYSELF?! They try to guilt-trip you into something, I know people who just say they pay it because they don’t want to look cheap.

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Tipping In Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

We use affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Disclaimer to learn more.

If you’re dreading that awkward moment when it’s time to pay the bill and you have no idea what the tipping policy is, then it’s time to learn about tipping in Spain – before you get in that position.

Spain, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, is a traveler’s delight. But, while exploring this beautiful country, it’s important to understand the local customs, especially when it comes to tipping. The tipping customs in Spain may not be what you’re accustomed to. So here’s a helpful guide to navigating the Spanish tipping etiquette.

General Guidelines For Tipping In Spain

Tipping in spain – cafes, tipping in spain – restaurants, tipping in spanish bars, tipping in spain for taxi drivers, tipping in spain for uber drivers, tipping spanish tour guides, tipping in spanish hotels, tipping in spain for other services, summary – when to tip in spain.

Tipping in Spain is typically more relaxed and less compulsory than in countries like the United States. It’s generally considered a kind gesture for good service rather than an obligation. The amount is often small and left at the customer’s discretion.

• Small Change : Leaving small change or rounding up the bill is common.
• Service Charge : Check if a service charge is included in your bill. If it is, additional tipping is not necessary.
• Quality of Service : The quality of service should dictate whether you leave a tip and how much it should be.

When you stop by a café for a coffee or a light snack, tipping is usually quite straightforward.

• Coins : Leaving a few coins or rounding up to the nearest euro is more than sufficient.
• Counter Service : If you order at the counter, tipping is not expected.

Dining in Spain is a delightful experience, and knowing how to tip properly can enhance your meal.

• 5-10% : For good service, consider leaving a 5-10% tip.
• Cash : It’s preferable to leave your tip in cash, even if you pay the bill with a card.
• Check the Bill : Make sure a service charge hasn’t already been added.

Spanish bars are bustling and lively, and tipping here is quite relaxed.

• Small Change : Leaving small change or no tip is common in more casual bars.
• Table Service : If you receive table service, consider leaving a small tip.

Getting around Spain by taxi is convenient, and tipping your driver is a kind gesture.

• Round-Up : Simply rounding up the fare or leaving up to an extra euro is customary, most especially if the driver helped you with the luggage.

Rounding Up : You can round up the fare to the nearest euro or add a euro or two, especially if the driver provided excellent service, helped with luggage, or navigated through heavy traffic efficiently.

• Cash or In-App : While cash is always a straightforward way to tip, Uber also allows you to tip through the app after your ride has ended. This feature makes it convenient to show your appreciation without needing small change.
• Not Expected, But Appreciated : Remember, tipping your Uber driver is not an obligation, and drivers do not expect a tip. However, if you choose to tip, it’s a kind gesture that shows your gratitude for their service.

Guided tours are a great way to learn about Spain’s history and culture. Showing appreciation to your guide is always a nice touch.

• 5-10 Euros : For group tours, 5-10 euros per person is a generous tip.
• More for Private Tours : If you’re on a private tour, consider tipping more.

The hospitality in Spanish hotels is warm and welcoming, and tipping is a way to show gratitude.

• 1-2 Euros : For bellboys or housekeeping, 1-2 euros per day or service is appreciated.
• Concierge : If the concierge provides exceptional help, consider tipping 5-10 euros.

However, unless you’re staying in a 5-star hotel, there most likely won’t even be a concierge, a bellboy, or anyone else to help you with luggage. So the above guidelines are really applicable in higher-end hotels.

There are a few other instances where tipping in Spain might be expected.

• Hairdressers and Beauticians : A small tip of a few euros is appreciated.
• Spa Services : For massages or other spa services, a 5-10% tip is generous.

Understanding the customs regarding tipping in Spain enhances your travel experience, ensuring that you show appreciation where it’s due and navigate the local customs with ease.

Remember, while tipping is appreciated, it is not obligatory, and the quality of service should always guide your decision. Enjoy your travels through Spain, and embrace the local customs with confidence!

With a passport that’s seen more stamps than a busy post office and a career in travel that spans four rollicking decades, Mary knows a thing or two about the world's nooks and crannies. These days, she’s on a mission: ensuring her fellow baby boomers swap those old hiking boots for plush slippers on a luxury cruise deck. After all, isn't travel about comfort and a tad bit of pampering? Cheers to luxurious memories!

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A Guide To Tipping In Spain

How much should i tip in spain.

The quick answer to the question, “ Should I tip when traveling to Spain?” is no, it isn’t customary to tip in Spain. Service staff usually don’t depend on tips to make ends meet in Spain. HOWEVER if you enjoy good service and you want to tip this is not frowned upon. The following article will give you a good idea of the customary amounts that are tipped by type of service, but of course feel free to do as you please. Tipping in Spain is question you should put yourself in view of the service you have received and not on a compulsary reality. Making someone’s day is never a bad idea!  Having answered this first question the folloiwng question also comes to mind. How much should I tip in Spain?

Percentage used for tips in Spain

A good way of gauging how much to tip in Spain when it comes to restaurants is to leave about 3 to 5 percent of the final bill at a nice restaurant and at cheaper places people will sometimes leave some coins or just skip the tip all together.  What definitely isn’t customary is to include the tip in the bill (though possible at some restaurants) so if you are thinking of leaving a tip make sure to have some cash available.

Something which is important to remind is that you should not feel oblige to tip in Spain . Salaries in Spain are regulated for each sector or industry and tips are not part of the salary and they are not taxable for the person that receives them. 

This tipping scale at different venues and business in Spain

• Cafe:  Leaving some coins is a nice gesture and if the service was exceptional leaving 1 euro is enough to show your appreciation  
• Bartender / cocktail waiter : If you are drinking at the bar don’t tip. If there is a tip jar feel free but in every other circumstance it isn’t customary and might even be rejected so just go ahead and enjoy your drink. If you are seated and there is table service, again, up to 1€ for exceptional service. if you are a large group, especially with children, you may want to consider a higher tip. If instead of just drinks you end-up eating tapas you should also consider a higher tip.
• Airport Shuttle:  Your driver will not expect a tip, but if you want to go ahead and give up to 1€ per bag if the service was good, go right ahead.
• Doorman : Once again the 1€ rule is in effect. Doormen do not expect tips, but if you want to appreciate them helping with your bags or just the great service anything in that 1€ range and above is just fine.
• Taxis:  Taxi drivers rarely get tips for their service. If the service is just amazing, people in Spain will sometimes ask to have the fare rounded up to where they feel is fair. Totally up to you. With the arrival of Uber and other apps this has slightly changed since drivers working for these companies are not self-employed.
• Concierge : For really amazing service during your stay, 10€ is probably your limit.

• Bellhop : No more than 5€, about 1€ per bag.
• House Cleaning : 1€ per night if anything.
• Barber / hair dresser: Depending on the price of the service required you may decide to round-up the bill. Up to 5 euros if the service was exceptional
• Stylist: Same as above. Up to 5€ if the experience was amazing
• Tour guides : If the tour was free, the guide makes his or her money on tips so make sure to give something. This is expected. The tip will need to be thought on a per person basis.  A normal tip would be 3-5€ and up to 10€ for a exceptional guide (we recommend you bear in mind the overall amount of people in the tour. Less people normally imply higher tip.
• On p aid group tours people don’t usually leave a tip. If anything, 1€ or 2€.
• If it was a  private tour you don’t have to give a tip. However, guests develop a bit of a relationship with guides after spending the day with them and tend to leave a bit more that in other situations. Up to ten % of the cost of the tour.
• Spa Service Provider : A tip isn’t expected, but you can leave up to 10 percent for anything that goes above and beyond your expectations.

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Tipping in Spain: A Guide to Gratuity

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Should you tip in Spain?

On our last Spanish getaway, visiting the Catalan capital we pondered this exact same question. What exactly does tipping in Barcelona, or Spain in general for that matter entail. And I know you may be wondering the exact same thing.

This is why I’ve decided to put together this comprehensive guide on tipping in Spain, to answer all your Spanish tipping questions!

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Do You Tip in Spain?

To tip in Spain is not customary practice. However, Spain tipping etiquette varies depending on the situation. Leaving someone who’s served you feeling under-appreciated is not something you want to take part in. So, make sure you’re clued up on Spain tipping before your trip.

Whether you’re travelling around Barcelona for the first time or living your best life in Madrid, here’s everything you need to know about giving tips in Spain

Do You Need to Tip Your Spanish Tour Guide?

Unlike many of the other tipping customs in Spain, it is actually expected that you tip your tour guide after a full day of sightseeing. Many of them depend on tips to help supplement their income.

If you’ve experienced great service from your tour guide, each member of the tour group should tip the guide between ten and fifteen Euros. Many tour guides work independently in Spain, so it’s important to show them they’re appreciated. Especially when they’ve gone the extra mile to  show you all the very best hidden gems in Spain .

Spain has incredible tours that can make your whole trip worthwhile, so be sure to book at least one or two during your stay.

Do You Tip Waiters in Spain?

Whether or not you tip your waiter in Spain depends on the type of dining establishment you’re indulging in. Tipping in Spain restaurants differ depending on whether you’re in a cafe or restaurant.

It’s important to know that waiters do earn salaries in Spain, so it’s unnecessary to tip extravagantly. When paying for your meal with a credit card, try to tip separately in cash as servers often don’t receive credit card tips.

Here are the general rules for Spain tips.

Tipping in a Cafe

If you frequent a cafe in Spain, no tip is expected. The general rule of thumb is that if you are ordering a pre-prepared meal, takeaway, or light snack, there is no need to tip the server. If you feel that your server was extremely helpful and went out of their way to help you, then tipping is acceptable. In this case, it’s best to leave a few coins on the table on your way out.

If you feel that your particular server offered service unlike anywhere else, then round up your bill to the nearest Euro. Do note that this is not expected, and need only be done in exceptional cases.

Tipping in a Restaurant

If you’re ordering a light meal at a restaurant, it’s not usual to tip. At upscale restaurants, you can tip up to 10% of the bill when the service is great. This is especially expected if there are quite a few people at the table.

Should You Tip Bartenders in Spain?

Bartenders do not expect to be tipped in Spain. Some may even refuse your tip. However, if a bartender provided you with table service, that is a completely different story. This means they went out of their way to serve you. In this case, you should round up your bill to the nearest Euro.

Do You Tip Taxi Drivers in Spain?

Tipping cab drivers in Spain is not expected, but it is appreciated if you’ve experienced exceptional service. Usually, travellers will round their taxi fare up to the nearest Euro, or tip 10% of the final fare if their driver was extraordinarily helpful.

Most drivers charge a bag fee, so there’s no need to tip your driver extra for carrying your luggage if you’re coming straight from the airport.

Are You Supposed to Tip Room Service in Spain?

If you experienced particularly great room service, then tipping one or two Euros is always appreciated. For hotel cleaning services, it’s customary to tip two to three Euros at the end of your stay (note that this is not every day, but rather when you’re leaving the hotel).

How to Tip a Doorman or Bellhop in Spain

Porters aren’t as common in Spain as they are in many other European countries, but if there is someone to carry your bags, tipping them is the right thing to do. Giving them one Euro for every bag they carry for you is the usual tipping method for this sort of service.

If the doorman doesn’t help you with your bags or go out of their way to assist you, a simple thank you is enough. There will be no tip expected in this sort of situation.

How to Tip a Concierge Service in Spain

Many of the hotels in Spain have a complimentary concierge service to help you book restaurant reservations and tours around the area. When making use of this service it’s important to tip. These tips are generally between five and ten Euros, depending on the amount of time and effort they’ve had to put into making the booking.

How to Tip for a Massage or Spa Day in Spain

No tip is expected for these sort of luxury expenses, but tips are generally accepted if you feel like the people providing the service went above and beyond. In this case, feel free to tip up to 10% of the final bill.

How to Tip a Stylist in Spain

Tipping is not expected when it comes to stylists in Spain. However, it will be appreciated if you feel they’ve done a wonderful job. If you’re truly happy with the results, feel free to tip up to 10% of the final bill.

How to Tip for Deliveries in Spain

If you are staying in a self-catering apartment or hotel, and need your groceries delivered, it’s considerate to tip one or two Euros. If the apartment is particularly difficult to get to, you’ll need to tip a little extra.

Tipping for Other Services in Spain

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation and need to call out a plumber or electrician, you’ll need to tip them a little extra. Five Euros is an acceptable amount in this instance.

Has a Tip Been Automatically Added to the Bill?

In very rare cases, a tip will automatically be added to your bill. If you’re confused as to whether this has happened or not, it’s best just to ask. But don’t assume that it has, as it doesn’t happen often.

Some restaurants in Spain do charge what they call a ‘pan’ charge. This is a charge for the bread basket and is done to ensure a minimum amount on the bill. It’s charged per person and usually happens in restaurants where the sharing of dishes is common.

You may also see something called I.V.A which is around 10% of the bill. This is V.A.T (sales tax) and not to be mistaken for a tip.

How to Say Tip in Spanish

If you are trying to give someone a tip in Spain, you’ll need to know the right words to use, especially in situations where a tip is not expected. “La gratificación” is how you would say gratuity in Spanish.

Learn to say it before you head to Spain as it may come in very handy along the way. Learning the basics of Spanish also shows a certain level of respect to the locals and makes communication go a whole lot smoother.

Travelling to Spain?

Are you planning on travelling to Spain in the near future? Be sure to take out travel insurance to ensure there’s no money lost along the way.

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Tipping In Spain - A Complete Guide

Quick guide.

🍽️ Restaurant - Not Expected - Can Tip 0-10%

🍹 Bar - Not Expected - Can Tip 0-10%

🚕 Taxi - Not Expected - Can Round Up

🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - €1/Bag Up To €5 Total

🛏️ Housekeeping - €1-2/Day

📸 Tour Guide - €5-20 Per Person/Day

🥘 Tapas - Not Expected - Can Round Up

Tipping in Spain is optional and uncommon. It’s not expected in a lot of situations but there are nuances.

Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for Spain using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in Restaurants, Bars, Taxis, Hotels, Tapas Bars etc.

Spain Tip Calculator

Good Price For Spain

Total With Tip

Split Bill By

Tipping in Restaurants

In Spain, tipping your server is not engrained in the culture. Spaniards generally only tip a very small amount, if anything. If service is included (“ service incluido ”), feel free to tip nothing or a few euros. If it isn’t included (“ service no incluido ”), consider leaving a tip in the 0-10% range depending on how satisfied you are.

Tipping in Bars

Tipping in Spanish bars isn’t customary but it can be a nice gesture if you’ve received good service. Leave a tip of 0-10% or just round up your bill to make it easy.

Tipping Taxi Drivers

Tipping your taxi or Uber driver in Spain is rare so they won’t be expecting a tip. If your driver has gone above and beyond by helping you with your luggage or opening your car door, you can round up your fare but it remains optional.

Tipping The Porter/Bellhop

If a porter assists you with your luggage in Spain (uncommon unless you’re in a 5-star establishment), it’s customary to tip around €1 per bag (no more than €5 total).

Tipping Housekeeping

Leaving a tip of €1-2 per day for housekeeping is a polite way to show gratitude for a clean and tidy room.

Tipping Tour Guides

When you’re on a guided tour in Spain, it’s common practice to tip your tour guide €5-20 per person per day. The exact tip depends on the tour length and quality but, in general, the smaller your group, the more you should tip per person.

Tipping For Tapas

If you’re enjoying Spain’s famous Tapas and ordering at the counter, tipping is entirely optional. Leave no tip or round up your bill to the nearest Euro to express your gratitude.

Which Currency To Use

When in Spain, you’ll be using the Euro (€). Credit cards are commonly used to pay for larger bills but they may not always be a suitable way to tip. Carry small bills and coins in your pocket for tipping in various situations.

¡Buen viaje! (Have a great trip!). 🇪🇸🍷☀️

Andrew Young is a full-time blogger and web developer who has been building a portfolio of successful websites, blogs and online tools in the money and travel niches since 2017.

Tipping In The USA - A Complete Guide

Tipping in france - a complete guide.

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All about customary tipping In Spain

Do you tip in spain at all.

It can be embarrassing when you are not familiar with the tipping guidelines in a country. “Is tipping customary in Spain?” is a question I get asked a lot by my clients, and it can be also embarrassing for me to answer them when asked in front of the person to be tipped.

Is tipping expected in Spain the same way it is in your country? Often, yes. However, proper tipping amounts are not as big in Spain as they are in other countries.  And specially after the economical crisis, I see people tipping less and less. But if not tipping at all takes you out of your comfort zone (and giving too much doesn’t feel good for your wallet either), today’s post will be definitely of help. This recommendations come from my own experience tipping in Barcelona and seeing how my family, friends and guests tip. But they also apply to the rest of Spain.

How much to tip in Spain

Tipping at restaurants and cafes.

In Spain waiters get a relatively decent salary, the tipping etiquette in Spain says that a tip is considered always a reward for good service, what means that if the food is bad or the waiter is mean – no tip! But if you are happy with the service, it's always nice to leave a tip. Thankfully, tips in Spain don't follow strict rules like in the US and there's no need to take the calculator out. An approximate amount will be good enough. The more you give, the happier you'll make them, of course (I've seen bars where they ring a bell when someone tips!).

But there’s no “not enough tip” concept here. If you happened to tip less than average at that particular venue no one will give it a second thought. And no one will be chasing after you if you don’t tip.

Small orders (coffee, drink, small bite under €10)

A lot of Spaniards have stopped tipping for small orders. But if you don’t want to carry small coins with you, it’s always nice to leave a small tip. Something like 10 to 20 cents for a coffee or drink, and up to 50 cents if you ordered more than that.

No tipping in Spain at fast food chains where you bring your own food to the table and are expected to clean the table after you are done eating. But if it’s a seat-down fast food chain where there’s staff waiting at the tables (think Hard Rock Cafe, for instance), then treat it as a regular restaurant.

Restaurants and tapas bars

The average tip in Spain for a meal is around 7 to 10%. Or sometimes 1 euro per person, if it’s a group splitting the bill. Consider giving more (15 to 20%) if you are eating at a Michelin star restaurant or other fine dinning venue: staff at luxury places are used to tips, and leaving no tip or a small tip might make them think there was something wrong with their service. Better show them you were happy, if you were.

Although not necessary, delivery guys appreciate a small tip – a euro coin or so for an average order. But consider rewarding them better if your order was heavy, or if they had to climb many stairs for lack of elevator.

Tipping at hotels

The proper tip amounts at  luxury hotels  are probably quite universal, and they work for Spain too: one to two euros/dollars per piece of luggage will make them happy.

Maids & housekeeping

A euro per night in 4 to 5 star hotels is common, but if you are staying at a 5 star hotel you might want to be more generous the more expensive your room is.

Room service

Treat it as the delivery guys we mentioned before. One euro for an average order is right.

Concierges and receptionists

If you’ve interacted with the concierge to get restaurant reservations, tour bookings and other requests, it’s thoughtful to give them a tip at the end of your stay. Same if they gave you an unexpected upgrade. Most people will round up their bill. Or maybe bring them a small box of chocolates that you can get at a nearby supermarket for less. Or a small treat from your home country as a gift. 

But if they managed to get you something really difficult, like a last-minute reservation in a restaurant that has a several months-long waiting line, then a generous tip is deserved.

Tipping transportation means

Taxi drivers, uber and the like, private drivers.

For  airport transfers , €10 are acceptable. If you had a chauffeured tour, I see people usually giving them at least €20 for a 4-hour service. The longer the tour, and the happier you were with the driver, the more you should give.

Tourist transportation

Rickshaws, horse carriages and the like. Since it’s a paid ride there’s not much need to tip, but you can also give them a euro coin or so.  Instead, no tip is needed in mass transportation rides such as cable cars, funiculars or hop-on hop-off buses.  As for boat rides, if the staff was providing information or helping you out in some way, a euro tip per person works. If no other service outside of transportation was provided, it won’t be necessary unless it was a private boat – then treat them as a private driver.

Tipping for tours

Guides from museums or sites, guides from group tours.

Either it is a walking tour or a bus tour, it is appropriate to tip your guide with at least one euro per person, depending on how long the tour was. If it was a bus tour, maybe you’ll want to give one euro for the driver and one or two for the guide (it’s best to give each their tip, as not always they’ll be sharing).

And what about so-called “free tours”?

So-called “free tours” aren’t a tour that is free. They are a tour where you are “free” to decide how much to pay your guide. They call it a tip, but it really isn’t: it’s their salary – an under the table salary. If it was a tip, one euro for a walking tour would be correct. But they expect you to pay them €10 per person or more – so the equivalent to a tour ticket, not to a tip. They sometimes even have “infiltrated guests” that will comment how much they are planning to give, in order to influence the rest of the group… My recommendation is to avoid free tours and use a company that tells you the cost of the tour up front. If you want to learn more about the sneaky ways of free tours, I recommend you to read this post (it’s about Madrid, but applies to free tours around Spain in general).

Private tour guides

As a private tour guide myself, this concerns me personally… So here is an honest explanations: while in a group-tour one euro per person is the tipping etiquette, private tour guides are usually tipped per tour, not per person. In general, most people tip between €20 and €50 for a basic 4 hour service, but when the day has been longer, or we have been together for several days, we are often given larger tips. In our Terms & Conditions you can learn more about proper tipping for tourguides .

Do you leave tips in Spain for other services?

And since tips are not expected but they are appreciated,  any tipping should be considered proper tipping (if someone is not happy with it, it’s their problem, not yours!), but it is also okay not to tip. Also, consider the situation: if it’s a service provided by a luxury hotel, like a massage or a hairdresser or a nanny, then they are more likely to hope for a tip  at the end of the service, than if you go to a regular spa, or hair saloon, or if you hire a nanny directly.

Additional tipping etiquette in Spain: how-to

Credit card or cash.

As for restaurants, bars and cafes, while some years ago it was very unusual to add the tip to your credit card payment, since the pandemic it’s become more usual. Don’t expect the check to have specific room to add the tip amount, though. Tell the waiter to charge you X (X being the bill amount plus the tip you want to give them). But it’s always a good idea to ask first if it’s possible to pay the tip by credit card: it’s possible that what is paid by credit card goes to the owner, not to the staff…

What about currency?

If you’ll be leaving your tip in cash, it should be euros. The person you are tipping might not be planning to travel to your country any time soon. Or might not have the time to go to a bank just to exchange a small amount of foreign currency (or the commission might not be worth it). 

Tipping in Spain: Summary

I hope this guide to customary tipping in spain was helpful.

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Insider Tips for Tipping in Spain Like a Pro

If you are planning to visit Spain, it’s important to understand our tipping culture. As a local, I’m here to share my expertise and help you with the ins and outs of tipping in Spain.

Deciding how much to tip in Spain can be tricky. In this guide to tipping in Spain, you will learn how to avoid uncomfortable situations if you tip less than expected.

Table of contents

How to tip in Spain: 3 basic principles

Infographic on tipping in spain, when not to tip in spain, tipping in madrid, what is the rule for tipping in spain.

As a rule of thumb, do you tip in Spain? It depends on the situation.

It is true that tipping in Spain is not as common as it is in some other countries like the US. However, if you feel that you have received good service, it’s perfectly acceptable and much appreciated to leave a small tip.

It’s worth noting that tipping in Madrid, Barcelona, and other tourist hotspots is much more common than in other smaller towns and cities.

In conclusion, tipping in Spain is not as widespread as in other countries, but it is still a nice gesture to show your appreciation for an outstanding service.

When it comes to tipping in Spain, it is important to understand the cultural norms and expectations . Follow these guidelines to navigate the tipping culture in Spain like a local:

• Service charges are often included in the bill, especially in restaurants and cafes. However, if you have received good service, tips are always appreciated . For ordering a coffee and other small amounts, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a few coins is sufficient.
• Try to leave a tip in cash , even when paying by card, to ensure that the tip goes to the waiter. If you add the tip to the final check, the money could finally go to the owner instead of to the person who provided the service.
• Unless it refers to a service for a reduced amount like a coffee, try to avoid small coins . It is acceptable to tip with € 1 and € 2 coins and try to stay away from tipping with coins of lesser value.

Besides, take into account that it is not necessary to put the tip in an envelope.

It can also be helpful to know some tipping vocabulary in Spanish. For example, tip is translated as “propina” and “keep the change” is “quédate con el cambio”.

Do you tip in Spain? Where, when, how much, and how to do it

Considering that tipping in Spain is not compulsory, the following table should help you to easily understand if a tip could be expected when offering an exceptional service:

Are you wondering how much to tip in Spain? The following infographic provides a quick and easy guide to tipping in various situations.

My tipping in Spain infographic is not only informative but also quite handy. You can print it and take it with you on your trip to Spain, so you always have a quick reference on how much to tip in different situations. Whether you are dining out, taking a taxi, or staying in a hotel, this infographic will help you navigate the confusing world of tipping in Spain.

When talking about tipping in Spain, it is important to know in which situations tips are not expected.

Obviously, you should never leave a tip if you are unhappy with the service received. Besides, there are some services where tipping is extremely uncommon such as taxi drivers, public transport, beauty salons, takeaway orders, and for small purchases .

Many people usually ask me “do you tip in Madrid?” and I refer them to this post. Tipping in Madrid is similar to tipping in the rest of Spain . It is not as common or expected as it is in other countries but it is more frequent than in other smaller towns and cities in Spain.

Consequently, in Madrid it is usual to leave a small tip at restaurants and hotels if the service is good. Tipping in bars is less common , but rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a small amount of change is appreciated.

Free tours are a popular activity for visitors to discover the most popular tourist attractions in Madrid. Although tour guides are passionate about their job, it is logical to think that their effort deserves some reward too. Although the amount to tip depends on your budget, the final satisfaction, and the duration of the tour, you could consider a tip of around € 10 per adult for a 2-hour tour.

Ultimately, tipping in Madrid and the rest of Spain is not obligatory, but leaving a small tip is a nice way to show your appreciation for exceptional service. Just remember to base your tip on the quality of the service you receive, and do not feel pressured to leave a tip if you are not satisfied with the service.

I hope you have found this article on tipping in Spain helpful. Leave your comments!

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Tipping in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

You should familiarise yourself with the Spanish tipping customs before your trip. Spain is no exception to the rule that tipping customs vary from country to country. This comprehensive guide will teach when to pitch, how much to list, and where tipping is expected in Spain.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

Understanding Tipping Culture in Spain

Tipping in restaurants, tipping in bars and cafes, tipping in hotels, tipping in taxis, tipping in tourist attractions, tipping for other services, tipping for special occasions, etiquette tips for tipping in spain.

Understanding the tipping culture in Spain can be confusing for visitors, as it's not as straightforward as in some other countries. While tipping is not mandatory in Spain , showing appreciation for good service is still a common practice.

A service charge may already be built into the bill at many restaurants and pubs, especially in high-traffic locations. El servicio, often called "la propina," is a service charge between 10 and 15 per cent of the bill's total. As you want to avoid over-tip by accident, it's important to double-check the account before leaving a tip.

Even if a service charge wasn't added to your bill, it's still common to practise leaving a small tip of 5-10% if you were pleased with the service you received. This is especially true of smaller restaurants. This is true for eating establishments, drinking establishments, and coffee shops once more.

Tipping in other settings, such as hotels, taxis, and tour guides, can be confusing. In hotels, it's customary to leave a few euros for the cleaning staff and to tip the concierge or porter if they provide exceptional service. In taxis, it's common to round up the fare to the nearest euro and to leave a few euros for outstanding service. For tour guides, it's also common to go for a few euros if they provide a great experience.

Tipping customs in Spain might differ from one location to the next. For example, tipping is more customary in Madrid and Barcelona than in Andalusia . If you're unfamiliar with the tipping norms in a given area, it's best to ask a native.

While tipping in Spain is not mandatory, it's a way to show appreciation for good service. By understanding the tipping culture in Spain and following these guidelines, you can ensure that you're tipping appropriately and avoiding any cultural faux pas.

One of the most regular instances in which you may be requested to leave a tip in Spain is in a restaurant. As previously indicated, many restaurants add a service charge to the bill without prompting the customer.

Depending on the service quality, a tip of between 5 and 10% is typically acceptable if a service charge is not included. Remember that leaving a substantial lead, even for excellent service, is different in Spain . Expressing your gratitude for the service only takes a tiny amount of information.

Another thing to remember is that the waiter or waitress may only bring the bill after you ask for it in many restaurants, particularly in smaller locations. It is usual to take your time after dinner and sip a coffee or digestif before asking for the bill, which explains why. "La Cuenta, por favor" is the proper phrase when requesting the account (the bill, please).

It is customary to leave cash on the table rather than add it to the credit card payment when tipping at a restaurant. This is so that the tips may be distributed more efficiently since they are frequently split among the workers.

It's also important to note that in some high-end restaurants, a gratuity may already be included in the bill, especially for large groups or special events. In these cases, leaving an additional tip is unnecessary unless you received exceptional service.

In conclusion, it's essential to ask if a service charge is included when tipping at restaurants in Spain and, if it isn't, to leave a little tip of between 5 and 10% while leaving the money on the table. Ensure you're tipping fairly and expressing your thanks for the service by adhering to these rules.

Tipping in bars and cafes in Spain is less common than in some other countries. In fact, it's common for Spaniards to simply round up the bill to the nearest euro or two rather than leaving a specific tip.

That said, leaving a small tip for good service is still polite, especially in tourist areas where tipping is more common. A 5-10% premium is usually appropriate, or you can round up the bill to the nearest euro.

When leaving a tip in a bar or cafe, going the cash on the counter is more familiar rather than handing it directly to the bartender or server. This allows them to pick up the tip discreetly without interrupting their work or drawing attention to themselves.

You can inquire with the server or bartender about tippingIt is vital to remember that sure taxis in Spain only accept cash, so it is always a good idea to have some euros on hand when paying for a taxi ride. You may still leave a cash tip when purchasing with a credit card. customs if you need assistance determining whether to leave one. If it is expected or not, they will happily inform you.

Overall, tipping in bars and cafes in Spain is less typical or expected than in some other countries, but leaving a small tip for good service is always appreciated. By rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount of cash on the counter, you can show appreciation for the service without breaking the bank.

Although not as widespread as in some other nations, tipping is valued for exceptional service at hotels in Spain . It's essential to remember that many hotels in Spain will include a service charge in the final bill, so it's wise to double-check before adding a tip.

If a service charge is not included, a small tip of around 1-2 euros per night is usually appropriate for the cleaning staff. This can be left on the dresser or bedside table, along with a note saying "para la limpieza" (for the cleaning).

Leaving a small tip for the concierge or porter who helps you with your luggage is common. An end of around 1-2 euros per bag is usually appropriate, or you can round up to the nearest 5 euros for more oversized items.

If you receive exceptional service from the staff at a hotel, consider leaving a larger tip, but this is not expected or required. Simply going a small amount for good service is sufficient to show your appreciation.

Asking the hotel personnel if tips are expected is the safest bet when it comes to tipping in a foreign country. It is preferable to ask if it is expected than to assume and risk offending someone. They will tell you if it is expected or not.

In summary, tipping in hotels in Spain is less common than in some other countries, but leaving a small tip for good service is always appreciated. By checking if a service charge is included and going a small amount of cash for the cleaning staff or porters, you can show your appreciation for the service without breaking the bank.

Tipping in taxis in Spain is not as common as in some other countries, but it's still appreciated for good service. Most locals will round up the fare to the nearest euro rather than leaving a specific tip.

A traveller who receives excellent service and wishes to tip should add a surcharge of 5-10% to the total ticket. Standard practice in Spain is to round up to the next euro or two when leaving a tip.

It is vital to remember that sure taxis in Spain only accept cash, so it is always a good idea to have some euros on hand when paying for a taxi ride. You may still leave a cash tip when purchasing with a credit card.

Remember that many taxis in Spain offer a flat rate for rides to and from the airport, making tips superfluous. However, if the driver does an excellent job, leave some tips.

Tipping in taxis in Spain is less typical or expected than in some other countries, but leaving a small tip for good service is always appreciated. By rounding up the fare or leaving a small amount of cash, you can show appreciation for the service without breaking the bank.

Tipping in Spain's tourist attractions is unnecessary, but it's always appreciated if you receive exceptional service. Most tourist attractions in Spain have a set admission fee, which means there is no need to tip for entrance.

Conversely, a tip is a terrific way to demonstrate appreciation for a guided tour or another personalised service. Round the price to the closest euro or two, or add a 5-10% premium of the overall cost.

It's essential to remember that some tourist attractions in Spain may have specific rules or policies regarding tipping. For example, some may prohibit tipping altogether, while others may include a service charge in the price of the ticket or tour.

Asking the staff or your guide for advice on whether or not to leave a tip is a smart idea when visiting a tourist destination in Spain . They can assist you in avoiding awkward situations by explaining the proper tipping protocol.

Overall, tipping in Spain's tourist attractions is unnecessary, but leaving a small tip for exceptional service is always appreciated by following the guidelines and asking for advice when in doubt, you can ensure that your tipping practices are respectful and appropriate.

In addition to the services mentioned above, there are other situations where tipping in Spain is appropriate. For example, leaving a small tip of around 10% of the cost is expected if you receive a hairdressing service. Similarly, if you have a personal trainer, going a slight lead after each session is appreciated.

Tipping is also appropriate for exemplary service if you hire a private driver or a personal shopper. A tip of around 5-10% of the total cost is usually correct, or you can simply round up the price to the nearest euro or two.

Regarding home services such as cleaning or gardening, tipping is not expected but is still appreciated for exceptional service. If you receive excellent service from a domestic worker, leaving a small tip of around 5-10% of the total cost is a perfect way to show appreciation.

It's essential to remember that service charges are sometimes already built into the price of the service, making further gratuities superfluous. You should always inquire with the service provider if you are still determining how much tip to leave.

Although it is less typical and expected in Spain than in other countries, tipping is still a terrific way to show appreciation for excellent service. Following the rules and using your best judgment, you can ensure your tipping is always courteous and proper.

In Spain , tipping is generally not done. However, there are certain exceptions. Leaving a little tip to show appreciation can be a pleasant touch when celebrating a special event like a birthday or anniversary at a restaurant.

Moreover, receive fantastic service during a special event, such as a surprise birthday cake or a complimentary bottle of wine. A higher tip than usual is an excellent way to express appreciation.

Here are a few tithing guidelines to remember in Spain :

• Always check if the bill includes the service charge before leaving a tip.
• If satisfied with the service, you should only feel obligated to leave a tip.
• Use cash to leave a tip.
• It's common to round up the bill to the nearest euro when leaving a tip in bars and cafes.
• Leave a few euros for the hotel cleaning staff, and tip the concierge or the porter if they provide excellent service.
• Round up the fare to the nearest euro when tipping in taxis, and leave a few euros for exceptional service.
• Leave a few euros for tour guides in tourist attractions if they provide excellent service.
• Always consider the quality of service before leaving a tip.
• Locals are an excellent resource if you are unsure whether a tip is expected.

Although not expected, a tip is always welcome in Spain , especially if the service is excellent. The standard tip range is between 5 and 10 per cent. Before giving advice, think about the quality of service and whether it was accounted for in the bill. You can tip like a pro in Spain if you keep these things in mind.

Tipping is not expected in Spain but is always welcome if the service is excellent.

If a service charge is already added to your statement, the appropriate gratuity is 5–10%. A premium of roughly 10% is typical if the service fee is not included.

It is not expected but always appreciated if patrons of bars and cafes in Spain offer a little tip for their servers.

Yes, leaving a few euros for the cleaning staff in hotels in Spain is customary.

You can ask the locals for advice if you're unsure whether to tip. They'll be happy to help you navigate the tipping culture in Spain.

Tipping is not expected in fast-food restaurants in Spain.

Tipping is not expected in Spanish hair salons. However, a small 5-10% tip is acceptable if you are satisfied with the service.

Tipping is not expected in Spain. However, it is greatly appreciated if the service has been excellent.

In Spain, credit card gratuities are accepted. In addition, credit cards are accepted at most places of service, and tips can be added to the total.

You can say "gracias" (thank you) when leaving a tip in Spain. It's a simple and polite way to show appreciation for the service.

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Tipping in Barcelona: The Ultimate Guide (+ How Much)

You’ve just landed in Spain and you head to a tapas bar around the corner from your hotel. Just as you’re finishing up some amazing food, it hits you: is tipping expected in Barcelona? 

The answer isn’t actually as straightforward as you might think. While the vast majority of locals will almost never tip, there are a few situations where leaving some appreciation for the service is seen as more normal.

However, a super important travel tip for Barcelona is to also make sure you’re not over-tipping! That’s why, in this article, I’ll take you through everything there is to know about tipping in Barcelona, as well as how much you should leave to strike that balance between acknowledging great service…and, well, not being a typical tourist.

Planning a trip to Barcelona last minute?

If you’re booking your  trip to Barcelona last minute, I’ve got you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

⭐  Most popular sights in Barcelona

• Sagrada Familia – tickets often sell out weeks in advance so get your entry ticket here (or entry tickets AND a guided tour here)
• Park Güell – grab your skip-the-line entry
• Casa Batlló – click here for tickets and audio guide

🌍 Top tours in Barcelona

• Montserrat Tour, Monastery and Winery (great day trip!)
• Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes (incredible night out)
• Tapas Walking Tour with Food, Wine, and History (all the highlights at once)

🛏️ Top hotels in Barcelona

• Ohla Barcelona (5-star luxury with an amazing rooftop pool)
• Seventy Barcelona (boutique hotel with beautiful décor)
• Àmfores Boutique Guest House (great budget option with superb location)

🚌 Want free public transport while you’re in Barcelona? Check out the Hola Barcelona travel card !

Table of Contents

Is tipping expected in Barcelona?

Tipping really isn’t expected in Spain and Barcelona is no different. In fact, tourists are typically the only ones who tip in Barcelona, with the exception that in certain restaurants, locals may round up the bill to the nearest multiple of €5 or €10 or simply leave a few coins behind on the table.

Of course, for those tourists who choose to do this, tipping is always appreciated, but it’s certainly not quite as expected as it might be in other parts of the world.

That is, a modest tip of around 5-10% is more than enough if you feel like showing your gratitude for exceptional service – but, again, it’s definitely not expected. And this also means that one big thing to avoid in Barcelona is giving the 15-20% (or more!) tips you may be used to at home, especially for those tourists who come from North America.

Is it rude to not tip in Spain?

In Spain, including in Barcelona, it’s not rude to not tip as tipping simply isn’t part of the local culture. While you’re free to show your appreciation for service by leaving a small amount, know that, in most cases, locals won’t tip and thus the service provider won’t expect it.

Even in places like high end restaurants, no waiter will consider you rude for not tipping. They’ll certainly appreciate it if you choose to do so, but there definitely won’t be any scenes of them chasing you down the street for seeming cheap if you “only” pay the amount on the bill.

Tipping in Restaurants, Cafes and Bars

When dining out at a restaurant in Barcelona, it’s important to understand the tipping etiquette. While tipping isn’t mandatory in Spain, it’s still appreciated if you wish to do so and if you receive good service.

How much do I tip in Spanish restaurants?

You don’t need to tip in Spanish restaurants, as most locals won’t do so. That said, you may wish to round up the bill to the nearest multiple of €5 or €10 or leave several coins totalling a few euros in the middle of the table when you leave.

As mentioned before, tipping in Barcelona (or Spain more generally) isn’t really a thing. For those locals who do – and they still wouldn’t tip everywhere – they generally follow the approach just outlined.

In rare cases, certain restaurants already include a service charge in your bill. If this happens to you, you definitely don’t need to tip.

Basically, if you’re unsure about how much to tip and wish to do so, you can simply round up your bill. Just keep in mind when you do this that tipping in Spain isn’t as common as it is in other countries, so don’t feel obligated to leave a large tip.

Do you tip at tapas bars in Barcelona?

When it comes to tapas bars in Barcelona, tipping is not mandatory. However, if you receive excellent service, you can leave a small tip to show your appreciation. A tip of 1-2 euros per person is a good amount to leave as coins on the table.

If you’re ordering at the bar, it’s not necessary to tip. However, if you’re sitting at a table and a waiter is attending to your needs, then it’s more common to leave a small tip like the one just outlined.

Do you tip at cafes in Barcelona?

In general, tipping at cafes in Barcelona is not expected. However, if you receive exceptional service, you can leave a small tip to show your appreciation. You can leave a few coins or round up your bill to the nearest euro.

It’s important to note that tipping is not as common in cafes as it is in restaurants. If you’re not sure whether to tip or not, it’s always best to follow the lead of the locals.

Overall, tipping in Barcelona truly isn’t mandatory, with people often joking that it’s only the tourists fueling this practice. At the same time, it’s always appreciated if you receive good service. Just don’t feel obligated to leave a large tip, as a small amount can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

Tipping in Hotels

When you’re staying at a hotel in Barcelona, it’s important to know the tipping etiquette. Here are some things to consider when it comes to tipping hotel staff:

Do you tip hotel staff in Barcelona?

Tipping hotel staff in Barcelona isn’t necessary, with most locals not doing it. This includes that there’s no need to tip bellboys in Spain, even if they carry your luggage up to your room. Of course, feel free to give them a euro in appreciation, but it’s not mandatory.

How much do you tip room service in Barcelona?

There’s no obligation to tip room service in Barcelona, although it’s widely recognised that many tourists in particular like to do this. If you would like to tip them, a one or two euro coin is more than enough and certainly not expected. 

It’s important to note that some higher end hotels may already include a service charge in the bill, so it’s always a good idea to check before tipping.

Do you tip housekeeping at Spanish hotels?

Tipping housekeeping at Spanish hotels is not mandatory or expected, but it’s a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their hard work. You can leave a few euros per day for the cleaning staff, or you can leave a larger tip at the end of your stay. 

Like room service, some hotels may already include a service charge for housekeeping in the bill, so perhaps double check this point before leaving a tip.

In brief, tipping at hotels in Barcelona is a personal choice. If you feel like tipping, because you feel that you have been very well looked after, then by all means tip, but generally tipping is not expected, and locals do not tip.

Tipping in Transportation

When traveling to Barcelona, you may wonder if it’s customary to tip transportation services. Here’s what you need to know about tipping in taxis, hotel shuttles, and private cab drivers.

Do you tip taxi drivers in Barcelona?

Tipping taxi drivers in Barcelona is not expected, but you may wish to round up the fare to the nearest euro or leave a small amount as a courtesy. Just note that most locals won’t tip taxi drivers in Barcelona so you don’t have to either. 

Do I tip a free airport shuttle in Spain?

If you’re taking a free airport shuttle in Spain, you don’t need to tip the driver. These shuttles are usually provided as a courtesy by hotels or other establishments, and the drivers are already compensated for their services.

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Do you tip hotel shuttle drivers in Spain?

If you’re using a hotel shuttle service in Spain, it’s not necessary to tip the driver. These services are usually included in your hotel rate, and the drivers are already paid for their services. Of course, you’re free to offer a small tip as a token of appreciation but the vast majority of locals won’t do so.

Tipping in Barcelona Tourist Attractions

When visiting tourist attractions in Barcelona, it is important to know when and how much to tip. Here’s what you need to know about tipping in tourist attractions in Barcelona.

Do you tip tour guides in Barcelona?

Most Spaniards would only tip a few euros to a tour guide in Spain and so there’s no reason for you, as a tourist, to tip more than that to tour guides in Barcelona. A €5 tip per person is more than enough and only if you’ve found the guide helpful, as it’s not required.

You do hear of tour guides who, dare I say it, take advantage of the fact that they know that certain other cultures are more generous tippers as they’ll try to “subtly” encourage more tipping. Feel free to do so, but just know that when a friend of mine from the US told a Spanish friend that she’d tipped a tour guide €15, he almost choked on this beer.

One big exception to this, of course, is if you do one of the best free things to do in Barcelona : a free walking tour. There are some really good ones in Barcelona, with the expectation being that you’ll tip at the end if you like the tour. Noting that many of these go for two hours or more, I’d give €10 per person at the most.

Finally, it’s also important to note that, if you’re part of a large group, the tip may already be included in the tour price so there’s no need to double up.

Other Service Providers

When it comes to tipping in Barcelona, there are some specific cases that you might encounter during your visit. Here are some tips on how to handle them:

Do I tip delivery people in Spain?

If you order food or other items for delivery in Barcelona, it’s not necessary to tip the delivery person. However, if you receive exceptional service or the delivery person goes out of their way to accommodate you, you can give a small tip of 1-2 euros.

Tipping hairdressers, masseurs, barbers and other services in Spain

Tipping in hair salons, spas, and other service providers is not common in Spain. However, if you’re satisfied with the service provided, you may wish to round up the bill to the nearest euro. Locals generally won’t do this though, so don’t feel obliged to do so.

For example, if your haircut costs 27 euros, you can round up to 30 euros. That said, if you are getting a service like this done in a hotel, there may be a service charge included in the bill. In this case, tipping is not necessary.

In brief, while tipping isn’t mandatory in Barcelona, it’s always appreciated for exceptional service. Use your judgment, don’t feel under any obligation to do so and if you would still like to tip, give an amount that’s very likely to be less than you’re used to paying at home (depending on where you come from). In general, rounding up the bill slightly is usually your best approach.

Anna is the founder of Spain Inspired, where she shares insider tips and hidden gems to inspire thousands of visitors each month to take the road less traveled and explore Spain like a local. Having lived in Spain for some time now, Anna's made it her mission to help fellow travelers experience the very best of this stunning country - with some great wine and tapas along the way, ideally!

Great advice. The best article I’ve read on tipping in Barcelona. I read one where the author said you should leave a 5euro tip for the bartender, I almost choked over that – even for overly generous and sadly ignorant Americans that is a lot for “a” drink. What a pleasure it was to find your article, I have recommended it to several people.

€5 for a drink?! At least you’d give the regulars in the bar something to talk about, I guess…!

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From Cafés to Cabs, Mastering Tipping Etiquette in Spain

Tipping in Spain was a difficult subject to navigate when I first moved to Madrid. It didn’t seem that common, and when people tip in Spain the amounts varied quite a lot. I am from London, UK originally and am used to leaving a 10-15 tip, but you may be asking yourself ¨Is tipping in Spain Common¨, if so how much should you tip in Spain?

After living in Spain for nearly 10 years, I have become pretty well versed in how tipping in Spain goes, where to tip, how much to tip, and I want to share this information with you so you wont have to guess or feel embarrassed. I will do my best to let you know about leaving tips in Spain, what the average is and where and how much you should tip. 

But I will say that this mostly applies to tourists and locals that live here in Spain do not really leave tips. So don’t think you will be going against the grain if you don’t leave a tip everywhere you go.

What is the tipping policy in Spain? Is it expected to tip in Spain?

So what is tipping etiquette in Spain? Tipping in Spain is not required and you won’t be judged or get a funny look for not doing so, but it is common practice in the more touristic areas. You are not expected to leave a tip everywhere you go, but for things like room service, free city tours and the like, you should definitely leave a little something.

I live in Madrid, so for me the question was should I be tipping in Madrid?, and again, although not expected, around a 10% tip is just fine and really appreciated by the staff. We also travel around Spain quite a lot, and I feel the more rural the area, the less they expect to be left a tip.

If you are here for a while though, you will get the feeling that it is a pretty uncommon practice and probably a lot different to where you are travelling from, but I will give you as many pointers as I can to help you make these decisions. 

So how much should you tip in Spain?

The Spanish service sector is a little different in that the workers get paid a full wage, and don’t necessarily rely on tips to make a good living. So how is US tipping differ than tipping in Spain? for example. The 15-20% tip is considered mandatory due to the modest wages, whereas tipping in Spain is a lot more of a choice. 

For a lot of the locals, this usually depends on the quality of the service, and it would need to be pretty exceptional to get a good tip. The thing is, the level of service in Spain can be low depending on where you are, and a lot of the old customs are being lost to inexperienced service staff, so it’s more noticeable when you receive really good service. 

Most of the time, you will see that people leave a few coins as a tip in Spain, or they will just round it up to the closest euro, and this perfectly acceptable as it is the norm. It was pretty hard for me to adjust to this, because I would leave a 10% tip or more, and my mother in law looked at me like I was absurd, and routinely took some of the tip out of the tray and adjust the amount. 

What I will say, is if you are in Spain for a holiday and you are not going to be frequenting the same places more than once, then anything up to a 10% tip of the total will be very generous. If you are here for a while and go to the same bar a few times, then leaving a tip will definitely get you preferential treatment.

Is tipping compulsory in Spain?

Opinions can differ a lot when it comes to tipping in Spain, because it is not considered compulsory to do so. You may hear this is because the level of service is low, but I have not found this to be true, and have mostly had good experiences with the service in bars and restaurants in Madrid. 

It does take some adjusting and getting used to, especially if you are from countries like the US where a 20% tip is considered normal, but keep the tip to around 10% and you will do just fine, but never feel pressured in to leaving a tip. 

How much do you have to tip in restaurants in Spain?

If you visit one of the many bars or restaurants in Spain you are not expected to leave a tip really, and if you were to leave a few loose coins, 20 cents-1 Euro it would be in line with the norm. But of course, if you are treated really well, the food is great ad the staff welcoming, you can leave as big a tip as your budget will allow. 

Spanish people where I live in Madrid tend to be happy and polite in general, so most of my interactions are really pleasant. So when you are done with your meal or your drink, you can wave the waiter over, say “Me Cobras” (charge me please) or “La Cuenta Por Favor” (the bill please), pay the bill and leave a tip you feel is adequate. 

Do you tip tour guides in Spain?

For me, this one really does depend on the quality of the service you receive. If you are paying for a tour, or even if it is a free tour in Spain, many of the guides actually work for free, or for very little money. If you go on a tour and the guide is informative, they go out of their way to make sure everyone is following along with all the information and you really feel like you are getting good value, then I feel you should tip the tour guide. 

We have been on a lot of these free tours as a family and groups of friends, and if we enjoy the tour, we like to tip the guide 5-10 euros depending on how many of us there are, and we usually invite them to come have a drink with us, but again, tipping on a tour is still a preference and not obliged.

Tipping in Bars & Cafes in Spain

If you don’t travel much, it can be hard to navigate the tipping culture of different cultures, but thankfully, understanding the tipping culture in Spain is pretty easy. If you don’t want to, you simply don’t have to. 

We usually have a great time at any bar we go to, so leaving a decent tip is something I enjoy doing, to show my appreciation for having a good time. Tips in Spain are usually given after the bill is settled, so you don’t have to make a decision on the amount to tip in a hurry. 

After you have settled the bull, depending if you are with a group of friends or just out having a drink with the family, you can round up a few coins and this is more than enough. But if you want to put a number to it, if you tip around 5-10% in a Spanish bar or Café this will be a perfect amount. 

• 17 Of The Top Sights in Madrid You Can See In 1 Day, 2022

What about tipping in Spanish hotels?

When staying in a hotel in Spain, as with the rest of what we have mentioned, you do not have to leave a tip, and when you arrive, you will usually carry your own bags to the room. However, if the bell boy carries the bags up for you, a tip of a euro or two is greatly appreciated, and the same goes if you want to leave a tip for the cleaning staff.

The fancier the hotel, the more likely it is that the average customer would be leaving a tip, but for the majority of mid range to hostel type hotels, it is a lot less common, but leaving 1 euro on the nightstand for the cleaning staff is always a nice thing to do. 

Like with most service jobs, hotel staff are also paid a full wage, and make a good living, so any tip you leave is appreciated and will definitely get you a little preferential treatment. 

Can you leave a tip in Spain if you pay by card?

Most of us don’t carry that much cash with us these days, and although I do try and have a few coins on me so I have something to put on the plate at the end of a meal, oftentimes I am caught without. Thankfully, most establishments in Spain have adjusted to this, and when you are paying the bill, you can ask for the tip to be added to the bill.

Being from London, I am used to giving a little something to pizza delivery guys/girls, or to anyone delivering a take away, and these types of places tend to pool their tips and share them amongst the staff. In these cases, I like to leave the tip by card to make sure everyone gets their fair share. 

Tipping Travel/Tour Guides In Spain

You may be visiting Madrid, and you have purchased all of your tours as a package, and in many cases these guides have been paid a fee for each tour they direct, but it is still customary to leave a small tip of a few loose coins.

If you are over in Spain on holiday, and you choose to take part in one of the many free tours, these guides really do rely on the tips they are given. Now I will not say that you should tip a tour guide in Spain no matter what, but if the guide is enthusiastic and informative, and you really enjoy the tour, leaving a tip of a few euros is a nice thing to do. 

If you don’t want to think too much about this as it can be a little uncomfortable figuring out how much to tip a tour guide, if you have a good time, a tip of up to 10 euros is a reasonable range.

We do travel around Spain quite a lot, and depending on where you are the customs of tipping may vary, but I live in Madrid, so I have the most experience of tipping in Spain in the capital. Overall, I don’t ever see the locals really tipping that much, and that seems to be ok and accepted, but I like to leave a tip from time to time. 

If I am in a bar in Madrid and the service is good, I always leave a few euros. But if I feel like they did the minimum to make us feel comfortable, or if the service was not all that great, I tend to just round the bill up to the nearest euro, and no matter the amount a tip is usually appreciated irrespective. 

There is a thing they do over here when tipping in Madrid though, where if they do not like the service, they will leave a single cent to point out that the service was bad, but I would not advise doing this. No need to give way to a negative reaction. If you don’t like the service, just pay your bill and leave a tip if you decide to, and carry on enjoying your holiday.

Summary of tipping in Spain

So as a whole, it is not mandatory to tip anywhere in Spain, and it will always be optional and even when you do decide to tip, there is not a set amount you should, but I did my best to give you some guidelines on how much you should tip in Spain depending on what the occasion is. 

Although you are not obliged, if you are going to be staying at a hotel and seeing the same faces everyday, it will get you some preferential treatment if you pass on a few coins to the service workers. We all like to be appreciated after all and when we feel appreciated we give better service. So just return the favor to those who treat you well. 

Go with your own feelings, see how much you enjoy an activity before you make a decision about how much to tip, and remember it is not an obligation so any tip will be met with a smile. 

FAQ about tipping in Spain

I hope I have covered as much about the tipping culture in Spain for it to be useful, but I will include a few frequent questions to help a little more. 

Can I tip in dollars or other currencies in Spain?

Spain’s currency is Euros, and although no one turns down a tip, it would be pretty difficult for someone to have to go and exchange this to the local currency, and they would end up paying a fee, so where possible leave the tip in Euros. 

Is it rude to not tip in Spain?

In short, No. You are not expected to leave a tip anywhere in Spain really, but it is always appreciated, so if you receive good service, then you can leave a tip of your choosing. 

Can I tip using card payment in Spain?

Most of the world is now on board with card payments, and Spain is pretty modern in this sense where in almost all places you can pay by card. So, when you get the bill, you can ask them to add a tip and pay this using your card. 

Is the tip included in the bill in Spain?

I can’t say I have ever seen the tip already added to a bill in anywhere I have been in Spain, so overall I would say no, the tip is not included in the bill. But, it never hurts to have a quick look and double check your bill to make sure it is all correct. 

Tipping in Spain: Etiquette and Culture from a Local

Is tipping in Spain compulsory? The short answer is no.

I’m a local and can assure you that Spaniards don’t usually give tips. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tip. You might want to tip in some scenarios, and anyway, tipping is a way to recognise someone’s work, and who doesn’t like that?

If you aren’t unsure when and how much to tip during your trip to Spain, I’m covering every scenario so you feel confident about tipping in Spain.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.

Table of Contents

An overview of the tipping culture in Spain

As I mentioned before, tipping in Spain is optional, and you won’t see many Spaniards leaving tips, or if they do, they won’t leave a considerable tip as you would expect in other countries like the UK.

It won’t be seen as rude if you don’t leave a tip. Most people in Spain leave a tip when they feel the waiter, hairdresser, taxi driver, you name it, has been very friendly and offered good service.

Tipping can also be a bit of an “I’ll tip depending on how I feel today”. If you’re happier, you’re more likely to appreciate someone’s work and give a generous tip.

How much and where to tip in Spain

There isn’t a set rule on how much you should leave as a tip, but the average percentage is between 5 and 10 per cent. The tip is very low compared to countries like the US , where it’s common to leave between 15 and 20 per cent of your bill.

However, remember that tipping in Spain is a way of showing gratitude rather than something compulsory.

Tipping in restaurants in Spain

Restaurants, bars and cafes are probably some of the most popular places to leave tips. 

Tipping in a restaurant mostly comes down to how good the service and food are. If you think the food is good value for money and the waiter or waitress has gone the extra mile with their service, you should consider leaving a tip.

On the contrary, if you think the food is overpriced and not that good, you probably shouldn’t tip (or at least, I wouldn’t). Also, be aware that some restaurants, usually the most sophisticated, have decided to include a tip in the bill that can be up to 10 per cent. In that case, again, I wouldn’t tip.

Many Spaniards will still pay with cash rather than a card, and in that case, they’ll leave some “monedillas” (aka coins), which will normally be anything from cents to a couple of euros. They also round up. Let’s say the total bill was 17,20 euros; they’ll likely give 17,50 or 18 euros.

Nowadays, you don’t need cash to leave a tip, you can find many restaurants that offer the option to give them a tip when you pay by card, and if not, you can simply ask the waiter to add a couple of euros to the total bill. 

Depending on the restaurant or bar, waiters can keep their tips or put them in a pot which will be split between all waiters and waitresses. The latter is the most common practice as it’s considered more fair. 

Tipping in hotels in Spain

It isn’t common to tip in hotels in Spain, and this is because you’ll take your bags to the room in most cases. 

It’s different when you check into a 5-star hotel where a porter will help you take the suitcases to your room. Although tipping isn’t expected, as you’ve probably paid a reasonable amount for that service, you can leave a small tip to appreciate their help.

Another member of staff who is sometimes tipped in hotels is the cleaner. Imagine you stay in the hotel for quite a few days or a week, and you always find the room spotless and tidy, then you could leave anything between 2 to 5 euros as a tip, depending on the number of days you stayed and there was room service.

Tipping taxi drivers in Spain

Taxi rides aren’t cheap in Spain; you can easily pay between 9 and 15 euros for a 10 kilometre ride, which could be going from the airport to your hotel. On top of this, taxi drivers will charge extra for waiting time, taking tolls or pick-ups in the early morning hours.

Personally, I’ve never tipped a taxi driver and don’t know anyone who has done it, at least in Spain, but as always, if the taxi driver helped you with your luggage and was friendly, you could give him a couple of euros.

If you use a taxi app like Uber or Cabify , there’s an option to give a tip, but most taxi drivers will be happy with a good review.

Tipping tour guides in Spain

Like in most scenarios, you don’t need to leave a tip after completing a tour. However, I’ve seen a considerable amount of people leaving tips in this case, and I’ve left tips to tour guides.

For example, when I took a day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar . I felt that the tour guide was very knowledgeable, helpful and passionate about his job. Having a friendly guide makes the experience much better.

Tour guides are freelancers and won’t have a stable income every month, so they’ll highly appreciate you for tipping. On many occasions, if the guide involves taking you from a city to a small village, or some sort of transport, they’ll leave a basket where you can tip either the tour guide or also the driver.

What about the free walking tours ? Although they’re free, which can save you quite a bit of money as not every walking tour is affordable to everyone, I’d recommend leaving a good tip to appreciate the guide’s knowledge and work.

How much should you tip a tour guide? Again, there isn’t a set rule for this, but it’s common to leave at least 5 euros.

Tipping at spas in Spain

Do you need to tip in a spa in Spain? The answer is no; in fact, I’ve never heard of anyone tipping at a spa, and staff members wouldn’t expect it either.

Tipping at the hairdresser in Spain

Are you getting a haircut or dying your hair? If you’re booking a hairdresser appointment in Spain and are not sure if to tip, As a general rule, you don’t have to, and hairdressers won’t expect tips from customers.

Having said so, some of my family members, including myself, have left a 2-3 euro tip in the hairdressers because they’re independent rather than big chains.

Also, it’s more common to tip if you tend to go to the same hairdresser and you love the results, of course!

Tipping delivery drivers in Spain

What about tipping delivery drivers in Spain? Well, if you paid via an app, you won’t probably leave a tip; however, if you pay with cash to the delivery driver, you might give a small tip, like 1 or 2 euros.

It’s really up to you, but it also depends on how friendly the delivery driver is and whether they delivered the food or item within the estimated delivery time.

Tipping at nightclubs in Spain

Tipping at nightclubs in Spain is very uncommon, but if you feel like the bartender has made you a fantastic cocktail, you can leave a tip. However, don’t be surprised if he or she finds it odd, as they’d almost never receive one. 

If you go to a more upscale nightclub or luxury beach bar, you might find more people tipping, but this doesn’t happen in regular nightclubs. 

Tipping in popular Spanish cities

Tipping in Madrid

Is there anything you need to know about tipping in Madrid that differs from the rest of the country? The answer is no, but you’re more likely to see more people tipping in Madrid because it’s a bigger city and attracts more tourists at the same time.

Many tourists give tips, and some restaurants and bars have wanted to implement what they call “ propina a la americana ” (American-style tipping). What they do is include two totals in the bill, one with tips and one without tips. However, you don’t have to tip.

Tipping in Barcelona

Tipping in Barcelona is similar to Madrid. As a major Spanish city that attracts millions of tourists every year, tipping in restaurants, bars, and cafes is more common. Also, you’ll find bigger tips too. As happens with Madrid, some restaurants already include a total bill with a tipping amount.

Tipping in Mallorca

Although Mallorca isn’t in Spain’s mainlands, it doesn’t really matter when it comes to tipping. The same rules apply. Tipping is voluntary, and if you wish to leave a tip at a restaurant or cafe is always appreciated.

Tipping in Seville

When it comes to Southern Spain , I personally think we tip less than other regions, but Seville and Malaga are probably the places where you’ll find more people tipping. At the same time, they are the travellers’ favourite destinations in Andalucia. Normally, you’ll round up the bill to give a tip for the service.

Extra tips for tipping in Spain

Here are some extra tips for tipping in Spain:

• Always check your bill carefully. There are some restaurants that might include a “suggested tip”; however, that doesn’t mean you need to tip.
• If you plan to pay by card, be aware that some establishments charge a small commission. However, this is unusual to find now because it was recognised as illegal.

How to calculate your tips

Use this calculator to estimate the tip you should leave depending on the establishment and price.

Tip Calculator for Spain

Useful vocabulary for tipping in spain .

Now that you know exactly how tipping in Spain is, it’ll be useful to know some vocabulary. Here are some basic words and sentences:

• Cuenta (Bill)
• Propina (Tip)
• Dinero (Money)
• “¿Me puede dar la cuenta por favor?” (Could you give me the bill, please?)
• “¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?” (Can I pay by card?)
• “¿Puedo pagar con efectivo?” (Can I pay with cash?)
• “Aquí le dejo una propina” (Here is a tip)
• “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much is it?)

Frequently asked questions about tipping in Spain

Is tipping expected in spain.

No, tipping isn’t expected in Spain. However, it’s appreciated.

Is tipping mandatory in Spain?

No, tipping in Spain isn’t mandatory.

Is it rude if I don’t leave a tip in Spain?

No, not leaving tips is usually the norm, and most workers won’t expect tips from customers.

What is an acceptable tip in Spain?

An acceptable tip in Spain can be anything between 1 and 5 euros. There is no set rule on how much you need to tip. It depends on the service.

How do you tip in Spain with cash or a credit card?

You can tip with cash or a credit card.

How do you say “tip” in Spanish?

“Propina” is the Spanish word for “tip”.

How do staff share tips in Spain?

This is up to the company; however, sharing tips between staff members equally is very common. This is extra money on top of their wage; tips don’t affect their wages.

Conclusion on tipping in Spain

The tipping etiquette in Spain is different from that in other countries like the US and the UK.

Tipping in Spain is voluntary, and there are no set rules on how much to tip, although some sources mention that your tip should be between 5 to 10 per cent.

Where do you tip? Most people tip in Spain at restaurants, cafes and tours. Other spaces aren’t very common, but it’s always appreciated.

I hope this article has helped you understand Spain tipping culture better! If you have any questions, join my free Facebook community , where you can ask questions and get inspired!

Enjoy your holiday in Spain!

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Things to do before travelling to Spain

• Compare and book the cheapest flights with  Skyscanner
• Book accommodation with  Booking.com
• Check out fantastic day trips and excursions with  Get Your Guide
• Rent a car  in Spain. This is the best way to discover hidden gems.
• Get travel insurance for your trip.  SafetyWing   offers flexible and affordable health and travel insurance. 

Read more travel tips for Spain

• Top Tips for Travelling in Spain for the First Time
• The 10 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers
• 30+ Top Tips for Visiting Barcelona for the First Time
• Best City Breaks in Spain You Should Add to Your List
• What to Wear in Spain in Winter (Packing list included!)
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Spain?
• Does It Snow in Spain?
• Languages in Spain

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Travel Writer

Hola, I’m Cristina, the founder and writer of My Little World of Travelling. I was born and raised in Malaga (Costa del Sol), and I’m passionate about showing you my hometown and other beautiful Andalusian destinations. I help other travellers plan their trips to Spain by providing local advice and unique insights.

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Barcelona Tipping Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning a trip to Spain? Are you unsure of the local tipping etiquette? Fret not! For the sake of both of us, I’ve done this roundabout to understand the local Spanish tipping culture.

Barcelona’s tipping systems are similar to Lisbon, Rome, and Paris.

Tipping is a way for locals and internationals to show their gratitude towards hardworking service providers. While it’s unnecessary, tips are becoming more and more common in Barcelona, especially for tourists.

Barcelona Tipping

Like those in the rest of Europe, service employees in Barcelona are given a monthly wage and do not rely on tips to make ends meet. According to 2019 statistics, the average restaurant worker in Barcelona earns at least €25,232 per year.

This is much more than what employees in nearby Portugal earn each month, but it is also crucial to realize that the cost of living in Spain is significantly greater than elsewhere in Iberia.

For this reason, restaurant workers in Barcelona are always willing to have their hard work and service recognized and appreciated. Due to the present economic circumstances, tourists are typically the only ones who tip in Barcelona. A local will practically never tip at a place where they eat regularly.

Bars in Barcelona

Tipping at bars is a long-standing concept both in Barcelona and in Spanish tipping etiquette. When a waiter attends to your every need, tip him. Anything between 5 and 10 euros is appreciated. 

5 euros is a good tip for the bartenders. Additionally, you can tip the guards outside the pub. They are unflinching in handling the queue and are prepared to resolve unfavorable situations. Tipping them between two and three euros is an excellent idea. 

Restaurants in Barcelona

Tipping at restaurants is a widely accepted practice in Spanish tipping etiquette. The bill will include a service charge representing the tip in most cases. The most common tip amount to leave is 10% of the total amount on your bill. If you wish to tip more, that’s great! You can give up to 15% extra.

Tourists can leave between 5-10% extra as a way of saying “Thank You” for an enjoyable experience. However, this is not necessary and is advised against unless you have had a genuinely outstanding experience with exceptional service. A tip of 5-10% extra is a sufficient amount for those who have had a satisfactory experience. If you have had a genuinely bad experience, do not tip at all.

Tipping the Delivery Boys 

Delivery boys always have our backs on busy days. Whether pizza, groceries, medications, or internet orders, they’re just a phone call or click away. And they are always on time with their deliveries. A good tip is around 2 to 5 euros. 

If they make a mistake, they are usually willing to fix it at the earliest possible moment. The amount of money that you offer is not material to your decision. You can always give them only as much as you feel like paying for it as it is perfectly acceptable in the Spanish tipping etiquette. 

Tipping at Hotels in Barcelona

In hotels, tipping is considered proper etiquette as a gesture of appreciation. It’s an excellent technique to receive more attention or services from hotels or restaurants.

Luxury Hotels

In luxury hotels, it’s not uncommon to find a service charge on your bill. Like regular restaurants, where 10% is the typical tip, luxury hotels also have a 10% service fee. While this service fee already includes the gratuity, it is considerate of you to tip an additional 15% on top of it. With that said, if you are dissatisfied with the performance of the food or hospitality services at your hotel, do not tip. 

Low-budget Hotels

If the baggage boy, bellman, or room maid performs satisfactorily, tipping them 1-2 euros is acceptable in a low-cost hotel. Giving them a tip brightens up their day. A survey finds that tipping employees boosts their productivity and happiness.

Barcelona Tipping for Hotel Staff

The warmth of Barcelona’s hospitality is unmatched, and understanding Barcelona tipping etiquette for hotel staff can enhance this experience.

• The Hotel Concierge : The invaluable assistance of a hotel concierge, from booking reservations to recommending activities, deserves acknowledgment. For such services, Barcelona tipping norms suggest a gratuity between five to ten euros accompanied by a sincere “gracias”.
• Luggage Handling : For hotels that offer luggage assistance, Barcelona tipping etiquette recommends around 1€ per suitcase. Some establishments have tip boxes at check-out, where rounding up your bill and leaving the excess serves as a Barcelona tipping gesture for the dedicated staff.

Types of Services and Personnel

Several employees have full dedication to making your stay as comfortable as possible. The next section highlighted hotel services to leave tips for various services.

Here’s a good look at how much to tip someone:

Tipping Bellboys

Hotel employees like attendants can significantly appreciate your generosity as they receive very little compensation for their services. A generous tip of between 2 and 5 euros is excellent, but you can give more if you wish. 

Tipping the Concierge

Although concierges are not hotel employees, they provide invaluable services to guests. A generous tip of between 2 and 5 euros is excellent, but you can give more if you wish.

Tipping the Receptionist

Receptionists are responsible for your entire stay at the hotel. A generous tip of between 2 and 5 euros is excellent, but you can also give more if you wish.

Tipping the Housekeeping Staff

If you have a room with a view or view from your window, it might have its staff who cleans during your stay. If not, the housekeeping staff will clean your room every day and remove any waste products like towels or sheets before the next guest checks in.

Tipping the Hotel Maid

A hotel housekeeper’s work demands commitment and patience. Tipping them around 2 to 3 euros is greatly appreciated but not required in Spanish tipping etiquette.

Tipping in Cafes

Bars and Cafes are a daily routine for most people, especially students. The cafe, for many locals, is the most convenient place for a quick coffee. If you find yourself in this crowd, you’ll probably have to deal with Barcelona’s 1€ tip tradition.

In Barcelona cafes, it is customary to leave 1 or 2 euros as a tip after your coffee has been served. Many establishments give this service to their patrons as well. You may view tipping as unnecessary, but it’s nice to show your appreciation towards your server and the establishment itself. 

Tipping in Transport

Tipping on public transportation is not the same as tipping in restaurants or hotels. A minimal amount is sufficient to make the drivers happy. As said earlier, tipping is unusual among Barcelona residents. Usually, tourists are the ones leaving a tip. So if you are treated nicely on your trip, you may include a tip.

It’s unusual for locals to tip Taxi drivers in Barcelona. They often rush to catch your flight or make it to the company meeting on time. So, what is the finest tip you can give a taxi driver? You may, of course, round up the fare as a tip. Alternatively, they’d be grateful for a 50 cents to 2 euros tip.

Private Cab Drivers

Most visitors to Barcelona hire a private taxi for sightseeing. Tipping them at the end of your trip is courteous. You can give the cab drivers 5 to 10 euros for their all-day service.

Tipping Private Tour Guides

Tour guides well-versed in history and culture beautifully described all the locations. Because their income is primarily seasonal, essential tipping etiquette is appreciated. A gratuity of 5 to 10 euros is appropriate for a group of four. If there are more than four persons, a 10 to 15 euros bonus is sufficient.

Bus Drivers

Bus drivers are often asked to take tourists from one place to another. They are also the ones who constantly remind you about the time remaining until your departure or if you need to purchase a ticket for your next destination. A few euros apiece will suffice if they have done an excellent job.

Tipping at Airport

Are you traveling into or out of Barcelona-El Prat Airport Josep Tarradellas? You might want assistance with your bags or instructions to the airports. For the help with your luggage, they will appreciate a tip of 1 to 2 euros. However, five dollars is generous for an unexpectedly hearty service for your troubles. 

Cash vs. Card

When discussing Barcelona tipping practices in restaurants, the debate between using cash or a card is paramount. In the heart of Barcelona’s vibrant dining scene, the method you choose can make a difference.

• Using Cash for Tips : Barcelona tipping in cash is often considered the most direct way to appreciate the service. Always remember to tip in euros, ensuring your service providers avoid unnecessary currency exchange fees. Once the waiter provides your change, that’s the ideal time for Barcelona tipping.
• Paying with a Card : When settling the bill with a card, you might ponder over Barcelona tipping using the same mode. You can tip with a credit card, but ensure the tip gets added as they process your payment. Given there’s no specific space on credit card receipts for a tip, clear communication becomes essential. However, a caveat to Barcelona tipping with a card is that it might sometimes benefit the owner and not the actual staff, prompting many to lean towards cash tips. 

Barcelona Tipping: The Unwritten Rule

While Barcelona tipping isn’t as strictly defined as in some cities, a general guideline can be helpful. The rule of thumb in Barcelona tipping states that the more touristy or upscale a venue, the higher the expectation of a tip. So, in plush establishments or prime tourist attractions, remember that Barcelona tipping is more than a mere gesture—it’s a customary appreciation.

What Are Tips Called in Spain? 

The word is “ propina ” (pronounced: pro-pee-nah), which is the common term used in Spain. Propinas are considered part of what you pay at the end of your meal. Unlike some countries, they are usually not automatically added to your bill unless there is a service charge.

If the service was exceptional, it might be called “una propina gruesa” (“a big tip”), which you would then want to say something like “le voy a dar una buena propina” (I will give you a good tip).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, tipping is generally expected in Barcelona, but it’s not as extensive as in some other countries.

Tipping tour guides and drivers is appreciated but not required. You can tip based on the quality of the service.

Euros are the official currency in Spain, including Barcelona, so tipping in Euros is standard.

In upscale restaurants, a tip of 10% to 15% of the bill is customary, especially if service is not included.

Tipping for takeout is not expected, but rounding up the bill for food delivery is appreciated.

Did you know?

A fun fact about tipping etiquette in Barcelona is that there is no specific word for “tip” in the Catalan language, which is widely spoken in Catalonia, including Barcelona. Instead, when locals want to refer to a tip, they often use the word “propina,” which is borrowed from Spanish. This showcases the multicultural nature of Barcelona, where both Catalan and Spanish languages and customs coexist. So, when leaving a tip in Barcelona, you’ll often hear or see the word “propina” used to refer to gratuities.

Author’s Note

Whenever you may be wondering about Spanish tipping etiquette, keep this standard in mind: Reward excellent service but not poor service. The amounts are often lower than in the United States, but the more you give them, the happier they will be.

Gratuities are not expected but are welcomed. Any gratuity should be regarded as sufficient (if someone is unhappy with it, it is their issue, not yours!) Still, it is also acceptable not to tip. If you do not tip and one feels that they deserve a tip, there is no need to feel offended. It is their choice, not yours.

Now that you’ve read about tipping etiquette, it’s time for travel guides! We have listed some of our guides that will excite you and make you eager to visit this beautiful city.

• Glories Market (A Guide to the Spectacular Building of Encants Vells in Barcelona)
• La Rambla (The Best Things to Do in Barcelona’s Most Famous Street)
• Montjuic Mountain (Best Side Trip For Spectacular Views in Barcelona)

5 thoughts on “ Barcelona Tipping Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know ”

Your explanation regarding tipping is much appreciated. We are busy planning our trip and with our currency being much devalued against the Euro, Dollar and Pound, it is good to know that a small tip will be appreciated in Spain.

Hi Charmaine, Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad I could assist you in your trip planning. You’re absolutely right—showing a small tip is a thoughtful gesture of appreciation in Spain and will be well-received by the service providers. Enjoy your trip, and may it be filled with wonderful experiences! 🇪🇸✨🌞

I’m traveling to Barcelona in Sept. Thanks-for your advice. USA

Hi Sandra, You’re welcome! Barcelona in September is a fantastic choice. I’m sure you’ll have an incredible time exploring the city. If you have any more questions or need further advice while planning or during your trip, feel free to reach out. Have a wonderful and memorable journey in Barcelona! 🇪🇸✈️🌞

Thank you so much for this information. I asked about tipping and was told to start at 15% which for a tour price of $411 would amount to around $62 US. Knowing that is really not the expected tour amount helps so much with my budget planning.

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Tipping in Madrid: When and how much?

Tipping in Madrid, and in the rest of Spain, is completely different than in other countries, where tipping usually comes mandatory and probably in somewhat significant amount.

For instance, in the USA or Canada you are expected to leave 15-20% of your final bill as a tip, and in the UK a service charge is often added to the bill as standard.

The fact is that there are no hard and fast rules for tipping customs in Madrid, and so the amount you leave is much more likely to be determined by your own judgement.

Since we’re talking about money, these tutorials will come handy: Money in Madrid: How to pay and to access your funds The best travel money card you can use in Spain

But how much should you tip in Madrid?

Here’s a practical guide on Spanish tipping culture to help you decide what you should be tipping in Madrid in any given situation.

Table of Contents

Tipping in Madrid etiquette

There’s no compulsory tipping culture in Madrid.

For this reason, there are very mixed opinions about tipping in Madrid, with no hard and fast rules.

As a consequence, most Madrileños will only tip if the service they receive has been of a high standard. Others will leave a handful of coins after they visit a bar or restaurant, regardless of the quality of the service they received.

However, you need to know is that the staff in Spanish bars and restaurants are paid a full salary: they aren’t dependent on tips as part of their income. This should take the pressure off tipping because you know the staff will still be able to afford their rent if you decide not to leave a tip!

How much should you tip in Madrid?

As I mentioned previously, Madrileños, in general, are not huge tippers and nobody will expect you to leave a tip.

Tips, are just you saying thank you in the event that you feel the waiter, service provider or establishment has exceeded your expectations. Nothing more.

While US customers leave tips sometimes exceeding 15-20% of the total bill, for most Madrileños this would just be crazy.

As a rule of thumb, if you feel that the service has been particularly good, you may decide to leave the waiter or staff member a tip. This is perfectly fine and it’s a personal choice that you make.

Having said that, your tip should be a maximum of 10% of the bill. Although this tends to be very generous as 5% would be more the norm for most locals.

In any case, keep in mind that you decide the amount of the tip . Nobody else does.

Tipping in Madrid: cash or credit card?

Whenever I travel, I always pay everything with a travel debit card . And I recommend you to do the same. You’ll avoid hidden fees and terrible foreign exchange rates.

Now here comes the dilemma… If you pay for a service with your travel debit card, should you pay the tip in cash or directly with the card?

Both alternatives will be widely accepted in Madrid.

However, I recommend you to tip directly when you pay by card. It’s much easier.

So tell the staff member that you want to pay with your card and tell him the amount you want to be charged.

Tipping in restaurants in Madrid

The majority of Madrileños will not tip as many restaurants that provide table service will already factor this in with the addition of a service charge. Look for servicio incluido on the bill.

If it’s not included, it will say something like servicio no incluido (service not included). In this case, you should tip up to 10%.

Additionally, you may be charged an extra fee for sitting outside. To avoid any confusion, ask the waiter if there is a terraza fee. If you leave a tip, make sure you don’t leave your table unattended until the waiter takes it.

Example: If you were having a meal and the bill was 30€, you may want to consider leaving a tip of 1.50€ (which would be 5% of the total). Once again, this would only be if a service charge had not already been added.

Tipping in cafés and bars

The general rule of thumb for tipping in Madrid is that if you are ordering a pre-prepared meal, takeaway, or light snack, there is no need to tip the server.

If you’re eating at a tapas bar, then rounding up to the nearest euro (and sometimes adding another euro on top) could be the way to go. Similarly, if you’re just out for a few drinks, tipping the bartender is not necessary, but if you insist, round up the bill to the nearest euro.

Example: If you had a couple of coffees in a street café and your bill came to 5€, you could decide to leave a few extra coins with your bill.

Tipping taxi drivers in Madrid

Madrid taxi drivers won’t expect a tip.

However, if they have been particularly helpful in for example giving you directions or helping to carry your luggage you may want to give them a little extra by rounding up the fare by 1-2€.

Example: After a short ride, never leave a tip. Even if you go from the airport to your accommodation and the ride costs 30€, don’t tip the driver either – you’ve already paid enough!

Tipping in Madrid’s hotels

Again, who you tip, and how much, is ultimately at your discretion, and should be based on the levels of service you receive.

And this applies to all the hotel staff (e.g. housekeepers, maids, concierge, porters, etc.). Every single one of them can be eligible for a tip if you feel their service has exceeded your expectations.

For example, you go to a 5-star hotel where a porter helps you with your luggage, you could give him 1€ per bag. In similar fashion, if the concierge has provided a quality service a 5-10€ would be more than enough.

For housekeeping or maids, you could provide a 3-5€ tip at the end of your stay.

Tipping tour guides

Many tour guides in Madrid work as freelancers, so will appreciate a tip after a day of showing you the sights. Around 5-10€ per person for a full day of sightseeing is about average.

There’s no need to tip tour guides in museums and galleries as they’re paid by the government. But a gracias and a smile will surely brighten up their day.

And please, please don’t take one of the ubiquitous free tours that make their way through the streets of Madrid.

Example: You book a 120€ privately contracted guide for a tour of the Prado and you like the guide so much for her explanations and enthusiasm that you tip her anywhere from 5 to 20€.

Tipping other services in Madrid

If you’re staying in a self-catering apartment , and need your groceries delivered, it’s considerate to tip 1-2€.

At the hairdressers? You could leave 2€ if you were given an amazing level of service that went beyond the call of duty – for example if you don’t speak Spanish and the hairdresser really made an effort to understand you and what you needed done. It’s similar for beauticians and spas for treatments. You would leave 1-2€ if you wish but it’s not expected.

Remember, tipping in Madrid is entirely optional, but can be done – and indeed is often done – if service is good.

If you don’t tip and some staff member feels that they deserve a tip, there is no need to feel obliged. It’s your choice, not his.

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The Ultimate Country-by-country Guide to Tipping in Europe

Here's how much to tip in Europe, from hotels and restaurants to taxis and tour guides.

The staycations and trip cancellations from the past two years are giving way to a big travel year, and European countries are top of mind for many. Much has changed within the travel space since the COVID-19 pandemic, and among the questions tourists have now is: How much should I tip?

This uncertainty is nothing new, actually. Most travelers are aware that tipping practices differ between the U.S. and Europe. Rick Steves, author, TV host, and expert on European travel, recently told Travel + Leisure , "People overthink tipping in Europe." Steves' website also begins with similar advice: "Don't stress over tipping."

Still, some guidelines can be helpful. Customs change, and there's even some thought that pandemic-related restaurant and hotel shutdowns have created a need for larger gratuities. On that topic, Steves said, "There's really no rationale for bigger tipping because of COVID, in my experience."

We also contacted several Europe-based travel professionals for their insight. According to Simone Amorico , co-owner and CEO of Access Italy , "At restaurants in Italy, an average of 10% to 15% is appreciated. When it comes to drivers and tour guides, it all depends on the experience. Average is 10%, but many leave more, especially post-pandemic." He added, "At hotels, guests may tip the concierge or guest relations, depending on the services requested, as well as housekeeping, but the figure varies."

Richard Nahem, longtime Paris resident and owner of Eye Prefer Paris Tours , said, "The tip is usually included in the bill, and it's sometimes called the service charge. It's perfectly acceptable not to leave a tip, but it's customary to leave 3% to 5% as a courtesy. Most restaurants and cafes are not equipped to add a tip to your credit card bill, so it's best to have some coins with you. Hand the cash tip to the server, rather than leaving it on the table." Nahem added, "It's also customary to tip the concierge at hotels, and for taxis, a euro or two is fine."

Travelers to Europe often take group tours and want to reward an especially entertaining or accommodating guide. For a two-hour walking tour, for example, a tip of two to five euros per person is appropriate, according to Rick Steves. For a smaller group, the tip should be more, and for a private guide, 10 to 20 euros for the group is fine in most cases, unless extra service is provided. At bars in Europe, tips are not customary, but leaving change or a few euros is always appreciated, if not expected. For takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service, tips are also not customary.

Clearly, even the advice from experts varies when it comes to tipping customs, and in many cases, it comes down to personal judgment. However, all would agree that no matter how many euros a traveler leaves, it's most important to treat servers and hospitality workers with courtesy .

Here are a few guidelines on tipping in Europe.

The service charge (servizio) is usually included and noted on the check. If there's no service charge, a 10% to 15% tip is fine. A cover charge (coperto) may be indicated, but that is generally not for the waitstaff. At hotels, tip around two euros per bag, and for housekeeping, one euro per night is appropriate. For taxis, no tip is necessary, but leaving the change for the driver is customary. Tips for tour guides vary, but consider 10% an average.

In restaurants, a service charge is often included, but if not, 5% to 10% is normal. At hotels, tip one to two euros per bag for porters, and the same per day for housekeeping. Taxi drivers expect about 10%, and about the same for tour guides, but you may wish to add more if your guide provides special service.

Service is generally included on restaurant checks, but if not, 10% to 15% is considered generous. No tip is necessary for taxis, but rounding up or leaving the change is fine. One euro per bag is customary for porters at hotels, and one euro per day for housekeeping is appreciated, but not required. Tour guide tips vary, depending on the type of tour. Start at 10%, but offer more for a private tour.

As in most other countries, add 10% to 15% if a service charge is not indicated on the restaurant check. For taxis, leave the change or round up if paying cash. In hotels, leave about two euros per night for housekeeping, and tip porters approximately one euro per bag. Tour guide gratuities should be about 10% as a starting point.

Switzerland

A service charge is typically included in the check, but it's customary to add about 10%, depending on the service. For taxis, rounding up to a few Swiss francs is fine. At hotels, a few francs for porters, doormen, and housekeeping is normal for services provided. Gratuities for tour guides will vary depending on the type of tour, with 10% as a general base.

Iceland and Scandinavian Countries

Tipping in these countries is different from most of the other European destinations in that gratuities are not expected. Most restaurants include service in the bill; at most, round up or leave change if paying in cash. Hotel employees don't expect tips for services, but you may still provide a small amount for extra help. Taxi drivers don't expect tips, either, nor do tour guides. However, for a guide that offers something special, or for a private or full-day tour, you may want to give 10% or so.

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Don’t commit a faux pas: Your guide to tipping around the world

Should you tip when you travel.

It’s your first time visiting Italy’s Amalfi Coast . After enjoying Pizza Napoletana as the sun sets over the Mediterranean, you go over the check. Fine foods bring a commensurate price, especially in a cultural epicenter like Italy. So the cost isn’t an issue. But how much should you tip?

How to tip no matter where you travel

Additional advice for tipping across the globe.

Tipping culture varies across the globe and for good reason. In some countries, there’s an expectation of 15% or more. But in others, things get a little murky. Not only that, but should tipping exist at all? 

On one hand, you want to reward waitstaff for a job well done. On the other hand, shouldn’t business owners be responsible for paying employees? While there are arguments for and against, tipping etiquette is a reality wherever you travel.

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To help you navigate how to tip when abroad, travel expert Justin Chapman from Go2Africa put together a useful guide. Here’s what he has to say.  

With summer approaching, Google searches for “tipping abroad” are up by 166%. With all the confusion surrounding the issue, it’s good to know before you go. That way, you can enjoy feijoada stew in Brazil or fish and chips in England and not worry about leaving enough gratuity. Here’s how to tip in each corner of the globe.

North America and Canada

Here, servers and staff rely on tips as a significant part of their wages. When dining, a 15-20% tip is the expectation, and in bars, $1 per drink is the norm. When buying a coffee, leave your change or round up to the nearest dollar.

If you’re taking a taxi, rounding up or leaving 10-15% is customary. When you arrive at your hotel, bellhops get $2-$5 per bag, housekeepers $2-$5 per night, and concierges $5-$20 (depending on the service).

Central and South America

South American servers aren’t as beholden to tips for their wages, but even then, leaving 10-15% is typical. If you’re traveling to Costa Rica, Brazil, or Chile, pay attention to the “cubierto” — or cover charge — on the check. That’s a fee for the table, not gratuity for the waitstaff. 

When using a tour guide, it’s common to tip $5-10 each day, but in Columbia, a little higher at $15-20. However, in Brazil, tourism pros depend on large tips, with a range of R$100-200 (about $20-40 USD). But when taking a taxi, drivers don’t expect much, so just round up to the nearest dollar.

Tipping in Europe varies from country to country. Restaurants in Germany, Spain, Italy, and France usually charge a service fee, or “coperto”. But if they don’t, expect to pay a 10-15% tip. However, tipping isn’t the norm in Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark, though you can always round up to the nearest Euro to show gratitude. 

When you need a ride, tipping etiquette is the same across Europe, with a small tip of 1 Euro the custom. That’s also true when buying a coffee or a beer.

Like Europe, Asia’s tipping etiquette covers a wide range. When you eat in Japan, tipping is considered part of the service and may be deemed offensive. Similarly, in China, tips aren’t customary and could be seen as rude. South Korea follows suit, with tips not expected.

On the other hand, in Southeast Asia, tipping is increasingly common in tourist destinations. In Thailand and Vietnam, a 10% tip is appreciated but not required. In Indonesia, if there’s no service charge, 5-10% gratuity is a nice gesture.

Across Asia, if you’re taking a taxi, grabbing a coffee, or enjoying a beer, tipping isn’t common. When you’re unsure, it can be better not to tip, lest you offend someone. 

Australia and New Zealand

Down under, Australia and New Zealand help save you money on your getaway. With tips not expected, you can focus on your meal and save precious dollars on an expensive trip. However, sometimes fancy restaurants in tourist locations might include a service charge. When you receive exemplary service, leaving 5-10% gratuity to reward waitstaff or at least round up to the nearest AUD is nice. That’s also true for hotels, bars, and taxis.

When it comes to tipping, Africa is middle of the road. In restaurants, 10-15% is common. But things get a little more nuanced when adding safaris to the equation. 

After you decide the best time to visit Africa and venture out on safari, you’ll want to know how to compensate your guides. After all, these are incredible experiences, where you see majestic animals in pristine habitats — like zebras along the plains — something few people get to do. You’ll want to tip a number of staff, including guards, cooks, and cleaners, along with guides, spotters or trackers, servers, and transfer drivers. You can do that in several ways. Some lodges have a communal tip box, or you can leave money with the manager, who divides the amount evenly among workers. You can also give cash directly to staff. 

Typical amounts per day are $20 for guides, $15 for trackers, $10-20 for general staff at a lodge, and $10-20 for a guided city tour. Also, depending on where you travel, extras can add up, like golf caddies in South Africa or boat skippers in Mozambique.  

Now you know tipping customs for wherever you go. But additional considerations can also smooth out a sometimes awkward process. Here are some pointers.

• Cash is the best way to tip, with a straightforward payment direct to the source. To ensure you have plenty on hand, obtain some local currency when you arrive.
• Asking locals for advice can better inform you of what’s expected, so you’re a polite guest in your new surroundings. You can ask hotel staff or locals in a restaurant so you don’t ruffle any feathers when it’s time to pay.
• In locales with a higher cost of living, bigger tips are the expectation. That’s typically the case in tourist areas, where tips help servers get by.
• Lastly, watch people’s body language and try to read the situation. In some places, saying thank you is enough, and a tip might be considered impolite.

Tipping culture is a hotly debated topic, with some for and some against paying gratuity. That’s understandable. Through all of it, servers and staff are caught in the middle. In any case, with the preceding info, you’ll know the customs for tipping no matter where you go and can rest assured you’re doing the right thing. So get out your map, plan that trip, and travel without worry.

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