Central Europe Travel Tips

When dining out in Central Europe, leaving a tip is common practice, and the standard is usually around 5-10% of the bill. In more casual settings, rounding up the bill to the nearest whole number is often sufficient. For example, if your bill is €18.50, you might round it up to €20. In fine dining establishments or for exceptional service, leaving up to 10-15% is appreciated.

It’s customary to hand the tip directly to your server when paying the bill or to state the total amount you’d like to pay, including the tip, if settling by card. Leaving cash on the table is less common but acceptable in some places.

In bars and pubs, tipping is less formal. Simply rounding up the bill or leaving some small change for the bartender is customary. If you receive table service, you may leave a tip of around 5-10%, depending on the quality of service.

Tipping in hotels is appreciated but not obligatory. Bellhops and porters typically receive €1-2 per bag, while housekeeping staff may be tipped €1-2 per night. At the concierge desk, tips for arranging activities or providing exceptional assistance can range from €5-10, depending on the service provided.

For taxi and rideshare services, rounding up the fare to the nearest whole amount is standard practice. A tip of 5-10% is appreciated for longer journeys or outstanding service, such as help with luggage or friendly conversation.

Tipping tour guides and drivers is a way to show appreciation for their expertise and effort. For group tours, tipping around €2-5 per person is common. For private tours or full-day excursions, tipping 10% of the tour cost is a generous gesture. Drivers on tours typically receive €1-2 per passenger for short trips or €5-10 per passenger for full-day services.

General Tips:

• Cash is King. While credit cards are widely accepted, tipping is usually done in cash. It's good to carry small bills and coins for this purpose.
• Be Polite. A smile and a "thank you" in the local language go a long way in showing your gratitude.
• Adjust for Service Levels. While tipping is customary, it’s not obligatory. If the service does not meet expectations, tipping less or not at all is acceptable.
• Check the Bill. Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill. In such cases, additional tipping is not required but is appreciated for exceptional service.