Twenty percent in New York, a few coins in Paris, nothing extra in Zurich and a service charge in London that is optional but expected. Nine countries, nine customs, one guide.
Germany and Austria: round up and say it
In Berlin, Munich or Vienna the tip is five to ten percent, added when you pay: you tell the waiter the total you want to pay, including tip, and they charge it. Leaving coins on the table is unusual. In fine dining, ten percent is generous and noticed.
Switzerland, France and Monaco: service is included
Swiss law includes service in the price; rounding up is a courtesy. In Paris the bill says “service compris” and a few euros in cash for exceptional service is the most anyone expects, even at Le Cinq. Monaco follows France; five percent in cash at a palace is a grand gesture.
Spain: modest and relaxed
Spain tips little. Round up in a chiringuito, leave five to ten percent at Skina or Zaranda, and never feel watched. Card terminals increasingly offer a tip option; cash on the table is still fine.
United Kingdom: read the bill
Most London restaurants add a 12.5 percent “discretionary service charge”. It is legally optional, but it is the tip; do not add more unless you want to. If no charge is added, ten to twelve percent is customary. Hawksmoor, Scott’s and The Wolseley all add it.
United States: twenty percent, before tax
In New York and Miami the tip is part of the staff’s wage: 18 to 22 percent on the pre-tax total, twenty as the norm in fine dining. Some restaurants now include service or a “hospitality charge”; the bill says so. Groups of six or more usually have an automatic gratuity added.
United Arab Emirates: often included, still expected
Dubai hotel restaurants typically add ten percent service plus municipality fees. A further five to ten percent in cash for good service is customary and always welcome. Use the Tipping Guide for the numbers on your bill.
Try it
Tipping GuideEnter the bill and the country.Dinner BudgetTasting menu or à la carte, wine by the glass or the pairing, two people or eight: the Dinner Budget estimates the bill per person in your city and compares it with the other eighteen..Frequently asked questions
Should I tip in cash or on the card?
Cash reaches the staff most directly everywhere; in Germany and Austria the tip is usually added to the card payment by telling the waiter the total.
What if service was bad?
Reduce the tip in the United States, remove the optional charge in London, and say why to the manager; silence teaches nobody.
Do I tip the sommelier separately?
No. The tip is shared; a personal thank-you is the sommelier’s tip.
