What's the tipping etiquette in Germany?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
Are you planning to take a trip to Germany? Confused about tipping etiquette in the country? Don't worry. This blog post will detail the various tipping practices in Germany and help you know what is the right amount of tip to give!

Tipping etiquette in Germany can vary slightly depending on the specific situation. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
1. Restaurants/Cafés:
- Leaving a small tip is customary. It is common to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip.
- The tip should be left in cash, directly on the table. Some restaurants provide small tip dishes on the table for this purpose.
- For example, if the bill is EUR 22, you can round it up to EUR 25 or leave a EUR 2-3 tip.
2. Bars:
- Tipping in bars is not as common as in restaurants, but it is still appreciated. You can leave a small tip of about 50 cents per drink or simply round up the total.
- When paying at the bar, it is common to tell the bartender how much you want to pay including the tip.
3. Taxis:
- Tipping taxi drivers is customary but mostly done by rounding up the fare to the nearest whole number.
- For example, if the fare is EUR 9.50, you can round up to EUR 10. If the fare is EUR 17.30, you can round up to EUR 18.
4. Hotels:
- Tipping hotel staff can be done for exceptional service, such as carrying heavy luggage or providing extra assistance. It is not obligatory.
- For bellhops/porters, a tip of EUR 1-2 per bag is appropriate.
- For housekeeping, leaving a small amount of around EUR 1 per day is common. You can leave it on the nightstand or in an envelope marked for them.
5. Hairdressers:
- Tipping hairdressers is fairly common. A tip of around 10% of the total bill is generally appreciated.
- For example, if the haircut costs EUR 50, leaving a EUR 5 tip is a generous gesture.
It's important to note that while tipping is appreciated, it is not expected in Germany. Service charges are usually included in the bill, so tipping is more a way to show appreciation for excellent service. Additionally, many Germans tend to round up the bill as a simple gesture rather than calculating a specific percentage.While planning your trip, take note of any travel restrictions that may impact your itinerary, such as limited access to certain regions or attractions.

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