Questions
often asked before traveling abroad are what to tip, how to tip, and whether to
tip or not.
There will
probably be as many answers as each person's experience. Tipping feels like a
near-universal gesture of appreciation, especially if it's the norm in your
home country.
But some
countries don't have clear rules that make you wonder if you're being
appreciated or insulted.
Portugal is
a fairly simple country, but the only thing that most tourists are confused
about is tipping.
The main
reason for this is that standard answers are hard to come by, but here at
Devour Lisbon, we have more basic questions (and answers) to help you make an
informed decision before your next trip to Portugal. I have put together some.
Key points for tipping in
Portugal
- Portugal has no
tipping rules and no tipping culture. Some people tip, and some people tip
occasionally, but it's not that common.
- Wages are low in
Portugal (and real estate prices are rising), so tips are always appreciated.
But even though wages in Portugal are lower than in the United States, waiters
are not paid with the expectation of extra tips. Instead, it's a bonus.
- A 10% tip, or
"round up" is standard.
- Tips are usually
given when someone provides service above and beyond what is required of them
on the job.
- If you're used
to tipping elsewhere, don't stop tipping just because you're in Portugal.
- If possible,
always tip in cash. Some card machines allow you to leave a tip, but that
doesn't mean the person you served will receive the tip.
- Some say that
tipping a foreigner increases prices by 10% or 20%, making it difficult for
local Portuguese who cannot afford to spend more.
A tip is always appreciated
Note that
Portugal doesn't have a tipping culture like the United States, but tips are
always welcome. Also, many people work in bars and restaurants, especially
those catering to tourists, and consider tips included in their income.
Some people
stop tipping once they move to Portugal and get used to it, but the minimum
wage in this country is incredibly low and tips are needed to top up that
amount.
Waiters
won't necessarily run down the street to thank you for the tip or give you a
bad look if you don't, but they will appreciate it. If you are unsure whether
to tip or not, it is better to just leave the tip.
Tipping is
not as common in Portugal as it is in other countries, but it is always
appreciated.
🔘 Read More: Cash tips vs. credit card tips: a full comparison
Which companies should I
tip?
If you
experience great service at a cafe, restaurant or hotel, a tip is appreciated.
It's hard to judge a taxi driver's good service, especially if you don't know
the city very well, and it can be difficult to decide whether you want to take
a ride or not.
To get a
rough idea of ​​average taxi fares in Portugal, use online tools such as Taxi
Price Finder.
If you're on
a guided tour and the guide has gone out of his way to give you an
unforgettable experience, it's not rude to tip at the end. However, even if the
other person politely declines, don't force it.
Taxi Drivers
Do you tip
taxi drivers in Portugal? Strictly speaking, most taxi drivers don't expect you
to tip them like they do in countries like the UK or the US. The same applies
when using ride-hailing services such as Uber.
That doesn't
mean you don't need to tip in Portuguese taxis. Most taxis will happily expect
a thank you, especially if they go out of their way to give you a ride.
When I take
a taxi or Uber in Portugal, I like to round up a few euros.
The tipping
culture in Portugal is a little more relaxed than in other countries. But if
your driver helps you with your luggage, waits for you until you eat your last
pasta in Belém, or tells you where to stay in the best hotel when you need some
last-minute advice, after the ride Don't be afraid to give around 10% to the
driver. finished.
Restaurants and Bars
Do you tip
in Portuguese restaurants? Yes, especially if you've just had the most amazing
meal of your life (which can happen more than once).
When I went
to his Cervejaria Ramiro, everything about the food and service was so
memorable that I would have happily given them a pen to decide the tip.
However, for lunches and dinners where everything is perfect, he should tip
10-15%.
Tipping is
generally not expected for casual meals or drinks at a bar. However, if it took
you longer to make your cocktail than that beautiful fado song you just heard,
you can round up a euro or two to show your appreciation.
Tour Companies
Tours are
the perfect way to visit Portugal's most beautiful sights.
Do you have
any tips for touring Portugal? Yes, it is a polite thing to give your tour
guide a little extra money, especially if they gave you a great experience.
I usually
give 10% to Portuguese tour guides, but I adjust this amount depending on how
good or bad my experience is.
Hotels
Do you tip
in hotels in Portugal? Many people do this, but calculating hotel tips can be a
little complicated.
I usually
tip 1-2 euros when the taxi door opens for someone to carry my luggage or give
me some quick directions. Reserve a generous tip for housekeeping at the end of
your stay, or if your hotel staff arranges a honeymoon surprise or an
unforgettable tour.
🔘 Related: How should we give tips in hotels?
Does tipping vary by
region?
Tipping
usually does not vary by region or city, although this practice may be more
common in large cities with more tourists.
Populous
cities like Lisbon and Porto often have good restaurants and tourist services,
so people are used to tipping.
Differences between
Portugal and other countries
Many people
traveling from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom may
find it difficult to adjust to Portugal's no-tipping culture.
Tipping is
automatic and a 15% to 20% tip is considered standard in the United States. Not
tipping or under-tipping is highly frowned upon and can result in customers
making mean comments or having waiters chase you for tips as you leave the
restaurant.
Additionally,
service is generally considered impeccable in the United States, as service
providers try to be as polite and friendly as possible to their customers to
ensure that they receive a generous tip. It has been.
In almost
all service scenarios in Portugal, the service staff does not expect tipping,
so the service is fairly simple and without unnecessary enthusiasm.
Wages in
Portugal are low, but all workers are required by law to earn at least the
minimum wage. For example, in the United States, waiters and waitresses earn
well below minimum wage and rely on tips to supplement their salaries.
Like the
United States, the United Kingdom is also a country where tipping is standard
and is often included in the final bill.
If you need
someone to serve you, you should tip in pounds. It is standard for restaurants
to add 10% for him, and for taxi drivers to add a few pounds.
Taxi drivers
tend to receive tips in most countries around the world. However, in Portugal,
you don't have to tip, and you don't have to worry about getting angry at a
taxi driver who asks you where to tip.
On the other
hand, a taxi driver in the US expects a tip of 20% of the final amount.
Conclusion
If you are
often short on money but still want to appreciate the work of a waiter, don't
worry.
Track your
tips using the electronic waiter tipping app for cashless tips. Benefit from
the ease of use of a digital tipping app.
This cashless
tipping software allows you to tip. The good news is that this typing software
can be used on both iPhone and Android smartphones, regardless of the phone's
operating system.