If you’re off on a trip to Portugal, you might be wondering whether you have to tip and if it’s compulsory or complementary. Although there isn’t a requirement to tip in Portugal, it’s seen as good etiquette to do so.
But how much should you tip? And when should you tip? This article breaks down the do’s and don’ts of tipping in Portugal and when it’s polite to do so if you’ve received a good service.
Tipping in a restaurant? It depends.
Like most destinations across the world, tipping in a restaurant depends on a few factors. It isn’t common to tip in a Portugal restaurant, but if you do then the roundup method is best e.g. if the bill is €38 then round up to €40.
However, some restaurants include an automatic 10% service charge on top of the bill, so tipping in addition to this isn’t necessary. Some establishments will also let you remove the service charge if you don’t wish to tip at all, but tips are always appreciated so this is down to personal preference and the experience you’ve received.
It’s also not common to tip in bars, but if you’ve spent the night in one bar and the waiter or waitress has been working hard to keep delivering your cocktails quickly and given a great service overall, then a tip wouldn’t go unappreciated.
Tipping in a taxi? No.
As most people now use Uber and other app-based taxi services, tipping a taxi driver is no longer common in Portugal. It’s a nice thing to do, but it’s not expected. If you do decide to tip a taxi driver, most people leave just one or two euro extra on their ride tally.
If you’re using taxi apps like Uber, you can tip the driver from within the app. The one instance you might want to tip a taxi driver is if they have helped you with your bags, it’s courteous to leave them one or two euros per bag.
Tipping in a hotel? Yes.
Although not compulsory, tipping some hotel staff is seen as polite to thank them for the service they’ve provided you during your stay – only if the service was great! Tipping maids and housekeeping staff is usually €1 – €2 per night of your stay.
Concierges and reception staff don’t usually receive tips, but if they have been extra helpful to you, have arranged trips, or helped you with your bags, it’s courteous to leave a tip. Tip €1 – €2 per bag, and €1 – €2 if you use room service.
Should I tip my tour guide?
There is no obligation to tip a tour guide but as they usually spend half a day or a full day with the tour group, they will likely receive a tip from some guests. If you do decide to tip a tour guide, the most common tipping method is €5 – €10 for half a day, and €10 – €20 for a full-day tour. It’s also polite to tip a coach driver inanition to the guide, €5 or less if you have change.
