Tipping in Germany

Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up by 5-10% is customary at restaurants.

Tipping mandatory

Restaurants

Round up the bill or add 5-10%. Say the total amount you want to pay when settling.

5-10%

Taxis & Rideshare

Round up to the nearest euro or add 5-10% for longer rides.

Round up

Hotels

Small tip for housekeeping; porters get 1-2 EUR per bag.

1-2 EUR/night

Tour Guides

Per person for a half-day tour; more for private or full-day guides.

5-10 EUR

Bars & Cafes

Round up to the nearest euro; large tips are not expected.

Round up

General Tipping Guidelines

When visiting Germany, tipping customs may differ from what you're used to. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Check if a service charge is already included on your bill before tipping extra.
  • When in doubt, observe what locals do or ask your hotel concierge for advice.
  • Keep small bills and coins in the local currency handy for tipping situations.
  • For exceptional service, a small tip is almost universally appreciated even in non-tipping cultures.
  • Tip in local currency whenever possible — foreign coins and small bills are hard for staff to exchange.

Quick Reference

  • Currency:Euro ()
  • Recommended cash:€50-80 per day