Spain
Tipping in Spain: what locals actually do
Short answer
Tipping is not expected in Spain and nobody will be offended if you leave nothing. Waiters earn a salary, service is included in the price, and there is no percentage culture. Spaniards round up or leave small change (a euro or two on a meal, nothing at the bar). 5-10% in a nice restaurant is generous, not required. Never feel pressured by a card machine asking for a tip: that is set up for tourists.
By situation
- Bar, coffee, a caña, tapas at the counter: nothing. Maybe the small change.
- Menú del día or a casual lunch: round up to the nearest euro, or leave one or two euros.
- Dinner in a good restaurant with table service: 5% is a nice gesture, 10% is generous. Leave it in cash on the table or in the little tray with the bill.
- Taxi: round up to the nearest euro. Nobody tips 15% in a taxi.
- Hotels: a euro or two for a porter carrying bags, optional for housekeeping. Not a culture of envelopes.
- Tour guides: free walking tours work on tips, that is their whole model; 10-20 euros per person is normal if you enjoyed it. Paid tours: nothing expected.
- Hairdressers, delivery, spas: nothing expected.
Why the card machine asks you for a tip
Some card terminals in touristy areas now show a tip prompt with 10, 15 and 20% options. That is not a Spanish custom; it is a setting aimed at visitors who feel they should. Press no or skip without any embarrassment, the waiter expects you to. If you want to tip, cash is the only way to be sure it reaches the person who served you.
Things that are not tips but look like them
- Pan y cubierto (bread and cutlery charge): a small fixed charge per person that some restaurants add. Legal if it is on the menu, and nothing to do with tipping.
- Terrace supplement: some places charge a bit more for sitting outside. Should be printed on the menu.
- Service charge: very rare in Spain. If you see it added to a bill, it is a tourist-trap sign.
What actually makes a Spanish waiter happy
Say hello when you walk in and thank you when you leave, order in whatever Spanish you have, do not snap your fingers or wave, and do not ask for the bill before you have finished. A relaxed table that enjoyed itself is worth more to them than two euros. If you did love the place, tell them, and come back: that is the tip.
Quick questions
Is it rude not to tip in Spain?
No. Not tipping is completely normal, and most Spaniards do not tip at bars at all. Nobody will chase you down the street.
Can I tip by card in Spain?
Sometimes the terminal offers it, but it is not common and there is no guarantee it reaches the waiter. Cash on the table is the Spanish way.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in Spain?
Round up to the nearest euro, or nothing. Taxis are metered and tipping is not part of the deal.