Lyla Lindsey
Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be confusing to keep up with expectations when travelling to a new country. In Austria, it is normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and cafes, especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels, serviced apartments, and other places where staff may not be well-rewarded, such as spas or salons. The amount you tip will depend on the location and the type of service, but generally, it is customary to tip around 10% of the bill, with exceptional service warranting a tip closer to 15-20%. In bars and cafes, you can round the bill to the nearest significant amount or leave a small tip for each drink ordered. When paying by card, you may be asked if you would like to add a tip to the total amount. It is important to note that the tip is usually given directly to the server rather than left on the table.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is tipping expected? | Yes, tipping is expected in Austria. |
| Who to tip? | Porters, taxi drivers, waiters and waitresses, hairdressers, cleaning staff, tour guides, and anybody who fixes anything in your apartment. |
| How much to tip? | 5-10% of the bill, or rounding up to the nearest significant amount. For exceptional service, a tip of 15-20% is appropriate. |
| How to tip? | When paying, tell the server how much change you want back. You never leave a tip on the table. |
| Local currency? | Always tip in the local currency, which is Euros. |
| Service charge? | Service charges are rarely included in bills. |
What You'll Learn
Tipping in restaurants
Tipping amounts depend on the service you receive. If you are dissatisfied with the service, you can leave a smaller tip as an expression of your disappointment. If you receive exceptionally good service, you may wish to leave a tip of 15-20%.
It is important to note that service charges are rarely included in the bill in Austria, so you should always check your bill before deciding whether or not to leave a tip.
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Tipping in bars and cafes
If you are paying in cash, you should pay the tip in the initial amount you hand over. So, instead of paying the bill and then leaving some change on the table, you should state the amount you are paying. For example, if the bill is €6.50, you would hand over a €10 note and say "eight". The server will then keep the difference as a tip.
The amount you tip will depend on the quality of service you received. If you are dissatisfied with the service, you can choose to leave a smaller tip or no tip at all. If the service is good, it is customary to leave a tip of around 5-15% of the bill, rounding up to the nearest euro or a convenient number. For example, if the bill is €9, you could round up to €10, or if the bill is €25, you could round up to €28.
It is worth noting that in Austria, service charges are rarely included in the bill, so a tip of some kind is generally expected.
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Tipping in hotels
Housekeepers and maids are among the hardest-working hotel staff, so it is common to thank them for their service with a small daily tip. It is also customary to give a small tip to porters when they help you with your luggage.
If the hotel concierge offers exceptional service during your stay, you may want to tip them. However, tipping is not necessary if the reception staff only helped with simple tasks such as ordering a cab or making dinner reservations.
When paying by card, you can ask if you should include a tip in the total amount. If you are paying in cash, you can hand over the money for the bill and then give some coins or notes as a tip.
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Tipping taxi drivers
If you are using a local taxi, remember to agree on the fare before your journey. It is also good to keep in mind that service charges are sometimes added to the bill automatically when you are in a restaurant, hotel, or bar in Austria. Double-check your bill before deciding whether or not to tip.
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Tipping tour guides
If you join a free tour, it is worth tipping as these often operate on a 'pay what you like' basis. Your tips may be the only income your guide makes.
In some cases, you may be asked to leave a TripAdvisor review instead of tipping. This can help guides earn commission and help future travellers.
The amount you tip will depend on the length and price of the tour and the quality of the guide. A safe amount for group tours is 5 to 10 euros, or more for high-quality private tours.
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Frequently asked questions
Tipping is not mandatory in Austria, but it is customary to tip for good service.
The amount you tip depends on the service. For restaurants, bars, and cafes, it is common to tip between 5-15% of the bill. For taxis, hotels, and tour guides, tipping between 10-20% is standard.
It is customary to tip restaurant/bar staff, taxi drivers, hotel staff, tour guides, and anyone who provides a service, such as hairdressers or spa therapists.
It is considered rude to leave a tip on the table. Instead, tell the server the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip. For example, if your bill is €18.20, you can round up to €20 and tell the server you are paying €20.
