Lyla Lindsey
Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be confusing to keep track of the different customs. In Austria, it is considered normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, 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 you receive. As a general rule, you can expect to tip around 10% of the bill, with excellent service warranting a tip closer to 15-20%. It is worth noting that directly asking for a tip is not common in Austria, and tipping is usually left to the customer's discretion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much to tip | 5-10% of the bill, or rounding up to the nearest Euro |
| Who to tip | Porters, taxi drivers, waiters and waitresses, hairdressers, hotel cleaning staff, and anybody who fixes anything in your apartment |
| When to tip | When receiving good service, or when staff are not well-rewarded |
| How to tip | In cash, not left on the table but given directly to the server |
| Whether to tip | Not compulsory, but not tipping may be considered rude |
What You'll Learn
Tipping in restaurants
In general, a tip of around 10% is expected in Austrian restaurants. However, if you receive exceptionally good service, it is customary to tip closer to 15-20%. On the other hand, if you receive poor service, it is acceptable to leave no tip at all.
When paying your bill, it is important to note that you should not leave your tip on the table. Instead, tell the server the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip, when handing over your payment. For example, if your bill is €9, you could round up to €10. If your bill is €25, you could round up to €28. It is flexible, and you are free to tip more if you wish.
If you are paying by card, you can ask if you should add a tip to the total, or simply pay the bill and hand over some cash as a tip.
It is worth noting that service charges are rarely included in restaurant bills in Austria, so a tip of some kind is expected. However, it is always a good idea to check your bill to see if service has already been included before deciding whether or not to tip.
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Tipping in bars and cafes
If you are visiting a fancy cocktail bar or have a particularly skilled barista, you may wish to leave a larger tip to show your appreciation. It is important to note that the tip should be included when paying the bill and not left on the table. The standard tip amount in Austria is around 5-10%, and it is considered rude not to tip if you are satisfied with the service.
When paying by card, you can ask if you should add a tip to the total amount or simply pay the bill and hand over some cash as a tip. It is also worth mentioning that service charges are rarely included in the bill, so a tip of some kind is usually expected.
In summary, tipping in bars and cafes in Austria is not compulsory, but it is a polite gesture that can expedite service and result in a more friendly and enthusiastic server.
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Tipping in hotels
Housekeepers and maids are among the hardest-working hotel staff, so it is common to thank them with a small daily tip. When you arrive at your hotel, it is customary to give a small tip to the porters who help with your luggage.
If the hotel concierge offers exceptional service during your stay, you may want to offer a tip. However, tipping is not necessary if the reception staff simply help with ordering a cab or making dinner reservations. Similarly, tipping a valet is only customary when they retrieve your car from the parking lot.
Tipping amounts vary depending on the region and type of hotel. In general, it is polite to round up the bill to the nearest euro or add a small amount, such as 5-10%. Ultimately, who you tip and how much is at your discretion and should be based on the service you receive.
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Tipping taxi drivers
If you are using a local taxi, rather than a ride-hailing service such as Uber, you will need to agree on the fare before your journey. It is also important to use the local currency when tipping, which in Austria is the Euro.
Tipping is not obligatory, but if you don't, it is considered a sign that you were extremely dissatisfied with the service.
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Tipping tour guides
The amount you tip will depend on the length and price of the tour, as well as the quality of the guide. For group tours, a safe amount is between 5 and 10 euros per person per day. For high-quality private tours, you may wish to tip more.
If you are happy with the service provided by your tour guide, it is also possible to leave a review on TripAdvisor instead of tipping. This may help your guide to earn commission and help other travellers in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
Tipping is not expected in Austria, but it is customary.
The amount you tip depends on the service you receive and the type of establishment. Generally, a tip of around 5-10% is expected in restaurants, bars, and cafes. In hotels, tips range from 10-20%.
It is customary to tip porters, taxi drivers, waiters, hairdressers, and anyone who fixes anything in your apartment. It is also polite to leave a tip for hotel cleaning staff.
