Tipping In Austria: Is It Expected To Tip Servers?

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be confusing to keep track of the different customs and expectations. In Austria, it is considered polite to tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and cafes, especially in touristy areas. While it is not mandatory, it is generally expected, and the amount depends on the type of service received.

Tipping in Austrian restaurants

Tipping culture in Austria is different from that of the United States. In Austria, servers are paid a living wage, and tips are considered a small bonus for great service or to simplify rounding the total bill to a convenient number.

In Austrian restaurants, it is normal to tip for good service, especially in touristy or business areas. The amount you tip depends on the place, occasion, and order size. Generally, it is expected that you tip around 10% of the bill. If you receive exceptionally good service, you can show your gratitude with a tip closer to 15-20%.

If you are paying for a meal that costs €10, it is customary to hand over a €20 bill and say "Eleven, please" to the server, who will then keep €1 as a tip and give you €9 in change.

In bars and cafes, you can round the bill to the nearest whole number or leave a small tip each time you order a drink. If you are in a fancy cocktail bar or have a particularly skilled barista, you may want to leave a larger tip. For example, for a €10 drink, a suggested tip would be €1-2.

It is important to note that directly asking for a tip is not common in Austria. While tipping is appreciated, it is usually not asked for.

How much to tip in Austrian restaurants

Tipping culture in Austria differs from that of the US, where tipping is more automatic and generous. In Austria, servers are paid a living wage, so tips are considered a small bonus to reward great service or to round the total bill to a convenient number.

In Austrian restaurants, it is standard to tip around 10% of the bill. If you receive exceptionally good service, you can show your gratitude with a tip of 15-20%. For instance, for a €100 meal, a tip of €10-€15 is suggested, while for a €10 drink, a tip of €1-€2 is suggested.

When paying the bill, it is customary to hand over the money directly to the server, stating the total amount you would like to pay. For example, if the bill is €10, you can give the server a €20 note and say "Eleven, please" to indicate that they can keep the change.

It is worth noting that in some restaurants, particularly those in touristy areas, a "Tip is not included" line may be added to the bill. However, this is misleading, as service charges are typically included in the prices on menus in Austria.

While tipping is not mandatory, it is generally expected and appreciated. If you choose not to tip, it may be considered a sign that you were dissatisfied with the service.

Tipping in Austrian hotels

Housekeepers and maids are among the hardest-working hotel staff, so it's common to thank them for their service with a small daily tip of 1-2 euros per night. This can be left on the bed.

Porters or bellhops often receive a tip of around 1-2 euros per bag.

Concierge or reception staff may also be tipped for exceptional service, though this is not required if they simply helped with ordering a cab or making a dinner reservation. A tip of 5-10 euros is appropriate.

Valets should be tipped a small amount each time they retrieve your car.

It's important to note that the service charge is often included in hotel bills in Austria, so be sure to check your bill before deciding on the tip amount. Tipping is not required but is appreciated for good service.

Tipping Austrian taxi drivers

Tipping is a common practice in Austria, especially in restaurants and for taxi drivers. However, the amount you tip depends on the context and the type of service you receive.

When it comes to taxi drivers in Austria, it is customary to tip around 10% of the total fare, especially for longer journeys or when the driver assists with your luggage. For shorter trips, it is common to simply round up the fare to the nearest euro. It is important to note that if you are using local taxis instead of ride-sharing services like Uber, you will need to agree on the fare before starting your journey.

While tipping is expected, it is not mandatory. The amount you tip can vary depending on your satisfaction with the service and your available resources. If you are unsure about the appropriate amount, you can always ask locals (other than the taxi driver) for their perspective on tipping norms in Austria.

Additionally, it is worth noting that tipping culture in Austria may differ slightly from what you are used to in North America or other parts of Europe. Service charges are often included in the bill, and waitstaff earn decent salaries. Therefore, you can tip less generously than you would in some other countries.

In summary, when tipping taxi drivers in Austria, it is generally recommended to tip around 10% for longer journeys or when assistance with luggage is provided. For shorter trips, rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. Remember that tipping is optional and can be adjusted based on your satisfaction with the service.

Tipping in Austrian bars and cafes

Tipping culture in Austria is different from that of the United States. While it is normal to tip for good service in Austrian bars and cafes, it is not mandatory. Tips are considered a small bonus to reward great service or to simplify rounding the total bill to a convenient number.

In bars and cafes, it is customary to round the bill to the next significant amount or leave a small tip each time you order a drink. If you are in a fancy cocktail bar or have a particularly skilled barista, you may wish to leave a bigger tip. For example, for a €10 drink, a suggested tip is €1-2.

If you are paying in cash, you can hand over the paper money directly to the server, stating the total amount you would like to pay. For instance, if you are paying for a €10 meal with a €20 bill, say "Eleven, please" while handing over the money. The server will keep the difference as a tip and return the change to you.

Tipping in Austria is not as automatic or as generous as in the US, and in many countries, tips are not expected at all. The amount you tip depends on the country, your resources, tipping philosophy, and circumstances. In general, a 5% tip is considered adequate, and 10% is seen as a nice tip.

It is important to note that in Germanic countries, leaving coins on the table is considered slightly rude. Instead, it is better to hand the tip directly to the server when paying the bill.

Additionally, when paying with a credit card, it is advisable to tip in cash as European credit card slips usually do not have a separate line for adding a tip.

Frequently asked questions