Tipping In Austria: A Guide To Customs And Culture

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be confusing to know what to do when travelling to a new country. In Austria, it is considered polite to tip, but it is not compulsory. In restaurants, bars, and cafes, it is customary to tip around 5-10% of the bill, but this can vary depending on the service received. In hotels, tipping is not common, but it is appreciated by staff such as porters, concierge, and housekeeping. When paying, it is important to note that you should not leave the tip on the table. Instead, tell the server the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip.

Tipping in restaurants

If you receive a bill for €9, you could round it up to €10. If the bill is €25, you could round it up to €28. It's flexible, and you can, of course, tip more if you wish. When paying, state the amount you are paying. For example, if the bill is €6.50, you would hand over a €10 note and say "eight".

In cafes and bars, tipping is at the customer's discretion. You may wish to leave €1-2 per round of drinks or €1 for a coffee. If you are in a fancy cocktail bar or receive excellent service from a skilled barista, you might want to leave a larger tip.

It is considered rude to leave your tip on the table. Instead, tell the server the amount you wish to pay (including any tip) when handing over your payment.

Tipping in bars and cafes

If you want to show your appreciation for exceptional service, you can tip a little extra. In bars, you can leave a bigger tip if you're in a fancy cocktail bar or if you have a particularly skilled barista. In cafes, if your bill is over €10, you can consider giving a tip of around 10%.

It's important to note that in Austria, you should not leave your tip on the table. Instead, you should hand the tip directly to the server. When paying, state the total amount you're giving, including the tip. For example, if your bill is €6.50, you can hand the server a €10 note and say "eight". This indicates that the extra €1.50 is for the tip.

Additionally, it's always best to tip in cash if possible. If you're paying by card, you can ask if you can add a tip to the total or simply hand over some cash as the tip. Remember, tipping habits in Austria are similar to those in other major European cities, so don't stress too much about making a mistake. The staff are used to serving tourists and will likely understand if you're unsure about the local customs.

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. When you arrive at your hotel, it is customary to give a small tip to the porters who help you with your luggage. You may also want to tip the concierge or receptionist if they offer exceptional service during your stay, for example, if they go beyond simply helping with ordering a cab or making dinner reservations. If you are driving, it is also customary to tip valets a small amount each time they retrieve your car from the parking lot.

The amount you tip and who you tip is ultimately at your discretion and should be based on the level of service you receive.

Tipping taxi drivers

If you are paying by card, you can ask if you can add a tip to the total, or you can simply round up the fare and give the driver some change as a tip. If you are paying in cash, hand over the money and state the amount you are paying. For example, if the fare is 18.50 Euros, you can give the driver a 20 Euro note and say "eight", indicating that they can keep the change.

It is important to note that, in Austria, you will need to agree on the fare with the driver before your journey if you are using a local taxi service rather than a ride-hailing app.

Tipping tour guides

When tipping, always use the local currency, which in Austria is the Euro. It is also important to note that you should hand the tip directly to the tour guide, rather than leaving it on a table.

Frequently asked questions