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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 common to tip, but the amount and the way you tip can vary depending on the situation. This guide will help you understand the tipping culture in Austria so you can be sure you're showing your appreciation in the right way.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should I tip in restaurants? | Yes, around 5-10% or round up to the nearest euro. |
| Should I tip in bars and cafes? | Yes, it is at the customer's discretion. |
| Should I tip in hotels? | Yes, it is common to tip porters, concierges, chambermaids, valets, and restroom attendants. |
| Should I tip taxi drivers? | Yes, it is common to round up the fare to the nearest euro or give 10%. |
| Should I tip tour guides? | Yes, around 2-5 euros per person per day. |
| Should I tip at spas? | Yes, around 5% or up to 15% for outstanding service. |
What You'll Learn
Tipping in Austrian restaurants
Tipping culture in Austria is similar to that of other major European cities. However, in Austrian restaurants, it is considered rude not to tip, as it is seen as a sign of dissatisfaction with the service.
How Much to Tip
The standard tip in Austrian restaurants is 10% of the total bill. However, the exact amount depends on the place, occasion, and order size. For instance, if you receive exceptional service, you may want to tip closer to 15-20%. On the other hand, if you are unhappy with the service, you can choose to leave a smaller tip or no tip at all.
How to Tip
When tipping in cash, it is customary to round up the bill to the nearest significant amount. For example, if your bill is €18.20, you can round up and give the waiter a €20 note. If paying by card, you can ask the server to add the tip to the total or simply pay the bill and leave some cash as a tip.
It is important to note that in Austria, service charges are rarely included in restaurant bills. Therefore, it is customary to leave a tip for the serving staff, usually in the range of 5% to 15% of the total bill.
Who to Tip
In addition to restaurant staff, it is common to tip porters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and anyone who provides a service in your apartment, such as cleaners or repair workers.
Local Currency
When tipping in Austria, always use the local currency, which is the Euro. This helps service providers avoid high currency exchange fees.
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Tipping in bars and cafes
When paying, do not leave your tip on the table. Instead, tell your server the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip, and hand them the money. If you are paying in cash, you can simply say "Danke" (thank you) when paying the bill, and the server will know to keep the change. If you do not say "Danke", the server will assume you want change.
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Tipping in hotels
Housekeepers and maids are among the hardest-working hotel staff, and it is common to thank them for their service with a small daily tip. It is customary to leave €1 per day in your room for the room maid, along with a brief note to indicate that the money is for them.
Luggage attendants/porters usually receive €1 per piece of luggage for their help. It is also customary to tip valets whenever they retrieve your car from the hotel parking lot.
If the concierge or receptionist has offered exceptional service during your stay, you may want to consider tipping them. Tips are not necessary if the reception staff have simply helped with ordering a cab or making dinner reservations. A tip of €5-10 each time is usually sufficient.
Who you tip and how much is ultimately at your discretion and should be based on the levels of service you receive.
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Tipping taxi drivers
If you are using a local taxi, remember to agree on the fare before your journey. This is different from ride-hailing services such as Uber, where you do not need to agree on a fare beforehand.
When paying, it is best to use the local currency, which is the euro.
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Tipping tour guides
If you are pleased with your tour guide, do not hesitate to tip them generously, especially if they are enthusiastic or informative. A common practice in Austria is to tip around 2 euros per person per day. Tour guides are often paid a low wage, so your tip can make a difference.
When tipping in Austria, it is important to use the local currency, which is the Euro. It is also considered rude to leave your tip on the table. Instead, tell your tour guide the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip, and hand it to them directly.
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Frequently asked questions
Tipping is common in Austria, but it's not compulsory. It's usually expected in restaurants and for taxi drivers.
A 'normal' tip is around 5-10%. If the service is poor, you don't need to tip at all. If you receive exceptional service, you may want to tip 15-20%.
It's normal to tip in restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, taxis, and spas. You may also want to tip tour guides.
It's 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.
