Our guide on rules about tipping in Spain for your next trip.
Tipping in Spain is generally more low-key compared to countries like the United States. It is not mandatory, but it’s a way to show appreciation for good service. Knowing when, how, and how much to tip can help you navigate Spain’s tipping culture with ease.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, Planning an Itinerary in Spain: 3 Days Madrid Itinerary and 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Tips for Tipping in Spain
Carry Cash: Small denominations are handy for leaving tips, as tipping with a card is less common.
Round Up: Rounding up is an easy and widely accepted way to tip without overthinking the amount.
Service Charges: Check your bill for “servicio” or “IVA” (value-added tax); these charges are not tips but part of the bill.
No Obligation: Don’t feel pressured to tip unless you’re satisfied with the service.
Tipping in Spain is more about appreciation than obligation. Following these guidelines will ensure you respect local customs while showing gratitude for excellent service.
Rules About Tipping in Spain
1. General Tipping Culture in Spain
Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated for good service.
Service charges (usually labeled as “servicio” or “IVA”) are sometimes included in the bill but are not the same as a tip.
Locals often leave small tips for exceptional service but do not tip for routine services.
2. Restaurants and Cafés
Casual Dining or Cafés:
Tipping Practice: Round up to the nearest euro or leave small coins (€0.50–€2).
Example: If your bill is €9.50, rounding up to €10 is sufficient.
How to Tip: Leave the tip on the table or hand it directly to the server.
Mid-Range to Fine Dining:
Tipping Practice: Tip 5–10% of the total bill for excellent service.
Example: On a €100 bill, leave €5–10.
How to Tip: Leave cash on the table or specify the amount when paying by card, as servers may not receive tips left on cards.
Read Here the Best Food in Spain to Try
3. Bars and Nightlife
Tipping Practice: It is not customary to tip for drinks at bars, but leaving small coins (around €1) for great service or a round of drinks is polite.
Example: For a €15 round of drinks, leave €1–2.
4. Taxis and Rideshares
Tipping Practice: Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common.
Example: If your fare is €9.80, rounding up to €10 is sufficient.
Rideshare Services: Apps like Uber or Cabify may allow you to tip through the app, but it’s not expected.
5. Hotels
Bellhops:
Tipping Practice: Tip €1–2 per bag, depending on the level of service.
Housekeeping:
Tipping Practice: Leave €1–2 per day in your room for cleaning staff if they do a good job.
Concierge:
Tipping Practice: Tip €5–10 for exceptional assistance, such as arranging a difficult reservation or tickets.
6. Tour Guides
Tipping Practice: For a group tour, tip €5–10 per person for a good guide.
Private Tours: Tip €10–20 depending on the length and quality of the tour.
7. Hairdressers and Spa Services
Tipping Practice: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Leave 5–10% of the bill if you’re happy with the service.
Example: For a €50 haircut, leave €2–5.
8. Street Performers and Musicians
Tipping Practice: If you enjoy the performance, leave small coins (€1–2).
9. Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Tipping is not expected for cashiers or supermarket employees.
10. Petrol Stations
Tipping Practice: If an attendant helps with fueling, cleaning your windshield, or checking your tires, leaving €1–2 is a kind gesture but not obligatory.
11. Delivery Drivers
Tipping Practice: Tipping for food or parcel deliveries is not mandatory but appreciated. €1–2 for fast or friendly service is sufficient.
12. Public Restrooms
Tipping Practice: Some public restrooms have attendants; leaving €0.50–€1 is polite if they keep the facilities clean.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.