Before traveling to a destination, it’s always a smart idea to do a bit of research and be familiar with the tipping practices of that country or region.This information will become valuable to you as you move about the country, dine at restaurants, ride in taxis, take tours, and stay at local hotels.
For those living in the United States, or are at least familiar with its constant expectations for big tipping just about everywhere, you’ll need to change your mindset when visiting Portugal. If you want to fit in and keep up with the local Portuguese practice, it’s best to re-think your tipping style here.
How should visitors tip in Portugal? Similar to the rest of western Europe, Portugal does not have a strong “tipping culture,” and there are really no standards or rules regarding tipping. Throughout the country itself, the tipping practice may vary, depending on the region where you are traveling. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to ask a local about the custom of tipping in that specific area.
While there’s no obligation to tip in Portugal, it’s also important to remember that when you do leave a tip, it’s essential to use cash euros (the European currency), so the recipient of your tip can easily use the money without having to make a special trip to a bank (and then pay a transfer fee).
This article is a guide on how to tip properly in Portugal:
Restaurants and Bars
When dining out in Portugal, it’s common practice to leave a small tip for your server. However, please know that this is not required, and ultimately depends upon the level of service you’ve received at that restaurant.
As a general guideline, if you choose to leave a tip after a meal, it’s customary to give 10 percent of the final bill. This is especially true when dining at upscale restaurants, or with big groups. The Portuguese tend to “round up” the bill to the nearest euro. For example, if your bill is 28 euros, you can leave an extra three euros as a tip, which would amount to 31 euros in this instance.
At restaurants, cafés, and bars, a service charge is not usually included in the bill you are given. However, this sometimes may occur, especially in touristy areas, so be sure to review your bill and don’t leave an extra amount if you see a service charge already added.
For casual cafés and bars, a small tip is fine, and customers who just order a drink or two are not expected to leave anything extra.
Hotels
It's customary to tip the service staff at hotels in Portugal, although you don’t leave the same amount for (or tip with the same frequency) each employee. Here’s a breakdown of hotel gratuities in Portugal:
- Bell staff: When a bellman brings the bags up to your room, a one- to two-euro tip per bag is customary. (Note: There’s NO need to tip when a doorman or porter takes your bags from your car to the lobby upon arrival). Just tip when your bags are brought to your room, as these tips are usually pooled.
- Housekeepers: Give between two and five euros per day. If you want, you can leave the total amount in your room when checking out.
- Doorman: Give one or two euros if they help you with transportation, hail a cab, or carry your bags.
- Room service: It’s best to tip one or two euros to the delivery person unless there is a service charge already attached to the bill.
- Concierge: Tip five or more euros only if they provide an extra, personalized service during your stay.
Tours
Whether you take an afternoon tour of a Portuguese city or you embark on a longer, multi-day tour, it’s customary to tip your guide after the trip. However, it depends upon the length of the tour. For example, if you’re on a group walking tour that lasts a few hours, a three- or five-euro tip is acceptable. For those taking a private, lengthy tour, an appropriate rate is about 10 or 20 euros.
This tipping rate will increase when you’re on a multi-day tour with the same guide. Remember, if you’re booking a tour with a professional tour company, they will usually provide some tipping suggestions in advance. In the event that your tour includes destinations that involve additional entrance fees or other activities, ask your guide about the correct tipping practice at those locations.
With bus tours (especially those that require a lot of driving), it is a courteous gesture to tip the driver about one or two Euros, but that’s not expected.
Spa and Resort Staff
When visiting a spa or resort in Portugal, there is no expectation to leave a gratuity. However, if you had an incredible experience or over-the-top spa service and wish to show your gratitude, a tip of five or 10 percent of the total bill would be acceptable.
As a general consideration, it’s a good idea to check with the spa or resort regarding any tipping suggestions or policies in advance.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
When you take a taxi or a ride-hailing service in Portugal, know that the drivers do not expect a large tip. In fact, a customary taxi tip is approximately five or 10 percent of the fare. It’s also acceptable to “round up” the bill to the nearest euro.
For Uber and Lyft passengers, there’s an option to add a tip in the app, which you can do after the ride at your discretion, just like when you use the app in the U.S.
Of course, if the drivers go above and beyond, or help you lift your luggage, it’s always a courtesy to leave them a little extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping expected in Portugal?
Tipping in Portugal is not expected like it is in the U.S., and it is in no way obligatory. However, it's common practice to leave restaurant servers, hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides with a small tip for their service.
Do you tip your taxi driver in Portugal?
It's optional, but it's not uncommon to tip your taxi driver five to 10 percent of the fare.
What is the customary tip in Portugal?
While tipping is not an expectation in Portugal, if you do decide to leave a tip, the customary amount is 10 percent at restaurants and five to 10 percent for cab rides. At hotels, the amount you tip depends on the service; for instance, it's common to tip hotel housekeeping two to five euros a day and bell staff one or two euros per bag.
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