Tipping in Portugal: The Portugal Tipping Guide

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Tipping in Portugal is not expected but is appreciated. How much should you tip? Use our Portugal tipping guide for the answers.

Tipping in Portugal

There is no obligation to tip at restaurants, hotels, bars, or spas in Portugal, but how much should you tip for exceptional service? You can’t go wrong by leaving a little extra when service exceeds your expectations. This could be as simple as rounding up to the nearest euro at a cafe.

When dining out, leave up to 10 percent when service exceeds expectations in upscale dining establishments. Be aware, however, that some restaurants include service in the final bill, so keep an eye out for that language at the bottom of the receipt before tipping extra. It is common for servers not to receive tips included on a credit card, so try to leave cash whenever possible.

As for tipping other services, there is no set standard for how much to tip but a little goes a long way in showing appreciation. This Portugal tipping guide will help you navigate when/where you can leave a little extra for great service.

Portugal Tipping Guide

Cafe Server: If there is a tip jar, it’s a nice gesture to leave the change. For good table service, round up to the nearest €1.

Restaurant Server: It is not customary to tip at a cheaper restaurant, but a tip of up to 10 percent is acceptable at more upscale establishments. The tip is sometimes included in the final bill, but not always. Check the bill first for these inclusions before deciding what to tip. Servers sometimes don’t receive tips included on a credit card, so tip in cash whenever possible.

Bartender: It’s not necessary to tip a bartender, but you can round up to the nearest €1 for good service. Table service is considered to be separate than the bar, and it is considerate to round to the nearest €1 or €5 (depending on the size of the bill) for great service.

Tour Guide: Have a wonderful time on your tour? Tip €5 to €10 per half-day tour and €10 to €15 for a full-day tour. If taking a free tour, tip at least €10, as this is the only way the guides make money.

Taxis: Tipping in Portugal taxis isn’t expected, but is appreciated. A good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest €5 or up to 10 percent of the final fare for good service.

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Airport Shuttle: It is not necessary to tip your driver, but feel free to give €1 per bag if they help with your luggage.

Doorman: Gratitude is always welcome when a doorman assists with luggage or hailing transportation. A simple thank you is appreciated, but feel free to offer €1 for extra help.

Bellhop: It is customary to tip €1 to €2 per bag, depending on size, but no more than €5.

Housecleaning: Feel free to leave €1 per night for a spotless stay.

Concierge: If the concierge goes above and beyond with helping you book reservations, giving you directions, and providing insider recommendations, it’s considerate to tip €5 to €10.

Stylist: Tipping in Portugal is considerate, but not expected, so tip 5 to 10 percent of the final bill if you’re satisfied with the results.

Spa Service Provider: A tip isn’t expected, but you can leave up to 10 percent for anything that goes above and beyond your expectations.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tipping: The Ultimate Guide to Tipping for Travelers
• Does the Hotel Maid Look Through Your Stuff?
• Top 25 Ways to Save on Europe Travel

Kate H. Knapp covers food-related topics for Eat Boutique, as well as recipe tests for major online publications and cookbooks. Follow her on Instagram @katehknapp and Twitter @katehknapp.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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