I’m from Madrid and I’ve lived in Australia, where tipping is also optional. If you come from the US, the first question is always: “So… what do I leave?”. Here is what we really do.
How much to tip in Spain
| Place | What locals do |
|---|---|
| Bar / café (coffee, caña) | Nothing, or leave the small coins |
| Menú del día | Round up, or leave €1–2 |
| Sit-down restaurant, good service | About 5–10%, rarely more |
| Taxi | Round up to the next euro, or nothing |
| Hotel porter | €1–2 per bag, optional |
| Tour guide (free tours) | Yes: free tours work with tips |
Cash or card?
Card terminals in Spain don’t usually ask for a tip. If you want to tip, leave coins on the plate or say it when you pay. Many locals pay by card and leave the coins they have in their pocket.
What to say when you pay
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Me cobras? / La cuenta, por favor. | Can I pay? / The bill, please. |
| Quédate con el cambio. | Keep the change. |
| Está bien así. | It’s fine like that (= keep the rest). |
| Cóbrate 30. | Take 30 (when the bill is 27). |
| Todo muy rico, gracias. | Everything was delicious, thanks. |
Why tipping is different in Spain
Waiters in Spain earn a salary; they don’t depend on tips. That’s why tips are a thank you, not part of the price. It doesn’t mean service is bad: it means the relationship is different.
Before you go out: how to order tapas in Madrid, how to order a beer and how to order coffee in Spain.
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Do you have to tip in Spain?
No. Tipping is optional and service is included. Locals leave small change or round up, and around 5–10% in restaurants for good service.
How much should I tip in a restaurant in Spain?
If the service was good, about 5–10%. Many locals just round up.
Is it rude not to tip in Spain?
No. It’s completely normal not to tip in bars and cafés.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Spain?
Not necessarily. Rounding up to the next euro is common.
How do you say keep the change in Spanish?
“Quédate con el cambio” or simply “Está bien así”.
— Monica Bernabe Perez
$20 symbolic price · 30 minutes · with Mónica
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