Tipping in Portugal

[Gil A]

Last year in Spain a Spaniard told me not to tip. He said that Spaniards do not tip.
Does anyone know if it is the same custom in Portugal?

 

[SYates]

I can't tell you about Portugal, but I do think a lot of Spanish waiters would strongly disagree with the information you were given. As a rule of thumb about tipping anywhere in Europe:

For small bar bills (beer/vino/cafe con leche): Round up to the next 50 cents or Euro, i.e. if the cafe con leche is 90 cents, leave an Euro.
For meals ect: Tip 10%, more only if the food and service was exceptionally good.

I have not yet met a Spanish waiter or waitress that would refuse a tip and I am pretty sure the same applies in Portugal.
Buen Camino! SY

 

[greg121]

I would round up to the next Euro aswell.
Waiters earn wages in Portugal and a 'tip' is considered a note of appreciation, not a means to make up for a tiny salary though.

 

[edumad]

In Portugal tipping is usually reserved for showing appreciation for the service and quality of the meal. If it is only standard, there is no expectation of a tip.
It is not uncommon to adjust to nearest euro or half-euro value for small transactions in cafes. As I said, not uncommon, I wouldn't say it is standard.
Fancy places in large cities as Porto and Lisbon may have different expectations, same goes for the Algarve.
Has greg121 said, staff receives a salary for their work, so you have no obligation to tip.

 

[Gil A]

Thank you, that makes it really clear. I know what to do now

 

[SeaHorse]

Last year in Spain a Spaniard told me not to tip. He said that Spaniards do not tip.
Does anyone know if it is the same custom in Portugal?

True, they (both Portuguese and Spanish) do not tip, or very little, but waiters do accept tips if given. And yes, its a sign of appreciation.

 

[wayfarer]

I tip in France, Spain and Portugal if the service is good, believe me you will not insult anyone for doing so, it will be greatly appreciated especially in Spain and Portugal where the economy is pretty shot.

 

[Thornley]

We never tipped on our trip thru Portugal last year, but Aussies tend not to tip anyone anyway.

Not sure where you come from mate , everyone i know in Australia tips between 5-10% in restaurants unless the person is rude or service crap.
I purchased pubs on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts from Bondie in 86 and 89 and in well known restaurants @ Yandina [ before The Spirit House] and Southport tipping was accepted was plentiful was appreciated and received with thanks.

My daughter went o/seas to London with writer/ chef/restauranteer Christine Manfield many years ago and was very successful .
On return they enjoyed great success in Sydney with the restraurant receiving rave reviews.....It was called Universal.
Believe me the tips per night were 10% plus and shared with ""ALL""" staff , front and back.
All the fittings , furniture and white goods for her apartment were purchased from same, wages untouched.

My wife and i have walked many different paths in France , Spain and Portugal and we have always tipped .
We have even tipped [ rounded to 50c] the old ladies with the not so good coffee and it was a delight to see their appreciation.
It normally got us an offer of grappa but the days were to young for that.

Two years ago in Puenta la Reina was tired when arriving , had the drink , left 30c tip because i was just buggered and wanted a shower.
Returned fresh for pre dinner drinks , sat down at a table in the lane way behind bar and started to write the diary.
I looked up in surprise when a beer was placed in front of me by a barmaid. She just replied Buen Camino and pointed out her boss who by this time was enjoying the company of his village mates.
I got the impression from your photo you did the portuguese by bike. Let me assure you if an accident occurred these same people you never tip would not think twice about driving you 10-20km to a doctor or alberque.

I think you have harmed the reputation of a country which i think is one of the most charitable in the world.
I think you have harmed the reputation of the many Aussies we have accompanied when walking who have been more than generous with their money.
I think you might run in the circles where your attitude is rife but please omit the words Aussies don't tip anyone.

Whilst saying the above ................. **we never tipped in Portugal when they tried to do the bread trick in the cafe's....that comes under crap service.

**We have found in our 60 plus years that more enjoyment is gained by giving than receiving.
Our local fire brigade walked 20km [ Sorrento to Dromana ] the other friday with a wheel barrow seeking donations for the annual Royal Childrens Hospital Appeal.................$13,833.60 .........from walking along the broad walk with a burrow.

 

[colinPeter]

Also a nice way to practice your Spanish,"Asi esta bien", when they bring your change.