Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. In Belgium service is always included in restaurant and bar prices, so a tip is never required. Leaving around 5 to 10%, or rounding up, is customary when you are happy with the service.
Is service included?
Service is always included in the price. Some sources describe it as a 10 to 15% charge built into the bill, so there is no separate tip line to fill.
How much to tip in Belgium
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 5 to 10% | Optional. Rounding up or a few euros is also fine. |
| Cafes and bars | Round up | Optional. Leave the change or round up. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Not expected. Let the driver keep the change, or a few euros for help with bags. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Not expected | Usually considered included in the room price. |
| Hotel porters | About €2 | Only if the service is exceptional. |
| Tour guides | A few euros | Many tours already include gratuity; a few euros extra is appreciated. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Optional | Not common. A few euros if you are pleased. |
| Food delivery | Optional | Small tip or round up if you like; no firm custom. |
Amounts are in the local currency (EUR). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Cash is the simplest: hand it to the server or leave the change. Not every restaurant accepts cards, so ask before ordering or carry enough cash. Tipping is said to be more common in the south (Wallonia) than in the north.
What to avoid
Do not tip American-style percentages; service is already in the price.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Belgium and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything. Workers in Belgium can read how QR code tipping works in Belgium.
Street performers
Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:
Sources
- Money, currency and change (visit.brussels, official Brussels tourism site)
- Tipping in Belgium: The Belgium Tipping Guide (SmarterTravel)
- Tipping in Europe (Rick Steves)
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Belgium?
Appreciated, not expected. In Belgium service is always included in restaurant and bar prices, so a tip is never required. Leaving around 5 to 10%, or rounding up, is customary when you are happy with the service.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Belgium?
5 to 10%. Optional. Rounding up or a few euros is also fine.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Belgium?
Service is always included in the price. Some sources describe it as a 10 to 15% charge built into the bill, so there is no separate tip line to fill.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Belgium?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Belgium?
Not expected.
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