Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Spain is voluntary and modest, since prices already include service. Many Spaniards leave a couple of euros or the small change after a meal they enjoyed, and little or nothing at the bar. Up to 10% is generous at an upscale restaurant.
Is service included?
Service is included in prices at all establishments, so a separate service charge is not normally added. Check the bill anyway, as some tourist places add one.
How much to tip in Spain
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | €2 to 4 or under 10% | Varies. Most locals leave a few euros or under 5%; the official tourism site gives 5 to 10%. Skip it at cheap menu del dia places. |
| Cafes and bars | Small change | Rarely tipped. Leave a few coins or round up for table service. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Not expected. Round up to the next euro, more for help with bags. |
| Hotel housekeeping | €1 per night | Optional. |
| Hotel porters | €1 to 2 per bag | Up to about €5 in total. |
| Tour guides | €2 to 5 per person | For a group walking tour; more for a private guide. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Optional, up to 10% | Only if you are pleased with the result. |
| 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 norm: leave coins with the bill or tell the server to keep the change. Some places, mainly in Madrid and Barcelona, now show suggested tip percentages on the card machine; you can choose no tip. Small bars often pool tips in a shared jar called "el bote".
What to avoid
Do not feel pressured by suggested percentages on the card machine; most Spaniards dislike them and tip far less.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Spain 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 Spain can read how QR code tipping works in Spain.
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
- Currency in Spain, where to exchange money and how to pay (Spain.info, official tourism site)
- Inside Spain: How to tip like a Spaniard (The Local Spain)
- Tipping in Spain: The Spain Tipping Guide (SmarterTravel)
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Spain?
Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Spain is voluntary and modest, since prices already include service. Many Spaniards leave a couple of euros or the small change after a meal they enjoyed, and little or nothing at the bar. Up to 10% is generous at an upscale restaurant.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Spain?
€2 to 4 or under 10%. Varies. Most locals leave a few euros or under 5%; the official tourism site gives 5 to 10%. Skip it at cheap menu del dia places.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Spain?
Service is included in prices at all establishments, so a separate service charge is not normally added. Check the bill anyway, as some tourist places add one.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Spain?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Spain?
€1 per night.
App Store
Google Play