Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Sweden is always welcome but not expected, and nobody will be offended if you do not tip. At restaurants it is common to round up to a neat figure, and 10% counts as a nice tip.
Is service included?
Service is built into prices. Occasionally a service charge is included, and when it is, it is clearly stated on the bill.
How much to tip in Sweden
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | Round up or 10% | Round up for friendly service; 10% is a nice tip, more usual at dinner than at lunch. |
| Cafes and bars | Not expected | Choosing no tip on the card machine is what most Swedes do at counters. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | A few extra kronor is enough if you want to. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Not expected | Optional for special services. |
| Hotel porters | Not expected | Porters are uncommon; a small tip for help is optional. |
| Tour guides | Optional | Not expected on paid tours; free walking tours rely on tips. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Not expected | Hairdressers are rarely tipped in Sweden. |
| Food delivery | Optional | No firm custom; a small tip in the app if you like. |
Amounts are in the local currency (SEK). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Almost everything is paid by card. Staff often hand you the card machine to enter the total, so to tip you type in a higher amount, for example 1,100 kr on a 1,000 kr bill. Some machines show preset percentages; pressing 0% or no tip is normal.
What to avoid
Do not feel you must accept the tip prompt at counters, cafes or takeaways; most locals skip it.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Sweden 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 Sweden can read how QR code tipping works in Sweden.
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
- Visit Sweden: Tipping
- The Local Sweden: What's the tipping etiquette in Sweden?
- Rick Steves: Tipping in Europe
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Sweden?
Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Sweden is always welcome but not expected, and nobody will be offended if you do not tip. At restaurants it is common to round up to a neat figure, and 10% counts as a nice tip.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Sweden?
Round up or 10%. Round up for friendly service; 10% is a nice tip, more usual at dinner than at lunch.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Sweden?
Service is built into prices. Occasionally a service charge is included, and when it is, it is clearly stated on the bill.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Sweden?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Sweden?
Not expected.
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