However, since service is included in the bill, you still don’t have to fork over the usual 15-20% like you would in The States.

But that doesn’t mean you never have to tip. Tipping is still customary in Berlin, just done in a slightly different way than you might be used to back home.

More Berlin travel tips
• When to visit Berlin (and when not to!)
• 12 Simple ways to keep your budget in check on your Berlin trip
• How to save on Berlin’s top 10 attractions

Advice on tipping in Berlin

Make sure you come across as a “profi” (pro) not a clueless “touri” (tourist) by learning some tips about tipping customs in Berlin before you hit the streets. Here’s our guide to Berlin tipping etiquette.

When not to tip (much)

Although most people won’t turn away an offer of free cash, you certainly don’t have to go around tipping everyone where ever you go. As a rule of thumb, you should still tip the same people you would in the US, although the amounts and the way you do so vary.

Cafes

If you pop into a café for a quick cappuccino or a cold one, you don’t necessarily have to tip. That said, it’s bad form to make your waiter dig into their change purse for five or ten cents. Our tip? Round it up, baby!

When the waiter comes, tell them you’d like to pay whatever the even amount is, for example, €2.50 for a €2.30 latte macchiato. You can also just hand them the amount you’d like to pay and say “stimmt’s so.” Cafes with to-go counters have recently started using American-style tip jars, so feel free to toss in a little of that extra change that’s weighing down your pockets if you feel like it. A lot of Germans haven’t caught on yet, so you’ll likely be showered with gratitude.

That guy pouring your beer? No tip required. Photo: Scott

Bars

Lucky for barflies, bartenders aren’t expecting generous tips to keep those drinks coming. Similar to cafes, you can just round up the bill if you feel like it, but no worries that you’ll suddenly become invisible to the bartender if you don’t.

Clubs

Coat checks in clubs usually cost a couple of euros, and no tip is expected. If you try to tip them, the über-cool coat check might still pocket the cash, but they will probably also scoff at you for being such a yokel.

As a general rule of thumb, the less something costs, the less likely you need to leave (much of) a tip. And don’t worry — if you tip your waitress a measly 20 cents, she won’t secretly spit in your coffee. But if you tip her a euro on a €2 coffee, she’ll think you’re trying too hard or maybe coming on to her!

When to tip

Restaurants

Unless the waiter ignored you forever and then brought you a cold schnitzel and a warm beer forty-five minutes after you ordered (and yes, this still can happen if you run into some old-school Berlin service), you should always tip 5 to 10% at a restaurant, depending on how happy you were with the service.

But make sure you don’t make the clueless “Ami” (slang for American) mistake by leaving the tip on the table. When the waitress comes, do some quick math and tell them on the spot how much you’d like to pay in total, which means the bill with the tip added on top. Most cheaper restaurants in Berlin don’t accept credit cards, but if you are dining at a place that does, you’ll also need to tell them the total you’d like to pay before they swipe the card because the tip can’t be added in later.

And to make sure you have a few euros leftover to tip, check out these simple tips for saving on dining in Berlin.

Taxis

Taxi drivers are notoriously underpaid, so make sure you toss them a euro or two anytime you take a ride.

Budget Hotels

In most budget hotels, it’s likely you’ll be lugging about bags up to your room all by yourself. But if you do run across a helpful porter, be sure to tip him or her a euro per heavy bag. Impressed by the cleanliness of the room? Then leave some “Trinkgeld” (a tip) on the nightstand to show the maid your appreciation. In this case, a euro should do.

Tour guides

Tour guides in Berlin know their stuff, and they’re always up to answering lots of questions posed by curious tourists. Make sure and show your appreciation by tipping generously, especially if you’re taking a free, donations-only tour.

Salons

If you get a chic haircut in Berlin, make sure and stay classy by tipping your hairdresser around 10%. In most hair salons, hairdressers have their own “Sparschwein” (piggy bank) on the counter by the cash register, so ask their name and feed the piggy in appreciation.

Related: The ultimate guide to shopping in Berlin on a budget

Klo Damen: Tipping in bathrooms

In many public restrooms, you tip the “Klo Damen” (bathroom ladies, although sometimes they are also men) 50 cents. Although this is a more a mandatory service charge, you won’t be turned away if you sneak off without putting the change on their tray. But don’t be that person. The bathroom ladies (and men) have a dirty job, and they deserve their tips!

Still not sure?

If you’re still nervous about when and when not to tip, or you’ve experienced some of that old-school Berlin service but don’t want to stiff the server entirely, a good rule of thumb is to stick with rounding up the bill and adding a little on top if the total was higher or you were treated right.

But note in Berlin it’s more normal to undertip that over tip, so make sure you don’t go over the 5-10% tipping range. And one more rule: never just leave the tip on the table!

The post Berlin Tipping Etiquette: Should you tip in Berlin? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, costly mistakes lurk around every (picture-perfect) corner. If you hit a snag that sets you back €20, €40, or even €60, well, it still stings.

Related:

• Top budget hotels in Paris
• Best time to visit Paris
• 50 do’s & don’ts in Paris

10 Paris mistakes to avoid on your trip

Here are a few tips for avoiding everyday costly mistakes when visiting Paris, many of which could be applied to visiting other cities in Europe, as well.

1. Buying a bottle of anything at dinner

When dining out in Paris, go for a carafe of wine (cheaper) and water (always free). There’s no need to plunk down €60 for a bottle of wine for a normal dinner, trust me — a €12 carafe will be perfectly fine for the casual wine drinker. Remember, this is France — the wine is good.

And tap water, I insist, is perfectly fine to drink, so don’t splash out on costly Evian (especially when it only costs a euro at the supermarket).

Related: Why you should never buy water in Paris

2. Paying for the hotel’s lackluster breakfast

Why spend €10-€15 for some coffee and croissants? Even with those cute little jars of marmalade, it’s a still a rip. Head to a café or just pick up some pastries at the local bakery and save a significant amount of money each day. The same bakeries are delivering the baguettes and croissants to your hotel — so save by going straight to the source. You might as well get them fresh from the oven!

Most bakeries have a spot where you can stand, mingle with the locals, and enjoy your breakfast. If they don’t, either keep looking around for one that does, eat it outside on a park bench, or head into a cafe where you can order the same thing at the counter.

Plus, you get to practice your French: “Bonjour, un cafe et un croissant, s’il vous plait.”

3. Waiting until the last minute to book

Whether it’s airfare, your hotel, or a TGV train ticket, it’s best to book early. TGV trains, in particular, are much cheaper when they first go on sale three months before the date of departure. Eurostar tickets to London are also cheapest when they go on sale six months in advance.

When should you book that hotel? It’s an oft-discussed topic (and we address it in detail here), and a lot depends on where you’re going and when you’re visiting. If you’re heading to a less visited destination or traveling during a slower period, you could wait and probably score last-minute deals. However, if you’re traveling to Paris during the peak summer or early fall travel season, your best bet is to book in advance (especially if you hope to book a specific hotel). Many of Paris’ best budget-friendly hotels are small properties that are quite popular — and they fill up fast.

Related: 10 best budget hotels in Paris (book early!)

4. Spending silly amounts for a cup of coffee

If you go to the terrace of a really, really nice café like the Café de la Paix (pictured above, facing the Opera Garnier), prepare for a hefty bill. The view might be great, but it’ll cost you — €6 for a cup of coffee, for example, at the Café de la Paix. Those €6 coffees can add up fast!

Instead, consider going around the corner to a smaller, more out of the way café where they’ll charge you €2-3 to sit outside and people watch (or €1 to sip at the counter).

5. Handing over money to anyone on the street

Don’t hand over cash to anyone unless they’re your waiter, taxi driver, tour guide, or selling you something. Anyone who stops you in the street and asks for money is a panhandler or scam artist. Sure, they might sport an official-looking badge or ask you to sign a petition — but they are not working for a charity. They come in all forms — some seem legit, others clearly do not — but handing over cash is a sure-fire way to throw money down the drain.

Oh, and the guys you’ll see playing three-card monte? Or trying the ring trick? No, no — you know it’s a scam, right? Keep on walking.

6. Tipping too much

And in that same vein, don’t tip 15-20%. Please don’t. Servers are paid a respectable salary in France and do not live off of their tips. You’re cheating yourself out of money by giving someone a bonus. That’s not your responsibility. Though a few euros for good service is certainly always appreciated, you don’t need to break out the calculator.

Related: When (and when not) to tip in Paris

7. Changing money at an exchange counter

Don’t ever expect to get a good deal at currency change counters. Almost all will be profiting handsomely off of the transaction by either offering a lousy exchange rate, a hefty service charge, or both. “No service charge!” the sign screams — okay, check out the exchange rate. “Best exchange rate, guaranteed!” its competitor beckons — check out the service charge.

You are better off just hitting the ATM and paying a few dollars in fees to the banks instead of losing out big to the money changers.

8. Ordering fancy drinks without looking at the price

Going out at night can add up quickly if you don’t follow the happy hours (here are my favorite cheapo happy hours). A pint of beer or, especially, a fancy cocktail can set you back €9, €12, even €15 in some places.

If you want a good drink and are willing to spend for it, do some research first on websites like 52 Martinis to make sure you’re going to a place where they know how to make good cocktails!

9. Packing poorly

If I had a dollar for each tourist I’ve known who’s arrived with the wrong clothes or shoes, I’d be on vacation right now. Pack wisely and be prepared for the weather (and yes, it’s okay to pack an umbrella) so that you needn’t spend extra money — and time — buying clothes at Monoprix when you already have the same things back home.

Related: 10 Packing tips for a two-week European jaunt

10. Using your smartphone data

When you turn on your cell phone from back home in Europe, prepare for charges. We have plenty of tips on how to avoid a huge phone bill. In short, get a data plan if you plan to use it abroad and stick to Wi-Fi when possible, or buy a SIM card in Europe to use in your phone including one of these SIM Card deals in France.

Fortunately, Paris has abundant free Wi-Fi networks available to anyone to use. So, turn off your data and settle down in a park or other public space, and look for the “Paris_WI-FI_” network. Now hop on Skype, Facebook or Instagram for free! (Or you could work. But who wants to work? You’re in Paris!)

Share your tips!

What mistakes have you made in Paris that you wish you could go back in time to do over? Let us know so we can help Cheapos have a better (and more affordable) Paris vacation.

The post Paris: 10 costly mistakes that tourists make appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Some visitors and foreigners in Paris take a “no-tip” approach to everything in Paris, based on the idea that service is included in the price listed on the menu. There are general rules, however, for those who want to be good customers, especially those who want to become regulars at neighborhood establishments.

Related
• 50 Ways to save time and money on your trip to Paris
• The top 25 Free things to do in Paris
• Simple ways to save on your Paris hotel 

Tipping in Paris

Before you lay down a tip everywhere you go, brush up on these tips to help you navigate tipping culture in Paris.

When NOT to tip:

In general, it is never wrong to tip, but some people just don’t expect it. Imagine if you left the dentist a few dollars after a mouth cleaning — it’s nice but also, let’s admit, kind of weird.

Cafés: A quick coffee and croissant at the local café may set you back €5, but there’s no need to drop an extra euro on the tip. The server isn’t working for tips, and his salary is consistent despite how many tables he or she gets.

Bars: Drinks at a bar are usually tip-free and bartenders rarely expect anything extra, which is good news for happy hour fans.

Clubs: At clubs, coat checks already cost a few euros, so tipping more is unnecessary. I can only imagine tipping the checkers in ritzy clubs that budget-seekers don’t frequent anyway.

In general, the less something costs, the less likely it is that a tip will be necessary. Leaving 15% on a coffee that only cost two euros seems like you were trying too hard.

Related: Paris: 10 money-saving tips for first time visitors

When TO tip:

Restaurants: When a server goes out of their way to explain the wine list in a cozy neighborhood restaurant or is exceedingly nice throughout the service, a small tip is absolutely deserved. You can leave up to five euros depending on the bill and expect a gracious “merci.”

Taxis: Taxi drivers usually expect a bit extra, understandably. Driving in Paris isn’t easy, and they will often be very helpful with luggage and shopping bags.

Tour Guides: Tour guides are not poorly paid, but those who go the extra mile to answer questions and make the visits enjoyable deserve to be tipped. Anyone in the service industry, familiar with foreigners, will often expect a tip, so have a few coins on hand.

Hotels: If a staff member helps to bring your bags up to your room, then you can offer a few euros in return. However, most of the hotels we stay at, we lug our own bags! You can also give a tip to a concierge for making reservations at a restaurant or helping you get tickets to a show. Check in at one of our favorite budget Paris hotels.

Salons: Hairdressers and barbers, especially if you want to become a regular without mangled bangs, appreciate a few extra euros.

Related: Our 8 favorite hotels in Paris under €80

Doubtful?

Not sure if the service was good? You spent two hours in a café and only bought two coffees? The taxi driver was a bit erratic driving down the Champs Elysées? When in doubt, just round up the bill, even if that means leaving just 50 centimes.

Although Parisians seem exceedingly proud, no one is going to refuse your tips if you offer it. Money speaks the same in any language!

Your tipping advice?

Got a tip for us? What has been your tipping experience in Paris? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post Paris: When (and when not) to tip in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, one thing the UK does share with Europe is that servers will be on at least a minimum wage, relaxing expectations on how much to tip.

More London tips:
• 8 travel myths about London
• Follow these 25 tips in London for a better trip
• Top budget hotels under $100 a night in London

When to tip in London and Britain

Here are a few pointers on how to tip like a Brit — that should save you some money in the process.

Tipping in Pubs, Bars, Clubs & Cafes

If it’s counter service…

If you’re doing the standing, waiting and carrying for yourself, there’s no need to give your server a tip. Many such cafes or coffee shops will have a tip jar displayed on the counter — people will put spare change in them at most.

While there’s no tipping at a pub counter, there is a custom of offering to buy an exceptionally helpful bartender a drink — rather than pouring themselves something, they’ll simply add one pound or so to your total price.

If it’s seated service…

If you’re presented with a check at the end of your visit, leave a tip of around 10% of the bill. Otherwise, if you’ve had good service, just leave them some change on the table.

Related: How to visit a traditional pub in London

No need to leave a tip if you pick up a few gin and tonics at the bar. Photo: Craig Nelson

Tipping in restaurants

Reckon on leaving from 10% to 15% of the total bill, depending on the quality of your service. However, do take a look at the check first. Some restaurants add on their own service charge as standard and you don’t want to pay twice.

You may also get the option to add on a tip if paying by credit card. Don’t feel pressured to do this — many people prefer to leave the tip in cash instead, feeling that it’s more likely to go to the serving staff than the owners.

Related: 10 Tips to save on dining in London

Just round up for the tip in a London taxi. Photo: technicolourcity

Tipping in taxis

Do tip if you ride in a London taxi, but simply by rounding it up to a nice round number, for example paying £30 for a £28 journey.

Don’t round up by more than a couple of pounds — if your journey cost you £29.60, you’d probably still only round it up to £30.

Tipping tour guides

Your guide will probably expect something but do feel free to modify your tip depending on the quality of the service they provided. A tip around £5 is probably about right for a half-day/day tour.

Tipping in hotels

Most of the hotels we’d recommend on EuroCheapo are smaller, family-run establishments where there is no need to tip (although it’s always a nice gesture to leave a little something in the room).

In larger, fancier places you may want to tip a porter who has carried your bags to your room a couple of pounds, and perhaps also some coins for your chambermaid (depending on how much work you’ve given them!).

Related: 5 London hotels in a central location under £100 per night

Tipping in public bathrooms

While you may need to pay to access public toilets, you should never have to tip beyond that. Some bars and clubs use bathroom attendants, who often provide users with an array of beauty products or sweets in the hope of earning a bit of extra cash. Of course, if you take advantages of their services, you should give them a tip. If you decide not to, it’s your chance to shuffle off awkwardly, avoiding eye contact like a true Brit.

Your experience

What are your tips for tipping in London? Tell us in the comments!

The post When (and when not) to tip in London and Britain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

One way to avoid letting your trip to Paris burn a hole in your wallet?

Think twice before you tip.

Americans are generous tippers. Rewarding service people is an ingrained reflex, an obligatory part of our social contract. But the rules of tipping vary from country to country like any other social custom.

When eating or drinking in a French café, bistro, bar or restaurant, be it an espresso standing up at the comptoir or a fancy sit-down Michelin-starred meal, a tip for service is not expected for a simple reason: It is already included in the price of everything you consume.

Not tipping in France does not mean that you are stingy, were disappointed in the service, or disliked the food. Your waiter is not dependent on your tipping handsomely to supplement his (or her) hourly wages. He has health insurance like every other citizen of France, whether employed or not. If you order an espresso for €2.20, leaving the exact amount down to the centime will not be seen as a reproach. It will just be seen as paying your bill.

Don’t get us wrong: Tipping does exist in France. It’s known as a pourboire, meaning, literally, a bit of spare change to buy a drink. So if you are moved to leave a little extra, a right size gesture would be to round up the price of that €2.20 espresso to €2.50, or that €18 lunch to €20. If you’ve splurged on a Michelin-starred restaurant and had exceptional service, you might leave an extra 10% to show your appreciation, but again it is in no way expected or required.

Many Americans are unable to accept the cultural reality in France and out of habit, duty, guilt or even pride end up leaving an additional 10, 15 or 20% on top of the already included gratuity, which is excessive and unnecessary and frankly gratuitous. (Read more about when to tip, and when not to tip in Paris.)

Save your centimes!

The post Don’t Leave a Tip: Simple Savings in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

At the time of this writing, the Euro to USD conversion was €1 buck to $1.33 USD, which means if you make a living in dollars, your €2 glass of Rioja wine will set you back $2.67, and a €15 lunch will cost you $20. It all adds up fast.

Here are some ways to stretch your money in Barcelona, no matter what currency you’re carrying.

Eating

An inexpensive meal in Barcelona will cost you €15-20 at a restaurant, and usually more than that. The best deal in town is the “Menú del Día,” which is a daily special offered at any respectable restaurant from Monday-Friday (and these days some places offer it on the weekend, a “benefit” of the the crisis).

Get the Menú del Día, which includes two courses and dessert plus a drink for €8-15. This is an excellent value, and a bargain I often take advantage of. If the restaurant you’re at does not have a Menú del Día, it’s probably a place for tourists. (Here are some recommended cheap eats.)

Sleep cheap at the Itaca Hostel in the Gothic Quarter.

Sleeping

If you’re a group, consider renting a short-term holiday apartment instead of a hotel room, allowing you to cook your own meals. Itaca, in the Gothic Quarter, offers budget apartments in a stellar location. (Here are more budget sleeping options.)

Drinking

Lushes rejoice! Wine and booze is not expensive in Spain. Bars such as Milk and Marmalade serve €5 all night long. The cheapo way to go is to buy your own wine at the supermarket.

In the supermarket you’ll be confronted with a huge selection of “vino.” There will be bottles at €1 and up to €25 (or more). Do not buy the €1 bottle, it’s for cooking or teens who will mix it with Coca-Cola. Spend at least €5 for a bottle of wine, keeping in mind that Priorat, Penedès and Empordà are local options. (More about Barcelona’s supermarkets.)

Stroll Park Ciutadella (and take in some serious ping pong) for nada. Photo: sfgamchick

Seeing

Much of Barcelona’s eye-candy is free of charge. Rambling Las Ramblas (don’t buy anything), strolling Park Ciutadella, admiring Gaudí’s buildings from the outside, chilling on the beach boardwalk, and hiking around Montjuïc, are all without cost.

Traveling

The best way to get around town on the cheap is by walking. However, you may tire of treading pavement or have jet lag, and this is when the Metro and bus come in handy.

If you’re only in town a couple days, buy the T-10 Metro card in any metro station. You cannot buy this card on the bus (but you can use it on the bus)! If you’re in town for a longer period of time, then spring for the 50/30, which will give you 50 rides to be used in 30 days. (More about Barcelona transportation.)

Buying

Love to shop? Then plan your trip around “rebajas” or sales times in Barcelona. Sales are held in January and July each year, and linger for a couple months after the start date.

Take a budget-friendly break to admire art and architecture for free at the Caixa Forum. Photo: Witer

Appreciating

Oh my, there are many museums in Barcelona! You could get the Articket BCN (€30 for six museums) if you’re super keen on seeing them all, or you could go to the free museums and pay nothing but the metro ride. Caixa Forum was one of my freebie faves. (See our previous post on the Articket.)

UPDATE May 2013: Both the Caixa Forum and Park Güell will start charging admission in 2013. (Naturally, our Cheapo hearts are saddened by this.)

Snacking

Tapas are delicious and wonderful, but are not usually cheap (at least not in this part of Spain). If you’re in need of a bite, pop into a bakery and have your pick of many sweet and savory items, from sharp cheese sandwiches to chocolate croissants.

Tipping?

It’s not common to tip in Barcelona. Certainly 10-15% is not expected. Most people leave their spare change or nothing. It’s up to you, but you’re not offending or robbing anyone by not tipping generously. (For folks from the US, this may be a hard concept to wrap the mind around, it was for me!)

Experiencing

If you’re into seeing theater, music or dance in Barcelona (and you should) then check out atrapalo.com or other discount ticket websites for steals on shows nightly.

Barcelona is an easy city to blow your weekly budget in one fun-filled day. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to make a little go a long way while still seeing the best of the metropolis.

The post Barcelona: 10 ways to save on eating, drinking, buying and sleeping appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Although tipping can stretch the traveler’s budget, it’s really quite important. Most waiters don’t make a living wage, so they rely upon the tips to balance out their income. The same goes for taxi drivers, whose tips make up roughly 25 percent of their income.

Related: How to visit New York City on a budget

Tipping isn’t hard or complicated. Here’s a quick overview of how much to tip in New York:

Paying for your taxi by credit card. Add 25%, 20%, 15% or whatever you like. Photo: Wayan Vota

Taxis

Even New Yorkers find tipping taxi drivers difficult at times. It’s no secret that cabbies face long hours and dangerous working conditions. That said, some drivers can be pretty rude, refusing to drive to outer boroughs or ignoring you while chatting on their hands-free phones. Still, you’ve got to tip.

Most passengers tip around 15 percent of the fare. The credit card machines available in all yellow cabs give passengers the option to tip 15, 20 and 25 percent. Don’t panic, Cheapos. You can still tip as you see fit using the keypad.

Restaurants

This is the big one and applies to all restaurants where a waiter brings food to your table. (This does not apply in fast-food restaurants where you order at a counter and take your own food to a table.)

After paying your bill, leaving a 15-18 percent tip is standard. If service is outstanding, reward your waiter with 20 to 25 percent. You can add it to your bill if paying by credit card, or simply leave the money on the table if paying with cash.

Always look carefully at your bill: The tip should not be already included. However, we’ve heard that certain swanky establishments like the Gansevoort Hotel have started adding 18 percent gratuity for everyone.

Larger groups (more than six people) should expect to have gratuity automatically added to their bill (usually about 18 percent). Make sure you check your bill carefully and ask if it isn’t clear.

Note for foreign visitors: We’ve noticed, with some frustration, that gratuity is sometimes added to bills when it’s obvious that the diners are foreigners. It’s annoying, as it sends a message that just because the waiter or manager overheard the table speaking a foreign language, the diners will be unaccustomed to adding a tip on their own. Be aware and check your bill carefully — especially if you’re speaking another language.

Coat check

If you hand your coat, bag or purse to an attendant to be checked away while you dine or attend an event, giving a $1 tip is customary when you pick up your item.

At some bars, you’ll pay a small charge per item when you drop them off. This is a sort of preemptive tip. Feel free to drop off another tip when you pick up your item, although it won’t really be necessary.

Note that tipping is not required (and may be forbidden) when checking items at museums.

Bars

For a drink under $10, a $1 tip per drink is common. Go up from there depending on the quality of the bar. Most bartenders agree there’s a difference between pulling a beer tap at a dive bar and muddling fresh ingredients to make a top-notch drink at a lounge—and they expect customers to tip accordingly.

Tipping in bars has more to do with making sure your next drink comes faster than it is about service. But by all means, give the cute, friendly or super-efficient bartender a couple more dollars.

Salons

In the land of $7-manicures, feel like a big spender with a 30 percent tip—it’ll only set you back $2 extra.

When it comes to the other services at hair salons and day spas, the standard 15 to 20 percent rule applies.

Getting a 90-minute massage? Feel free to go over 20 percent for your tip. You’ve just spent quite a bit of time with a complete stranger!

Your tips?

Have any advice on tipping to add to our list? Tip us off in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to New York and looking for great, affordable places to sleep? Check out our reviews of the best cheap hotels in New York City, all visited, inspected and reviewed by our team of editors. Read more in our New York hotel guide.

The post New York: A guide to tipping for foreign tourists appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

During a holiday luncheon with some Parisian friends while in New York, we Americans were allowed a rare glimpse into what the French find striking about our own culture, from tipping to the color of our money.

Money, money, money

My French friends first discussed the differences in money issues. Why are American bills all the same color? How much do you tip a cab driver? Why are telecommunications so expensive?

They marveled at the things that we take for granted (after all, the euros do feel like Monopoly money to us sometimes).

At the end of the meal, willing but frustrated with trying to calculate the absolutely un-Parisian gratuity, they just said, “Tell us what we owe,” and the bill was settled by the American locals at the table.

Fashion

Far from being pretentious fashionistas, the smartly-dressed couple did comment on the fashion sense, or often lack thereof, among Americans walking the streets. Why were people wearing such goofy hats and earmuffs? Why were there so few lingerie stores? Where in the city does one find nice affordable clothes? Wasn’t this a fashion capital of the world?

We gave them our opinions and suggestions, trying to convince them that in America you can leave the house without getting dressed to the nines, and they were in awe. After having purchased a few sets of fleece pajamas at Old Navy, they started to see the perks of living Stateside.

Food

After discussing how delicious pancakes were and observations on the general availability and size of food in America, the Parisians did wonder a few things. Do Americans eat vegetables? Is everything really deep-fried, as it would seem?

Why do you call them “appetizers” when they are actually “entrées” in French and you call them “entrees” when they are “plats” in French? It seemed to them as if American cuisine were deliberately messing with their heads.

But they weren’t complaining.  On the contrary, they were elated to have a real hamburger, to enjoy crispy bacon, and to discover that in fact they could order delivery to their apartment whenever they wanted. In Paris, the idea of delivery isn’t as widespread as in New York, and far less variety exists.

It was at this point, imagining having all sorts of cuisine at their front door that they started asking about moving to America…

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For example, approach a bar in Dublin and order a drink. The total will most likely not be an even amount, and when you are handed your change, put it all in your pocket. A bartender won’t expect a tip, and will think you’re an unknowing tourist if you leave your change on the bar.

Here’s a quick guide to tipping in Dublin: When to leave a little, when to leave a lot, and when to keep all your change. We’ll help you save enough on tips to order at least one more pint of Guinness…

When to Leave a Little Tip

The Pub: No trip to Dublin would be complete without spending some time in the pub. The most coveted seats are the ones in the snug–the small room usually near the entrance that is almost like your own little living room, separate from the rest of the bar.

If you’re lucky enough to have snagged the snug, you will most likely have table service. A waiter or waitress will take your order, clear empty glasses, and bring you fresh pints. While a tip at the bar for the bartender isn’t necessary, it is customary to tip when drinks are brought to you. Most locals leave coins or the change for a couple drinks, but if you have been served several rounds, you will want to leave between 5% and 10% of your total bill.

Taxi: Another instance of leaving a little is tipping in a taxi. While there are many buses, trams, and even a bike share system in Dublin, you might at one time or another choose to jump in a taxi. If so, simply round up to the next euro or two for a sufficient tip. (Read more in our article about Dublin transportation.)

When to Leave a Big Tip

Restaurants: The one instance where tipping is very customary is for your server in a restaurant. A good tip is 10% of your total bill. If a server was very good and you’re feeling very generous, you can round that up to 12%. The one time when it is appropriate to tip a bartender is if you’re sitting at the bar in a pub and eat a meal along with drinking a pint of Guinness.

Cheapos wanting to avoid tipping on meals should check out a variety of cafes and restaurants where you order at the counter, but still get to eat at a table. When you order at the counter and pay at the cashier, no tip is necessary.

Beauty salon: If you want to indulge in the luxury of a haircut or manicure during your visit to Dublin, keep in mind that customary tips for these services is between 10% and 15%.

When To Leave No Tip At All

At the bar: As mentioned above, when you order a drink in a pub (or even a round of drinks) no tip is necessary for the bartender. Unlike American bars where bartenders depend on tips for their income, a bar man in Dublin is paid a wage. This also means you might wait a little longer than expected for your drinks (remember a proper pint of Guinness takes a full three minutes to pour).

While you’re at it, use the change you receive from the bartender for bus fare. Dublin Bus only accepts an exact fare–and won’t give you change if you don’t have the correct coins and need to over-pay.

Also in our Dublin Guide: Preparing for a trip to Dublin? Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed Dublin’s best cheap hotels, all centrally located, clean and budget-friendly.

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When I first moved to Barcelona, I always left a tip, usually 10% of the bill. I have worked as a waitress (everyone should once) and believed that it was downright rude not to tip. I always tipped at bars, cafes, and restaurants. As time went on I was told over and over by Europeans and Spaniards that what I was doing “wasn’t normal,” and I noticed that they weren’t leaving much of a tip when we went out to dinner or for coffees. Certainly there was no tipping at bars. Gradually, I tipped less.

Then I ended up writing an article on anarchy and socialism in the 1930s in Barcelona. Doing research for the piece I learned that at one time in Barcelona tipping was deemed inappropriate because it created more of a class divide. Why should a waitress be tipped but a fishmonger not? Why should you tip your taxi driver but not the store clerk? The idea is that if everyone makes a fair wage and is covered by socialized health care, then tipping is no longer necessary. It was then that I sort of had an “ah ha” moment.

I get why we have to tip in the States, where some servers make $2.50 in minimum wage and don’t have health insurance. While waiters are not well paid here, they do make a “living wage” and are covered by a socialist government (for now).

That said, usually the service is not good in Barcelona. When it is, I remember it, feel grateful and may even tip 10%! Since servers are not working for tips they may not be eager to see if you need another beer or liked your food. They also won’t be in a hurry to rush you out the door to turn tables, which is refreshing.

So, how much should you tip? I don’t know. I always leave something, and in writing this I actually asked many of my friends what they tip out of curiosity. Here’s what they told me:

Taxi:

Rounded up. If it’s €7.65 the driver gets €8.00. Never more than €.50 and some people don’t tip taxi drivers at all. (Catalan friend)

Restaurant:

Depends. One friend said, “Never more than €10, no matter how expensive the meal is.” The same friend tips only when service is good and not at all if it’s bad. (Swedish/Canadian friends)

I’ll usually leave a couple euros on top of the bill if the service is good, maybe more if we are a large group.

A wealthier friend told me that he would tip €20 at the most, even if he was taking his whole family out to dinner and the bill was well over €600….

Pizza Delivery:

A couple euros to the delivery person. (Spanish friend)

Bars & Cafes:

Again, most people just round up or leave their spare change, which is a bit sad I suppose. One friend told me the most he’d ever leave is €1, and that’s if the waiter is nice. He also mentioned that Catalans have a bad rap for being tight-fisted, and not tipping. I have heard this generalization before, but have no idea how Catalans compare, in terms of generosity, to the rest of Spain and Europe. (Spanish/Catalan friend)

Home Delivery:

In Barcelona, as in other large cities where many buildings don’t have elevators, the supermarket will deliver your purchase to you (and carry them all up the stairs). It’s awesome, and I’ve used it many, many times. The men who lug your bags of wine, water, canned goods and cleaning supplies up multiple flights of stairs deserve a tip in my opinion, and it is to them that I give most generously (especially if they look thirsty and are soaked in sweat). They’ve got a hard job.

The most I’ve given is €6 and the least maybe €2. From what I’ve been told, most people do not tip these guys.

Your tips?

Have thoughts to share on the subject of tipping in Barcelona? If you live in Spain or another part of Europe, I’d be interested to hear how you tip and when, as it seems like everyone has a different opinion about it!

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