How Much to Tip in Germany (2026 Guide)
How Much to Tip in Germany (2026 Guide)Tipping in Germany is customary but modest: round up the bill or add about 5–10% for good service. Tell the server the total amount you want to pay as you hand over the money rather than leaving it on the table. Cash is the norm.
Tip amounts in Germany
| Service | Typical tip & range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants |
8% typical · 5–10%
|
Round up to roughly 5–10%. State the total you wish to pay when handing over the money. |
| Bars & Cafés |
5% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up to the nearest euro for table service; keep change at the bar. |
| Taxis & Rideshare |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up or add ~10%. |
| Hotel Porters | 1–2 EUR /bag | €1–2 per bag. |
| Housekeeping | 1–2 EUR /night | €1–2 per night. |
| Spa & Salon |
5% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up the price. |
| Hairdressers |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up to roughly 10%. |
| Tour Guides |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
€5 for a group tour. |
| Airport Transfers |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up the fare. |
| Food Delivery |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
€1–2 or 10% for the driver. |
Spending in Germany
The local currency is the euro (€, EUR), pronounced “YOO-roh”. One euro = 100 cents.
Approximate, updated daily — for guidance only, not a live exchange rate.
Local tipping customs
- Cash or card? Cash is preferred — carry small notes and coins for tips.
- Card-machine prompts: Card terminals rarely prompt for tips — tip in cash instead.
- Tipping culture: Tipping in Germany is optional and appreciated, but never obligatory.
Tipping in Germany: FAQs
Is tipping expected in Germany?
Tipping in Germany is optional and appreciated rather than obligatory. Tipping in Germany is customary but modest: round up the bill or add about 5–10% for good service. Tell the server the total amount you want to pay as you hand over the money rather than leaving it on the table. Cash is the norm.
How much should I tip at a restaurant in Germany?
Around 8% is typical (roughly 5–1%). Round up to roughly 5–10%. State the total you wish to pay when handing over the money.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Germany?
It is common to round the fare up or add about 1% in Germany. Round up or add ~10%.
Should I tip in cash or by card in Germany?
Cash is preferred in Germany, as it reaches staff directly; card-machine tip prompts are less common.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Germany?
Leave €1–€2 per night for hotel housekeeping. €1–2 per night.
Is a service charge included in Germany?
Service ("Bedienung") is included in menu prices. A tip ("Trinkgeld") on top is customary but modest — usually rounding up to 5–10%.
Do you tip tour guides in Germany?
In Germany: €5 for a group tour.
How do I actually leave a tip in Germany?
Do not leave coins on the table. When the server tells you the total, state the rounded-up amount you want to pay (e.g. say "35" for a €32 bill) and they keep the difference.
Is a tip expected in Germany?
It is customary but small. Locals round up or add about 5–10%. Leaving nothing is unusual for table service but not catastrophic.
Do I tip when paying by card?
Tell the server the total including tip before they run the card, as many terminals will not prompt you. Cash tips are still preferred.