How Much to Tip in United Kingdom (2026 Guide)
How Much to Tip in United Kingdom (2026 Guide)Tipping in the UK is appreciated but not obligatory. Tip around 10–15% at restaurants if a service charge is not already included, and there is no expectation to tip in pubs or for drinks at the bar. Rounding up taxi fares is common.
Tip amounts in United Kingdom
| Service | Typical tip & range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants |
12.5% typical · 10–15%
|
Only if a service charge is not already added. 12.5% is the de-facto standard. |
| Bars & Cafés | No tip expected | No tipping for drinks ordered at the bar. You may "buy the bartender a drink" instead. |
| Taxis & Rideshare |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up to the nearest pound, or ~10% for black cabs. |
| Hotel Porters | 1–2 GBP /bag | £1–2 per bag at mid-range and luxury hotels. |
| Housekeeping | 1–2 GBP /night | Optional; £1–2 per night left at the end of your stay. |
| Spa & Salon |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Optional; 10% for a treatment you were happy with. |
| Hairdressers |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Around 10%, or a few pounds for the junior who washes your hair. |
| Tour Guides |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
£2–5 for a group tour; more for a private guide. |
| Airport Transfers |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Round up the fare; not expected for pre-booked transfers. |
| Food Delivery |
10% typical · 0–10%
|
Optional; round up or £1–2 for the driver. |
Spending in United Kingdom
The local currency is the pound sterling (£, GBP), pronounced “pound”. One pound sterling = 100 pence.
Approximate, updated daily — for guidance only, not a live exchange rate.
Local tipping customs
- Cash or card? Card tipping is widely accepted, and cash is always welcome.
- Card-machine prompts: Card terminals commonly prompt you to add a tip.
- Tipping culture: Tipping in United Kingdom is optional and appreciated, but never obligatory.
Tipping in United Kingdom: FAQs
Is tipping expected in United Kingdom?
Tipping in United Kingdom is optional and appreciated rather than obligatory. Tipping in the UK is appreciated but not obligatory. Tip around 10–15% at restaurants if a service charge is not already included, and there is no expectation to tip in pubs or for drinks at the bar. Rounding up taxi fares is common.
How much should I tip at a restaurant in United Kingdom?
Around 12.5% is typical (roughly 1–15%). Only if a service charge is not already added. 12.5% is the de-facto standard.
Do you tip taxi drivers in United Kingdom?
It is common to round the fare up or add about 1% in United Kingdom. Round up to the nearest pound, or ~10% for black cabs.
Should I tip in cash or by card in United Kingdom?
Both work in United Kingdom: card tipping is widely accepted, and cash is always welcome for staff who rely on tips.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in United Kingdom?
Leave £1–£2 per night for hotel housekeeping. Optional; £1–2 per night left at the end of your stay.
Is a service charge included in United Kingdom?
A "discretionary service charge" of 12.5% is commonly added at restaurants in London and tourist areas. If it is on the bill, you do not need to tip on top — and you can ask for it to be removed if service was poor.
Do you tip tour guides in United Kingdom?
In United Kingdom: £2–5 for a group tour; more for a private guide.
Do you tip in pubs in the UK?
No. There is no tipping for drinks bought at the bar. For table service food in a gastropub, a 10% tip is appreciated if no service charge applies.
Can I refuse to pay the service charge?
Yes. A discretionary service charge is exactly that — discretionary. You can politely ask staff to remove it if the service was poor.
Is it rude not to tip in Britain?
Not at all. Tipping is genuinely optional and many locals tip modestly or not at all outside restaurants.
Do tips go to the staff?
Since 2024, UK law requires employers to pass on 100% of tips and service charges to workers, so tipping by card now reliably reaches staff.