To give or not to give, to whom to give, how much to give? Constant questions surrounding tipping. Let's explore the customs regarding gratuities in Portugal, so that we don't feel uncomfortable and neither do the locals.
Tipping is usual in Portugal?
Tipping in Portugal is not as widespread as in many European countries. Of course, there are situations where tipping is possible, but scenarios where tipping would be expected are very rare. When Portuguese people do tip, it's most common to round up the total bill, and they don't usually calculate percentages. This holds true even at restaurants: they appreciate any tip, as it's not an expectation, so it's considered a kindness whether it's 3% or 13%.
The Portuguese word for tip is "gorjeta," or its official version, "gratificação." The name for small change is "troco," which can be encountered in the expression "fique com o troco," meaning "keep the change."
Who is usually tipped in Portugal?
Tipping in Portuguese restaurants
In restaurants in Portugal, tipping is possible but not expected. It is not at all offensive or an expression of dissatisfaction if you simply pay the bill. Portuguese people often dine out on weekdays as well, and for them, going to a café for breakfast or sitting down at a nearby restaurant in the evening is not much different from any other service where tipping wouldn't even cross their minds.
Many restaurants have a tip jar placed, and you can drop a few euros into it. It's advisable to avoid leaving very small cents from your change - only leave them if you're putting the entire change into the tip jar. Rounding up the bill is completely acceptable instead of calculating a percentage. If you choose the latter, the standard 10-15% applies throughout Europe. Many waiters genuinely appreciate tips because it's a clear recognition of the workers' efforts, not a fundamental part of their salary.
Tipping is possible with card payments as well, but it is not a frequently used option.
Tipping in taxis
In the case of cash payments for taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is common, and possibly an additional euro as a tip. In the Bolt and Uber apps, this can also be done within the application after the ride.
Tipping in pre-paid tours and guides
In organized tours, tips can be given to the driver and the tour guide. If you decide to tip, do so separately. In fixed-price, prepaid programs, tipping is not expected, and you should only give it if you were particularly satisfied with the service. Don't think in terms of percentages, especially since the tour guide or driver won't receive the exact amount you paid. The general range is 5-20 euros.
For tip-based "free tours," it is expected to give some gratuity to the tour guides at the end of the tour. Typically, tour guides pay a fixed commission to the intermediary companies from the amount we give. The average tip is around 15-20 euros per person; giving more signals a great experience, while giving less practically only compensates the intermediary.
Tipping for street musicians and showmen
If we feel that the performance or the music we've seen or heard has added to our day, enriched our experience, it's appropriate to give a few euros. If we record the music, take photographs, it's customary to give a tip.
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