I have written a lot in the past about this Tipping in Portugal.
Over the years, I have seen different perspectives about this matter, from different points of view.
They are all correct, depending on the point of view.
The only thing everyone agrees on is the following: Tipping in Portugal is not mandatory.
The other thing everyone agrees as well: tipping is expected across the tourism and hotel industry, when the service is impeccable.
That said, we should learn about other aspects:
Salaries in Portugal are low.
The minimum salary is 700EUR per month, but there are many people, working on tourism, restaurants, shops, and living monthly with 400EUR-500EUR (500USD-600USD per month).
Therefore, tipping is highly appreciated, but not required/compulsory.
Tipping in Portugal is usual in some places.
Let’s see about tipping rules & customs one by one:
Taxis: It’s usual to roundup. Example: a 7.80EUR ride can be roundup to 10EUR. If service was exceptional, or long, can be even more (5EUR, 10EUR, 20EUR, or more)
Hotels: Staff can be rewarded with whatever you feel fair. Can be 2EUR to 5EUR, 10EUR or more, depending on the work provided.
Restaurants: the typical 10% is often seen, or even more, 15% or 20%, but most locals roundup the bill only. A 43.50EUR bill, can be roundup to 50EUR. 87EUR can be rounded to 100EUR.
Tours& Tour Guides: Can be rewarded whatever you feel trustworthy, depending on the job provided. Can be 10EUR, 20EUR or more. Often 10%-15% of price paid for the service is very common.
Coffee Shops: Usually on coffee shops most will roundup the bill. Coffee in Portugal cost 60cents to 75cents, you can roundup to 1EUR.
Uber Drivers: Through Uber APP you can add a tip. You can add whaever is fair, usually 2EUR is normal if job was good.
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
