How much to tip at a restaurant in Spain (2026 Guide)
Round up or leave €1–5; up to 5–10% at upscale restaurants
0–10% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Spanish servers earn full salaries with benefits, so "la propina" is genuinely a bonus, not a wage subsidy. At a casual sit-down meal or menú del día, Spaniards typically leave a euro or two, or round up to the nearest €5. At a nicer restaurant 5–10% acknowledges good service; locals rarely go higher. A "servicio incluido" line on the bill is uncommon in Spain but does appear for groups of 6+ — when present, no further tip is needed. In Barcelona and Madrid, tourist-area restaurants increasingly add prompts on card terminals; declining is acceptable.
Common mistakes
Tipping 15–20% on the assumption that Spanish servers depend on tips — they do not, and large tips can read as showy.
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping mandatory in Spain?
No. Spain has no tipping law and no service-charge requirement. Propina is purely voluntary.
Should I tip on the card or in cash?
Cash, left on the table. Card-terminal tip prompts have spread in tourist zones but cash ensures the staff receives it.
Is 10% considered generous?
Yes — 10% is on the higher end by Spanish standards and reserved for very good service at nicer restaurants.
Tipping other services in Spain
- Counter / takeawayNot expected; loose change if you wish
- CaféNo tip needed; leave loose change (€0.20–0.50) if you wish
- BarNo tip at standing bars; €1–2 per cocktail at craft cocktail bars
- Housekeeping€1–2 per day
- Porter€1–2 per bag
- Concierge€2 for routine bookings; €5–10 for difficult arrangements
- TaxiRound up to nearest €1; ~5–10% for long airport runs
- RideshareNot expected; in-app tip optional
- Food delivery€1–2 in cash or via app
- Grocery delivery€2–5 cash, more for large orders
- HairdresserNot customary; €1–3 if you wish
- SpaNot customary; ~10% or €5–10 at upscale spas
- Tour guide€5–10 per person half-day; €10+ full-day; €10–15 for free walking tours
- Tattoo artistNot customary; €10–20 or ~10% for great work
- Valet€2–5 per car retrieval
- Airport baggage€1–2 per bag if a porter assists
- Busker€0.50–2 in the case or hat
- MoversNot customary; €10–20 per mover for a tough job
- TradespersonNot customary; quoted invoice is final
Tipping at a restaurant in nearby countries
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom10–12.5% — check bill first; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge
- 🇫🇷France€0 required (service compris); €1–5 per person or 5–10% for good service
- 🇮🇹ItalyRound up or leave €1–2 per person; 5–10% at nicer restaurants
- 🇩🇪GermanyRound up + 5–10% — state the total verbally before paying
Last verified: · Sources: cataloniahotels.com, splendidlyspain.com, euroweeklynews.com