🇬🇧United Kingdom · Grocery Delivery
How much to tip a grocery delivery driver in the United Kingdom (2026 Guide)
UnusualCash preferred
£0 for supermarkets (Tesco/Sainsbury's policy bars it); £1–2 for app couriers
Tipping calculator
£
Cultural notes
Major UK supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda) explicitly instruct drivers not to accept tips — company policy. For app-based grocery couriers (Deliveroo, Getir's successors, Zoom by Ocado), £1–2 in cash or via app is appreciated, especially for heavy bags or upstairs flats.
Common mistakes
Pressing cash on a Tesco or Sainsbury's driver — they are not allowed to accept it and may have to refuse.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tip my Tesco delivery driver?
No — Tesco and Sainsbury's drivers cannot accept tips by company policy.
What about Ocado?
Cash tips are acceptable but unusual.
Tipping other services in the United Kingdom
- Sit-down restaurant10–12.5% — check bill first; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge
- Counter / takeaway£0 — not customary; round-up or tip jar appreciated
- Café£0 — round up or drop change in tip jar
- Bar£0 — or offer "one for yourself" (~£1)
- Housekeeping£2–5 per night for mid- to high-end stays
- Porter£1–2 per bag
- Concierge£5–20 if they secure something hard to get
- TaxiRound up to nearest £ or ~10%
- RideshareOptional — £1–2 or ~10% via app
- Food delivery£1–3 or ~10% via app
- Hairdresser10% standard
- Spa0–10%; many high-end spas add service charge
- Tour guide10–15% of tour cost, or £5–10 per person for free walking tours
- Tattoo artist£0 — not customary; 10–20% if you do tip
- Valet£2–5 on return of vehicle
- Airport baggage£1–2 per bag (porter service is rare at UK airports)
- Busker£1–5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers£20–50 per mover for a good job
- Tradesperson£0 — not customary; tea and biscuits preferred
Tipping a grocery delivery driver in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: starlingbank.com, getawayguide.co.uk