Tipping in Portugal: How, When & How Much to Tip

If you’re unsure how to tip when dining out in Portugal, taking taxis, or in similar situations, I’ll help with this guide.

I’ve been based in Lisbon, Portugal, since 2018, and I’ve been following the development of the optional service charge, which is slowly creeping in.

Tipping etiquette is one of many things worth learning before your trip. For the full list, read my guide on things to know before visiting Lisbon.

There are some things to keep in mind when eating out, but in general, tipping is not expected unless you had an exceptional experience.

Portugal does not have a strong tipping culture like the U.S. or Canada. Tipping is usually a gesture of appreciation, not an expectation. Locals often don’t leave tips unless the service is exceptional or they want to be especially polite.

You might see at local cafés that after they finish their coffee, they’ll leave some coins, but it’s not often.

Tipping amounts by category

Here is a quick overview of my recommendations for tipping at different places.

• Casual restaurants/cafés: round up or leave ~€0.50–€1
• Mid-range restaurants: ~5% if service was good
• Fine dining: ~5–10% (optional)
• Hotels: housekeeping €1–€2/day; bellhop €1/bag
• Taxi drivers: round up or tip €1–€2
• Tour guides: €5–€10 for free tours; more for private
• Ride-share: round up or extra €1–€2 (But Uber drivers do not expect a tip)
• Hotel staff: Don’t tip unless you want to do something exceptional for someone. It can seem awkward to them if you don’t explain it.
• Room service: Not expected, but appreciated for exceptional service.
• Tuk-tuk: Tip €2-€10, depending on the length of your trip and whether they did something extraordinary.

Be aware that taxi drivers sometimes take advantage, so don’t feel obligated to tip a lot; small change for a short trip is perfectly acceptable.

For tour guides, you should always tip. They often offer tours for free, and they earn their salaries through a simple tipping etiquette, where you tip at the end.

Situational tips

If it’s a large bill and you still want to tip, reduce the percentage you tip to avoid an excessive amount.

Ultimately, it’s up to you how you tip, but if you decide to tip, keep it below €50.

If you’re a large group, you can tip individually, but the restaurant prefers a single payment with a tip, then split it individually.

The restaurant is charged a fee by credit card companies each time you pay by card, which is why they prefer a single payment.

Tips on how to tip in Portugal

5-10 years ago, everything was cash, especially when tipping, but today, when you pay by card, you’re also asked on the machine whether you want to tip or not.

I still see the majority decline tipping, and when they do tip, they leave some cash.

I once stayed at a 5-star hotel near Avenida da Liberdade and thought I had to tip the doormen every time they did the smallest thing for me, but this is absolutely not true.

So take my advice: do not tip all the time, especially not at your hotel, it’s just not necessary.

Common mistakes when tipping in Portugal

Don’t feel forced to tip. If you do that, it’s either because you’re overthinking the situation or because you’re in a restaurant where you shouldn’t return.

It should feel natural when tipping.

Do not leave coins less than 10 cents; it’s just disrespectful. Anything above 50 cents is acceptable, but ultimately it depends on the amount.

Tipping is just one of many cultural nuances to be aware of. For the complete picture, read my Lisbon travel tips covering everything from etiquette to transport.

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