Tipping in Lisbon – Do You Tip In Lisbon and How Much?

Guide to Tipping in Lisbon Portugal for Tourists

Unlike locations such as America, tipping is not compulsory in Lisbon and the process can often be difficult for tourists not familiar with the local culture. This article will take a look at the tipping etiquette and expected behaviour in Lisbon to help you tip during your break.

Tipping in Lisbon

Leaving a tip is not compulsory in Lisbon, but it is appreciated by locals as a show of thanks and a job well done.

In Lisbon, tips are not required for restaurants, bars, drivers, and guides. In Lisbon, when you receive great service, you can show your appreciation and thanks by leaving a tip.

Its is not generally expected to leave a tip at cafés, bars, or quick-service restaurants – especially with smaller bills such as €5-10.

In Portugal, it is not legal for any work place to include tips as any portion of an employee’s wages. Employees need to pay a full wage that meets the national minimum standard. Therefore tips are not expected to make up any service staff’s regular pay and a bonus payment only.

Tipping in Lisbon Restaurants

When you’re at a sit-down restaurant in Lisbon and you’ve had awesome service, it’s a nice gesture to leave a tip. Typically, people give around 5-10% of the bill. You can leave the tip in cash on the table or add it to your card payment. If your bill is less than €20, a euro or two is a good amount.

Tipping in a Lisbon Bar or Cafe

When you’re grabbing a beer or coffee in a bar or cafe in Lisbon, tipping isn’t a must. It’s up to you to decide if the service deserves a little extra appreciation.

A simple and nice move is rounding up your bill to the nearest euro and letting the staff keep the change. For instance, if your beer and tapa cost 4.25€ and you pay with a 5€ bill, you can just say, “Keep the 0.75€ change” (in Portuguese if you can!).

While it’s not expected, it’s likely to be appreciated. Plus, if you become a regular at the same place, you might notice some extra attentive service next time around.

Lisbon Taxi Drivers Tips

Taxi drivers in Lisbon don’t typically anticipate tips, and it’s generally not considered obligatory. However, if you wish to express appreciation for outstanding service, a tip of about 5-10% of the fare would be warmly received.

Many locals often choose to round up the fare to the nearest euro, particularly when paying in cash. This practice simplifies transactions and helps avoid the inconvenience of taxi drivers dealing with loose change.

Tipping Tour Guides

Tour guides in Lisbon appreciate tips for their services. For a walking tour or a group day tour, an appropriate tip ranges from €1-5 per person. If you’re engaging a private full or half-day tour guide, consider tipping around €10-20.

If you’re participating in one of the ‘free’ tours in Lisbon (additional details available here), it’s strongly recommended to provide a tip to your tour guide. In ‘free’ tours, guides typically ‘pay’ per person, and any tips you offer are expected to cover these expenses and contribute to their wages.

Tipping in Hotels

When you’re at a Lisbon hotel, tipping is usually not expected, especially for short stays in the city.

Bellhops assisting with luggage in Lisbon hotels generally don’t anticipate tips. However, if the service goes above and beyond, you might think about leaving a tip of €1-2. It’s not a common practice to leave a small tip for housekeeping at the end of your trip.

For a longer stay in Lisbon, if you want to show your appreciation to housekeeping, leaving €1-5 in an envelope or with a note that says “para a empregada” (for the housekeeper) could be a thoughtful gesture.

When to Tip in Lisbon

Usually, tips are provided at the conclusion of a service or meal in Lisbon. When settling the bill at a restaurant, it’s customary to leave the tip on the table or include it in your credit card payment. Additionally, remember to tip your taxi driver upon reaching your destination and as you exit the taxi.

Tipping in Lisbon Etiquette and Summary

• Have some small change ready for tipping; coins are commonly preferred over paper bills.
• A tip of 15% is seen as generous.
• No pressure to tip in Lisbon, especially if the service was average or below.
• Tipping beyond 15-20% is rare.
• It’s okay if tips are refused or declined, especially for larger amounts; don’t take offence.

Summary of Tipping in Lisbon:

Service	Tipping Suggestion
Restaurants	Around 5-10% of the bill. Not necessary for cafes or bars.
Taxi drivers	Tips not required – Round up the fare
Tour guides	Tips expected for ‘free’ walking tours – €10-20 per person
Hotel bellhops	Generally not required – €1 per bag if you want.
Hotel housekeeping	Not required for short city breaks