Tipping in Spain. What is the tipping culture like on the Iberian Peninsula?

Written by Anita Orłowska on 10.10.2025 - 7m reading

Written by Anita Orłowska on 08.08.2025 - 7m reading

Written by Anita Orłowska on 10.10.2025 - 7m reading

Tables on the Iberian Peninsula are laden with delicious local dishes served in restaurants. What about payment and what is the tipping culture like in a country such as Spain? Tipping will not be a problem for you after reading this guide!

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A tip – according to the definition available on Wikipedia – is ‘a customary monetary gratuity left by a customer to the staff of a catering establishment as an expression of satisfaction with the quality of service’. This means that, in theory, it is not mandatory, but in some cultures, not leaving an additional payment is seen as a lack of culture or even disrespect towards the staff. This is the case, for example, in the United States. Find out what the situation is like in Spain – tipping in this country may surprise you.

To get to the point: are tips mandatory in Spain? No, in the case of the Iberian Peninsula, they are not a compulsory charge, as they are, for example, in the United States mentioned earlier. The service is already included in the price (the note servicio incluido on the bill). However, tips are treated as something more – an elegant gesture of appreciation for the service, demonstrating class and cultural awareness.

Whether you are going somewhere on holiday or planning to stay there for a longer period of time, understanding local customs is the key to integration. Knowing when and how to tip in Spain distinguishes a knowledgeable resident from an ordinary tourist. At the same time, remember that additional fees are particularly appreciated in tourist resorts – it is there that they are more expected than in towns inhabited exclusively by Spaniards.

What is the locals' attitude towards tipping? Spain surprises with its philosophy that tips are not a ‘supplement to wages’ that employees rely on. Instead, they are treated as a sincere thank you for exceptional service, help and personal attention. Tips in Spain are usually left in:

• cafés,
• restaurants,
• bars,
• hotels,
• spas,
• taxis.

It doesn't matter whether it's Poland or Spain – tips are most often left in restaurants. These can be restaurants, cafés or bars. By giving the staff something extra, you show your knowledge of the local culture. In smaller establishments on the Iberian Peninsula, percentage tips are not usually given. When sitting down for a coffee or tapas, it is enough to round up the bill to the nearest whole amount. In smaller restaurants, however, it is welcome to leave a few euros as a token of appreciation.

What about Michelin-starred establishments, which Spain boasts? Tipping in premium restaurants, which usually serve fine dining, works a little differently. Both here and in the case of exceptional service, leaving 5-10% of the bill is considered a very elegant gesture. However, keep in mind that this is not mandatory – such places often include the cost of service in their rather high prices.

Then there is the question of the form of the tip. In Spain, it is best to give it in cash, leaving it on the table or hiding it in the bill cover. This applies to both traditional and card payments. This way, the tip becomes more personal and discreet, which is appreciated by Spanish waiters.

It doesn't matter whether it's Poland or Spain – tips are most often left in restaurants. These can be restaurants, cafés or bars. By giving the staff something extra, you show your knowledge of the local culture. In smaller establishments on the Iberian Peninsula, percentage tips are not usually given. When sitting down for a coffee or tapas, it is enough to round up the bill to the nearest whole amount. In smaller restaurants, however, it is welcome to leave a few euros as a token of appreciation.

What about Michelin-starred establishments, which Spain boasts? Tipping in premium restaurants, which usually serve fine dining, works a little differently. Both here and in the case of exceptional service, leaving 5-10% of the bill is considered a very elegant gesture. However, keep in mind that this is not mandatory – such places often include the cost of service in their rather high prices.

Then there is the question of the form of the tip. In Spain, it is best to give it in cash, leaving it on the table or hiding it in the bill cover. This applies to both traditional and card payments. This way, the tip becomes more personal and discreet, which is appreciated by Spanish waiters.

Another issue related to living in Spain is tipping in hotels. This mainly applies to five-star establishments offering the highest level of service and a long list of luxury amenities. As in restaurants and cafés, tips are not expected but are very welcome. According to local customs, you can leave a small tip for:

• the porter for helping you carry your luggage to your room,
• the cleaning staff for their daily and discreet service,
• the concierge for handling a difficult matter.

Enjoying the luxurious lifestyle for which many cities on the Iberian Peninsula are famous, you will certainly have the opportunity to leave a tip not only at your hotel. Wealthy tourists and investors can enjoy numerous premium services in Spain, such as yacht charter, golf, massages and spa treatments.

Again, none of these services involve a mandatory tip, but remember what Spain is famous for. Tips are seen as a way of expressing gratitude and appreciation for service. That is why it is worth leaving them for the captain of the private yacht on which you will be spending your time, the golf instructor who will help you improve your game, and your personal chauffeur, who will ensure you are never late for any appointment.

Interestingly, in such situations, it is not so much the amount of the tip that counts in Spain, but the gesture itself. It is a great way to build relationships and ensure even better service in the future.

Why do people on the Iberian Peninsula treat tips this way? Spain is one of the countries where service sector employees earn decent wages. As a result, employees do not rely on additional tips from customers, and tips themselves are not the basis of their income – instead, they are merely a nice bonus.

It all comes down to culture. Since service is already included in the price, Spaniards treat tips as ‘something extra’. For them, they are a gesture of appreciation for above-average courtesy, helpful advice, individual attention or simply a great atmosphere.

What if you decide not to leave a tip? In this respect, Spain is surprising and stands out from many countries with a culture of compulsory tipping. Not leaving a tip – even for above-average service – is not considered rude. Thanks to this, you can return to the same place even the next day and enjoy equally good and cordial service.

After reading this article, you now know everything about tipping in Spain – a country so diverse and culturally rich. Tipping is voluntary but welcome. So, if you have the opportunity and feel like it, show the staff that you are satisfied with their work. And if you want to be able to regularly visit the best restaurants or spas, find a luxury property on the Iberian Peninsula. The Polish agency Elite World Estates will help you with this, offering apartments and villas on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Find out more!

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Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.