Tipping In The Netherlands - A Complete Guide
Quick Guide
🍽️ Restaurant - 5-10% If Satisfied
☕️ Café - 3-5% If Satisfied
🍹 Bar - 3-5% If Satisfied
🚕 Taxi - Not Expected - Can Round Up
🛎️ Porter/Bellhop - Tip €1-2/Bag
🛏️ Housekeeping - Not Expected - Can Tip €1-2/Day
📸 Paid Tour Guide - Not Expected - Can Tip 5-10%
🚶 Free Tour Guide - Tip €5-20pp
The Dutch don’t have a strong tipping culture so there’s no obligation to tip in most scenarios but leaving a tip or “fooi” for good service is appreciated.
Calculate a culturally appropriate tip for the Netherlands using the calculator below and read on for more detail on tipping in Restaurants, Cafés, Bars, Taxis, Hotels etc.
Netherlands Tip Calculator
Good Price For The Netherlands
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Tipping in Restaurants
If you’re satisfied, it’s customary to tip your server 5-10% or round up but there’s no obligation to tip. 10% is considered very generous and anything more than that might be classed as overtipping.
Don’t tip extra if a service charge (“servicekosten” or “bedieningsgeld”) has already been added to your bill.
If you’re paying by card, tell the server what you’d like to pay including your tip. Paying in cash and want them to keep the change? Say “het is goed zo” or “it’s ok like this”. Otherwise, just leave change on the table when you leave.
The Netherlands (Amsterdam in particular) isn’t famous for its customer service. The meagre tipping culture, lack of proper hospitality training (especially in casual establishments) and abundance of part-time employees all contribute.
So, if you find yourself waiting a long time or being ignored by the staff, don’t tip.
Tipping in Cafés or Bars
In cafés, bars and nightclubs, you can tip 3-5% for good service if you’re buying multiple drinks or running a tab.
Don’t tip per drink and avoid tipping if you’re dissatisfied with the service.
If you’re paying by card, you can ask to include a tip when you pay. Alternatively, tell them to “keep the change” (“hou het Wisselgeld”) or leave small coins on the counter, table or in the tip jar.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
Taxi, Uber or Bolt drivers won’t expect tips, especially in Dutch cities where fares are typically expensive.
You can tip for exceptional service by rounding up via card, cash or the app but tipping is always optional.
Tipping The Porter/Bellhop
It’s polite to tip your porter €1-2/bag even if your hotel adds on a service charge.
Tipping Housekeeping
Housekeeping staff won’t expect tips but feel free to leave €1-2/day if you’ve experienced great service.
Leave your tip on the nightstand with a thank you note (“Bedankt”).
Tipping Tour Guides
Paid tour guides won’t expect tips and they’re not reliant on them to supplement their income.
If you’ve really enjoyed your tour and your guide has been friendly and knowledgable, you can tip around 5-10% in cash at the end of the tour. Don’t tip more than that.
In the case of free walking tours (which tend to last a few hours), you’re expected to tip around €5-20pp depending on the length of the tour and your level of satisfaction.
Which Currency To Use
You’ll need to use the Euro, the official currency of the Netherlands. Other currencies aren’t accepted. Card payments are ubiquitous here but most places accept cash or card.
“Goede reis” - Have a great trip! 🇳🇱 🚲 🌷
