Tipping In Germany: A Guide to German Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Germany to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get EUR in cash in Germany, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in Germany?

Tipping in Germany is usually expected in small amounts, although the amount can vary based on your satisfaction with the service. In Germany, tips are known as "Trinkgeld" or "drink money." In other words, tips to service staff historically would have been enough to buy themselves a drink.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Germany, it is common to leave a small tip of 5% to 10% for the service. You can even consider 15% for exceptional service. Locals often tell the wait staff "stimmt so": to keep the change. If your meal was €18, consider paying with a €20 bill.

When visiting bars and cafes, rounding up the bill or letting the staff keep the change is a nice gesture. In Germany, the staff will come to you with a pay machine or change. Let them know how much you'd like to pay, and they'll complete the transaction for you.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Germany?

For hotel staff in Germany, tipping is not expected. However, if you are staying at a nice hotel, it is a nice gesture to tip porters €2 per bag, €2 to valet, and €2 to €4 per night to cleaning staff.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Germany

For taxi drivers in Germany, tipping is common, although not mandatory. If you experience good service, you can round up to the nearest euro, tell the driver to keep the change, or leave around gratuity of 5% to 10%.

Tour guides in Germany may expect a small tip for walking tours, especially if the tour was informative and enjoyable. It is not a hard and fast rule, since pricing rules will vary by each provider. However, a tip of 5-10 euros per person is typical (especially for free walking tours).

Practical Tips for Tipping in Germany

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Germany, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Germany.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Germany, you'll be prompted to pay in EUR or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (EUR) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Germany:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.