Tipping in Portugal

At a sit-down restaurant, tipping is optional: for good service, rounding up or leaving 5 to 10% is generous, well below the US norm. At a cafe, pastelaria or for drinks, the Portuguese typically leave just the small change or a coin or two.

Elsewhere: round up a taxi fare, leave 1 to 2 euros per bag for a hotel porter, and a euro or two a day for housekeeping if you like.

When you sit down, a waiter may bring bread, olives, cheese or other nibbles you did not order. This is the couvert, and it is a small charge, typically a euro or two per item or per person, not a free gift and not a tip.

If you do not want it, it is perfectly normal to wave it away or send it back, and you will not be charged. If you eat it, it appears on the bill. Either way, it is separate from any tip you choose to leave.

Leave any tip in cash, in euros. Portuguese card machines often have no tip prompt, and cash reaches the staff directly. Keep a few euro coins and small notes for tips and cafe change. For the wider picture, see the Portugal money guide.

Common questions

Quick answers.

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