Do You Tip in the Netherlands? Tips To Avoid Feeling Awkward
Picture this: you are standing in a cozy Dutch café, freshly brewed coffee in one hand and a couple of euros in the other, and suddenly wondering: Do you tip in the Netherlands? As a Dutch person, I get it. From my experience, I know that tipping etiquette in the Netherlands is totally different than for instance in the United States.
In the Netherlands, tipping might not be as straightforward as in other parts of the world. So let’s get into the details—when, where, and how much to tip, so you can leave a tip (or not) without feeling awkward.
Do you tip in the Netherlands?
Tipping is not required in the Netherlands but very much appreciated, particularly for good service. Many Dutch people who leave a tip often round it up to the nearest euro or leave about 5-10%.
But there is no strong social obligation to tip. No one will chase you down the street if you don’t leave something extra behind 🙂.
This is different from other countries, where it is expected to tip and feels mandatory. There are a couple of reasons why things go a bit differently in the Netherlands.
- Fair living wages: People who work in the hospitality industry typically receive a livable wage set by law or union agreements. This means they are not dependent on tips to make ends meet.
- Cultural norms: Dutch society values equality. It is considered unnecessary to add a significant tip when the workers are already paid well for their services.
- Service charge: In the Netherlands, service charges are often included in the price of the food or service. So there is no social expectation to tip.
- Different service culture: Dutch service is often friendly but more low-key and straightforward, and the dynamic between customer and server tends to be more informal.
The hospitality industry involves a lot of hard work and long hours. Luckily by law, there is a minimal income in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, it isn’t that high. So even if it isn’t expected, a tip will make somebody’s day!
How much should you tip in the Netherlands?
So how much should you tip? What is too much or too little? There isn’t a fixed rule or expectation to leave a standard tip in the Netherlands. Unlike North America, the Dutch tipping culture is pretty relaxed. You will not feel the pressure to throw down 20%.
Instead, the Dutch approach it in a laid-back fashion, like many things in life. A general rule is to keep it practical and simple.
- Round it up: If you’re at a casual café, you’ll often see the Dutch rounding up the bill to the nearest euro. The idea here is about practicality. Got a bill of 18.70 euros? Leaving a twenty is perfectly acceptable.
- Small tip for good service: In sit-down restaurants, it’s a good idea to leave a slightly higher tip of around 5-10%. Remember in the Netherlands, tipping isn’t necessary for the staff to make a living wage. Think of it more as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service rather than an obligation.
- Cash or card? Here’s a tip within a tip: Carry some small change. It’s not uncommon for smaller establishments to have tip jars, and tossing in a few coins is a good way to show some appreciation without being excessive. You can also add the tip to the total amount when paying with a credit or debit card.
In most cases, tips will be shared with the entire staff. But if you want to make sure the person who provided exceptional service gets the tip, you can give it directly or leave the tip on the table and let him or her know you left something.
Tipping in the Netherlands When and Where?
Tipping in the Netherlands really depends on where you are and what service you’re receiving. To break it down, let’s take a look at some common scenarios and help you figure out when to tip and when it’s okay to simply say ‘dank je wel’.
Do You Tip at a Restaurant or Bar in the Netherlands?
Ah, the classic tipping question for Dutch restaurants and coffee shops. If you’re at a sit-down restaurant, it’s nice to leave a small tip if the service is exceptional.
Again, rounding up to the nearest euro is fine, or you can leave 5-10% for more upscale places or for excellent service.
In casual spots or bars where you order at the counter, tipping isn’t really part of the tipping culture. But you will receive a big smile if you add something to the tip jar. It’s about rewarding good service rather than feeling pressured.
In the Netherlands, service charges and taxes are always included in the price. So you don’t have to do any complicated maths to know what the final bill will be.
Do You Tip at Your Hotel/Accommodation in the Netherlands?
Regarding hotel staff, tipping is again more of a nice touch than a rule. In luxury hotels, it’s common to give a few euros to hospitality staff like the hotel porter who handles your luggage, or to leave a tip for housekeeping staff if they’ve done an outstanding job. Think something around 2-5 euros.
If you’re staying at a smaller accommodation like a hostel, tipping is even less common—you’re more likely to say thank you and move on.
Do You Tip the Taxi Driver in the Netherlands?
If you want to tip the taxi driver, then that is OK. But he or she will not get angry if you wait for your change.
Typically, rounding up to the nearest euro is common practice, especially for short journeys. So, if your fare is 14.50 euros, you might tell the taxi driver to keep the 50 cents. It’s that easy!
Do You Tip Uber in the Netherlands?
Ride-hailing services like Uber are a little different. They often have an option to tip right in the app if you want to acknowledge great service.
Uber is pretty common in the larger cities like Amsterdam and Den Haag. The Dutch usually don’t leave a tip in these cases, but you can certainly add a small tip via the app if you enjoyed the ride.
Do You Tip Your Guide in the Netherlands?
Tour guides work hard to show you the best parts of the Netherlands. If you’re on a paid tour, it’s polite to leave a small tip at the end—think 5-10 euros depending on the length of the tour and how engaging the guide was.
Tips are the main income for free walking tour guides. A bigger tip of around 10-15 euros would be appropriate here, especially if you’ve had a great time and felt the guide made your day.
Tipping isn’t expected in the Netherlands. So if you do leave a (generous) tip the surprise is often huge, making tipping even more fun.
What are the rules for tipping in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam, being the Dutch capital, might have a slightly different vibe when it comes to tipping.
With a lot of American tourists, there tends to be a mix of practices. Locals will generally round up the bill, while there is an ‘unwritten rule’ that tourists leave something a little extra. When in doubt, rounding up is your safest bet.
Don’t worry about being rude if you don’t tip in Amsterdam. As long as you’re polite and show appreciation verbally, you won’t offend anyone by not leaving a tip.
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, tipping in the Netherlands is pretty laid-back compared to many other parts of the world. The focus here is on living wages and cultural differences that make tipping more about gratitude for excellent service rather than a social obligation.
You’re not going to insult anyone by not leaving a tip, but if you want to show a little extra love, rounding up or leaving a few euros is always a nice gesture. Keep it casual, keep it kind, and most of all—enjoy your time and interaction with the Dutch people. The Dutch are known for being direct, but they are very friendly. Trust me, I’m Dutch so I should know…😊
