Tipping in Amsterdam: When & How Much Do You Tip

Do You Tip in Amsterdam?

Are you wondering: do you tip in Amsterdam? And if so, how much? 

The short answer is yes, tipping in Amsterdam is a thing, but the approach by Dutch people is a little different from other places, like the USA.

With this guide I help you quickly get familiar with Dutch tipping culture.

As a local Dutchman, born and raised here, I know the correct etiquette like only locals know. 

My childhood made me even more familiar with Dutch tipping customs. My father was a low-paid taxi driver. The tips he received decided whether we could do fun things or not.

So, let’s dive in and explore Dutch tipping culture together!

But before we dive in I wanted you to know I created this handy Amsterdam tip calculator for you, where you can calculate the correct tip for the most crucial tipping situations, you can get access by filling in the form below:

Tipping in Restaurants

Tipping in Amsterdam restaurants is not required, but expected even though Dutch hospitality workers earn higher wages.

A tip of 5-10% of the bill is standard. I usually round my bill with a tip of around €2-3 for bills up to €50, aound €5 for bills up to €100, and around €10 for bills over €100.

For instance, a bill of €88.80 could be rounded up to €95.

This applies to Amsterdam restaurants and elsewhere in The Netherlands.

TIP: If you want to tip by card, make sure to let the server know the total amount you’d like to pay including the tip BEFORE you hand over your card.

Back to the bil of €88.80 example from above: say €95 please, and then hand them your card.

PS: before you decide if service was good, or not, it is important to understand that service expectations are different in The Netherlands than for example in North America.

Here are the biggest differences:

• Service is slower here: it’s meant to be like that. Going out for dinner is a night out, not a quick meal. If you have limited time, make sure to tell your waiter kindly when he or she takes your order.
• Your have to ask for your check. Even if your bill is brought to your table you might be asked to come the counter for payment. This is normal.
• Tap water, most often, is NOT free, and refills are not a thing. Starting a discussion will make your evening awkward. Adapt to local customs. Drink sizes are small and expensive. You’ll quickly learn to savor a soda the same way as a glass of wine 😅!

Make it easy for yourself, and use my convenient tipping calculator when you. You get it for free by leaving your email address below:

How Much to Tip at Bars in Amsterdam

Unlike in the US, you don’t tip for every drink. If you receive table service, tip at the end of the evening (similar to restaurant tipping). If you order at the bar, look for a tip jar and add a few euros per person for the evening.

Tipping in Cafes in Amsterdam

A common practice is to leave a small tip when you have a coffee at a café. It’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or half euro, but more than €1.

For instance, if two coffees cost €7.50, I would pay €8.50. If the total is €7.80, I would pay €9.

How Much To Tip Taxi Drivers in Amsterdam

My father was a taxi driver, and I can tell you they are among the lowest-paid workers in the Netherlands, even though tax fares seems outrageously expensive (ps you can save on taxi fares by pre-booking your taxi, here is a link to do so).

The driver doesn’t see much of what you pay. Costs are high: there is 21% sales tax, gas runs around $10 a gallon, and buying a car is heavily taxed.

I urge you not to skimp on tipping taxi drivers in Amsterdam, even when you pay by card.

Tip your driver a standard tip of 10% of the final price, and 15-20% if the driver was extra helpful and friendly.

One exception to the rule: If the driver takes a longer route without a good reason, you don’t tip him or her, and you should call them out or report them (track, for example, with Google Maps).

But know that in Amsterdam, cars have limited access meaning a detour is often the only way! So use Google Maps before you accuse someone, and ask the driver about his route choice.

Quickly calculate your taxi tip with my free calculator:

Tipping in Amsterdam Hotels

Leaving a few euros per day is a nice gesture for housekeeping staff. Leave a note with your tip to clarify it’s a tip otherwise they might feel you tried to trick them into stealing money.

Hotel porters are not found at many hotels in Amsterdam, or elsewhere in the country, but if you’re assisted by one in a more upscale hotel, give around five euros per bag. If they’re heavy, give a bit more.

Tipping the hotel concierge is discretionary. You don’t have to, but consider it if their service was exceptional. It’s hard to put a number on that, because it depends on how exceptional the service was and how much that was worth to you.

Front desk staff, you don’t tip as a general rule, but again, if you received great service or they gave you an amazing upgrade, you may want to tip. Ask first if it’s ok. It isn’t always.

How Much to Tip A Tour Guide in Amsterdam

Tipping tour guides can be tricky. While not obligatory, it is expected to do.

By not tipping, it can be awkward. Not all tours are equal and there are different tipping expectations. Here is my rundown:

• Short Group Tours (like a canal cruise or hop-on hop-off bus tour in Amsterdam): If the commentary is automated, like an audiotour, I don’t tip, even if they ask for a tip. If it was live commentary, and good, I leave a small tip, usually €2-5 per person.
• Walking tours:
  • Free Walking Tours: guides rely on tips for free walking tours, so I’m generous if the tour is free and enjoyable; typically, €10-€15 per person is a good amount.
  • Paid group walking tour: If I had a good time, I would give €5 per person.
  • Private walking tour: 10% of the tour price is a good tip when the guide is friendly and entertaining. If they went out of their way, for example giving you more tips for the rest of your stay give 15-20%.
• Day trips:
  • Large Group Tours: I’d leave €5 per person for group tours, for example, if you’re on a tour bus to the Windmills. (PS: only if the guide gave you a wonderful experience.)
  • Smaller group tour (up to 8 persons): give €10 per person.
  • Private Tours: For half-day tours (up to 5 hours) I’d tip €50, and €100 full-day tours, this is per party, and per day. If you feel your guide went above expectations give more. It’s also ok to give less, if service was not as expected.

Tips for private tours might feel like a lot but it is important to consider that your guide is with you for many hours. Handles any unexpected problems with your itinerary, and see to every aspect of your tour, making sure you have an exceptional, worry-free time.

Some of my favorite Tours:

• Best Affordable Canal Cruise
• Best Luxury Canal Cruise
• Best Walking Tour in Amsterdam
• Best Food Tour in Amsterdam
• Best Half Day Trip to Zaanse Schans
• Best Full Dutch Countryside and Windmills Tour

Hairdresser or SPA

In the Netherlands, tipping at a hairdresser or at the spa is not customary. Prices include all service charges, and workers are well-paid. If you received exceptional service, you can offer a tip but don’t be surprised if it’s declined.

Self-service restaurants

Here’s a trend from the USA that’s made its way to Amsterdam: tip jars at self-service restaurant cash registers or automated messages on the payment terminals. As a Dutchman I find this odd as there was no service to reward. My advice? Ignore it. Just click; no tip.

Tipping Calculator

All the information above is a lot to take in. In case you’re still wondering about an easy way when you’re here to calculate how much to tip in Amsterdam, I’ve created an tipping calculator for you. It calculates tips for restaurants, cafes, bars, taxis and tours. Just put in your bill amount to get the recommended tip. To get get access for free, just leave your email below:

Handy Dutch Phrases for Tipping in the Netherlands

Learning a few local phrases can significantly improve your travel experience and will be appreciated by the locals. Here are some Dutch phrases that might come in handy:

Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation; just trying will be appreciated. Remember, the Dutch are quite proficient in English.

Are you curious about more Dutch phrases, you will love my post: “Hello in Dutch and 51 other Dutch phrases.“

Frequently Asked Questions about Tipping Etiquette

Below are some of the most common questions I’ve received from visitors:

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Conclusion

It’s important to remember that tipping here is not the same as in the USA. Tips should only be given for good service.

⚠️ While tips are not mandatory, they are still customary. Some people think you do not tip in Europe. That is not true, you do!