If you’re visiting Amsterdam, you might wonder how tipping works in this vibrant city. Are you expected to tip everywhere? Is it optional or considered rude not to? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the Amsterdam tipping culture, so you won’t face any surprises during your stay.
Does tipping sometimes give you (a little bit of) stress? Scroll down to the bottom for our tipping life hacks!
Is tipping common in Amsterdam?
Unlike some countries, such as the United States, tipping in Amsterdam is not strictly necessary, but it is certainly appreciated. Wages in the hospitality sector are relatively well-regulated in the Netherlands, meaning staff are not as dependent on tips. Still, leaving a small tip is a common way to show your appreciation for good service.
Restaurants and cafés
In restaurants and cafés, it’s customary to leave a tip of around 5% to 10%, depending on the level of service. In more upscale restaurants, a tip closer to 10% is common. In casual cafés or for a quick lunch, people often simply round up the bill. For example:
- Bill: €18.50 → You pay €20.
- Bill: €47 → You round it up to €50.
Some restaurants already include service charges on the bill, so it’s always good to check before adding an extra tip.
Hotels
In hotels, tipping is not mandatory but definitely appreciated. Here are some common guidelines:
- Housekeeping: €1 to €2 per night.
- Doorman or concierge: a few euros if they assist with luggage or make reservations for you.
Taxis and Ubers
Tipping taxi drivers and Uber drivers in Amsterdam is not required, but it’s common to round up the fare or leave a small tip if you’re satisfied with the service. For short rides, most people simply round up to the nearest euro.
Guided tours and activities
Taking a city tour, bike tour, or other organized activity? In that case, it’s customary to tip your guide if you’re happy with the experience. A general guideline:
- Group tour: €2 to €5 per person.
- Private tour: €10 or more, depending on the duration and quality.
The Amsterdam tipping culture in the tourism sector is quite informal, but guides really appreciate a tip, especially on free or low-cost tours.
Do you tip with cash or card?
In Amsterdam, you can pay almost everywhere by card, including tips. Most payment terminals offer an option to add a tip when you pay. Of course, cash is also always welcome, especially in cafés or for small services.
Summary: The Amsterdam tipping culture in a nutshell
✔ Tipping is not mandatory, but always appreciated.
✔ In restaurants and cafés, tipping 5% to 10% is common.
✔ For taxis, hotels, and tours, rounding up or leaving a small tip is usual.
✔ Payment terminals often offer a tipping option.
Want to respect local customs during your stay in Amsterdam? Then keep these practical tips about the Amsterdam tipping culture in mind. It’s a simple way to show your appreciation for good service — and to leave a positive impression.
Does tipping stress you out? Follow these golden tips!
Unsure about tipping because of dicalculea or social reasons? You are not alone. We have two easy suggestions, because stress and a great holiday do not go together that well!
If you find tipping uncomfortable or struggle to calculate percentages on the spot, a simple trick is to keep a few euro coins or small bills in your pocket specifically for tipping. That way, you can decide in advance how much you’d like to give, without doing math at the table. It’s a stress-free way to still participate in the Amsterdam tipping culture, especially in busy cafés or when paying for a quick lunch.
Another handy option is to politely ask the waiter or staff member to add a set amount to the bill when paying by card. For example, instead of mentally figuring out 8% of your dinner total, you can simply say, “Could you add €3 as a tip, please?“ Many locals do this too, and it’s an easy, direct way to show appreciation without the pressure of mental arithmetic.