In Spain, tipping is optional. There are no fixed rules. This guide explains how people usually tip in Madrid.
Tipping in restaurants
Tipping is a gesture of appreciation for good service. The Spanish word for a tip is propina.
For a quick lunch or a menú del día (menu of the day), you do not need to tip. If you want, you can round up to the nearest euro or leave a few coins.
For a sit-down dinner with table service, people often leave 5% to 10% of the cuenta (bill). Leaving more than 10% is extremely rare.
Tipping on card payments
You should leave your tip in cash. Many restaurants do not allow you to add a tip when paying by card.
You pay the exact amount of the bill by card. Then, you leave the cash on the table for the camarero (waiter).
Some modern card terminals now ask if you want to leave a tip. They display options like 5%, 8%, or 10%.
You can choose to skip this option. If you want to tip, prefer cash as it goes directly to the staff.
Tipping in bars and cafes
Tipping is not expected in bars and cafes. If you order a drink or coffee at the counter, you do not tip.
If you sit at an outdoor table, you can leave small change on the tray. Leaving 20 to 50 cents is common.
Terrace surcharges are not tips
Note that prices are often higher if you sit outside. This extra cost is called a suplemento de terraza (terrace surcharge).
The surcharge is usually 10% to 15% of the item price. Restaurants must state this fee on the menu.
This charge goes to the business, not to the waiting staff. It does not count as a tip.
Tipping taxis and other services
You do not need to tip taxi drivers. If the fare is €8.60, you can give €9.00 and tell the driver to keep the change.
In hotels, tipping is not mandatory. You can give €1 per bag to the porter if they help you. You can also leave a small tip for the cleaning staff.
For food delivery apps like Glovo or Uber Eats, you can tip €1 or €2. You can add this in the app or give cash to the driver.
For beauty salons or hairdressers, you can tip 5% if you are very happy with the service.
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Questions and answers
Is service charge included in the bill?
Yes. By law, menu prices in Spain must include all service charges and taxes. The price you see on the menu is the final price you pay.
What is “IVA incluido” on the bill?
It means value-added tax is included. In Spain, the standard tax rate for restaurants is 10%. This tax is always included in the menu prices.
Do locals tip in Madrid?
Yes, but very little. Locals usually only tip for good service at dinner. They rarely tip more than 5% or 10%.
Should I tip if the service was bad?
No. Since tipping is completely optional, you should not tip if the service was poor. There is no social obligation to tip.
What is a “bote” in Spanish bars?
A tip jar. Many bars have a jar labeled bote on the counter. The staff ring a bell or shout when you leave a tip.
