Tipping in Munich is not as rigid as in some countries, but it is still expected and appreciated for good service. Unlike the United States, where tipping is often a significant part of a service worker’s income, German wages already include service charges. However, rounding up or leaving a small tip is customary in many situations. However, this can still be very confusing for tourist and first-time visitors!
To make things easier on your trip, here’s a guide on when and how much to tip in Munich at restaurants, hotels, taxis, and other services.
Table of Contents
Tipping at Restaurants and Cafés
How Much to Tip
- Casual cafés and bakeries: Rounding up to the nearest euro is common. For example, if your coffee costs €3.50, you can round up to €4.
- Sit-down restaurants: A tip of 5-10% of the total bill is customary, depending on the level of service.
- High-end dining: For exceptional service, 10-15% is generous but not required.
How to Tip
Unlike in some countries where you leave cash on the table, tipping in Munich is usually done directly when paying. Servers appreciate a polite and simple approach rather than waiting for change and leaving a tip afterward.
- When paying in cash, tell the server how much you would like to pay in total, including the tip. For example, if your bill is €27 and you want to tip €3, you say “Make it 30.”
- When paying by card, some machines allow you to add a tip before the card is swiped or tapped. Otherwise, you can just give cash.
Tipping at Hotels
- Housekeeping: €1 to €3 per night, left in the room or handed directly to the cleaning staff.
- Bellhop or porter: €1 to €2 per bag.
- Concierge: If they provide extra service, such as making reservations or arranging transportation, €5 to €10 is appreciated.
- Room service: A service charge is often included, but rounding up a few euros is a nice gesture.
Tipping in Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
- Rounding up to the nearest euro or adding 5-10% of the fare is common.
- For short rides, rounding up by €1 or €2 is sufficient.
- For longer trips or excellent service, a tip of €5 or more is generous but not required.
Tipping at Bars
- At casual bars, tipping is not expected, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common.
- For cocktail bars or table service, leaving €1 to €2 per drink or 5-10% of the bill is appreciated.
Tipping for Other Services
- Hairdressers and beauty salons: 5-10% of the bill, usually rounded up.
- Tour guides: €5 to €10 per person for a group tour, or more for a private guide.
- Public restroom attendants: Leaving a small tip is a kind gesture if there is an attendant. You’ll usually find them outside of the bathroom with a small dish where you can leave coins.
Places Where You Do Not Need to Tip in Munich
- Fast food and self-service restaurants
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Public transportation (buses, trains, and trams)
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Hotel front desk staff
- Museums, galleries, and cultural sites
- Hospitals and medical services
- Gas stations and car washes
- Libraries and public institutions
What If the Service Is Bad?
Tipping in Munich is meant to show appreciation for good service, but it is not mandatory. If you experience poor service at a restaurant, café, or other service establishment, you are not obligated to tip.
- It is acceptable to leave only the exact amount of the bill without rounding up.
- If the service was particularly bad, you can choose to politely express your dissatisfaction instead of leaving a tip.
- Germans typically do not leave small, insulting tips (e.g., just a few cents) to make a point—simply withholding the tip is enough.
Unlike in some countries where tipping is expected regardless of service quality, in Munich, tipping is a personal choice based on how satisfied you are with the experience.
