Tipping in Ireland and the UK

Unlike the tipping customs many of us are used to in North America, the rules for tipping in Ireland and the UK are different. Because European service workers are paid differently than they are in the US and Canada, tipping in Ireland and the UK tends to be less generous.

Rather than being a routine addition to your bill, tipping in Ireland, England or Scotland (usually a few coins) is generally regarded as gesture of appreciation for a job well done. And although knowing how to tip in Ireland might not be at the top of your priority list when you’re getting ready to go on vacation, being familiar with it is just as important as making yourself aware of many other aspects of the culture (not to mention that it will make you look smart in front of your friends.)

Who and Where to Tip in Ireland

In Ireland and the UK, you can tip servers in restaurants, bartenders and hotel workers like housekeepers and porters. Tipping is usually kept to small amounts and is not always expected. More than anything, your tip is a way of saying “thanks.”

Note that some restaurants in Ireland may add a gratuity charge to your bill, especially if you’re dining with a large party. Be sure to examine your check before paying, especially before adding on another tip.

If you’re unsure whether you should leave a tip for a service in Ireland, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask your bartender or waiter what is customary. If no one is available to ask and you’d still like to leave a tip, it’s OK to leave any coins you have leftover from your change on the table or to round up to the next dollar on your credit card slip.