The world of tipping varies greatly from one country to another, and Croatia is no exception. Despite being a popular tourist destination with its stunning coastlines, historic cities, and wonderful cuisine, the tipping culture remains a subject of curiosity among visitors. Since the introduction of the euro at the beginning of 2023, many services were left tipless since the locals are yet to adapt to the new currency.
Now, it’s time to finally bring back the good old tipping practice to hardworking people. To help you navigate this, Villas Guide will guide you through the specificities of tipping in Croatia.
Tipping in Croatian Restaurants
In restaurants across Croatia, tipping is generally seen as a token of appreciation for good service. As a standard practice, locals tend to leave an extra 10-15% of the total bill or simply a few euros. This is typically handed directly to the waiter rather than leaving it on the table. However, if you receive exceptional service, feel free to tip more generously. Keep in mind that bills still don’t include tips like elsewhere in the world, so you must think about tipping when paying.
Gratuity in Bars and Cafes
For bars and cafes, tipping isn’t as common as in restaurants, but locals usually leave tips to their regular coffee spots. Often, the small change left from your payment is sufficient. If you’re enjoying a more complicated cocktail or a deluxe coffee that required extra skill to prepare, rounding up your bill to the nearest whole tenth of a euro (if your bill is €4,64, round it to €4,70 or more) or leaving about 10% is considered polite.
Tipping for Taxi Services
When it comes to taxis, tipping isn’t obligatory, but it is a nice gesture. Typically, riders round up the fare to the nearest whole 10 of cents. For a longer journey or particularly good service, a tip of 5-10% of the total fare is a good measure.
Tipping in Accommodations
Hosts in hotels, apartments, and villas in Croatia also appreciate tips. For bellboys, a small tip of around €2-3 per bag is suitable, while you might consider tipping housekeeping staff around €3-4 per day. Hosts and workers who provide exceptional service, such as securing hard-to-get restaurant reservations or event tickets, may be tipped from €10-20.
Understanding the ‘Service Included’ Sign
In some Croatian establishments, you may see ‘service included’ on your bill. This means that a service charge has been added to the total. Even so, it’s considered good etiquette to leave a small additional tip, especially if you’ve received outstanding service.
Tipping Tour Guides and Spa Services
After a long day of walking around the old city of Dubrovnik and learning about its fascinating past from an exceptional guide, it is customary to tip 10-15% of the cost of the tour, particularly for private tours. For group tours, a tip of around €4-5 per person is acceptable. When it comes to spa services, a tip of 10-15% is expected for a job well done.
When not to tip?
In general, tipping is not expected in fast food or self-service establishments, nor is it standard to tip for public services like bus drivers or museum attendants. Also, if you encounter a situation where the service was below average or unacceptable, it’s completely acceptable to abstain from tipping. As a consumer, you have the right to express your dissatisfaction with poor service.
In essence, the nuances of tipping in Croatia are a blend of tradition and personal discretion. Being informed about these cultural practices will not only help you navigate the tipping etiquette but also ensure you contribute positively to the local economy.
Closing Thoughts: Respect and Appreciation
Tipping in Croatia, as in many parts of the world, is a matter of personal discretion. However, it’s crucial to understand the local norms to show respect and appreciation for the services provided. Remember, tips are more than just a financial transaction – they’re a way to express gratitude for good service and enhance your overall travel experience in Croatia.
