Should You Tip in Amsterdam (or the Netherlands)?

If you’re visiting Amsterdam or the Netherlands for the first time, you’re probably wondering: Should you tip, and how much? 

I’ve definitely asked myself the very same questions! Let’s face it: tipping can be confusing when traveling abroad, especially if you come from a country where it’s not the norm. 

Having lived in Taiwan for over a decade and traveled extensively throughout Asia—where tipping is rare and, in places like Japan, even considered rude—I had to adjust pretty quickly when I moved to the Netherlands!

Here’s my quick guide to help you navigate tipping etiquette in the Netherlands. 

To Tip or Not To Tip?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in the Netherlands like it is in other countries like the US or South Africa. But, it’s definitely appreciated—especially for good service.

Since Dutch service workers generally earn a fair wage, tips aren’t usually their main source of income. But here’s the catch, skipping a tip after receiving really good service might come off as rude. 

So, what’s the general rule? Think of tipping as a gesture, not an obligation. If you had an awesome experience and want to show your appreciation, a tip is always welcome.

How Much Should You Tip?

Restaurants

Just like anywhere else, tipping at restaurants in the Netherlands depends on the setting. If you’re just grabbing a bite at a casual spot, there’s really no need to go overboard—a small tip (around 5-10%) is plenty.

At fancier restaurants, tipping is a bit more expected, and it’s a good idea to work on around 10-15%. But before you add anything extra, take a quick look at your bill—some places already include a service charge, so you won’t need to tip on top of that (unless you really want to!).

Bars and Cafés

Tipping is less expected in bars and cafés (not to be confused with a coffee shop—that’s where you buy or smoke cannabis. I cover more of these quirky tidbits on my FAQ page.

If you’re just grabbing a quick beer or coffee, leaving small change—around €1–€2—or rounding up the total is plenty. 

One trend I’ve noticed recently though, is that when paying by card, an option to add a tip often pops up on the card reader. These options generally range from 5% to 20%.

While this is totally optional, you really don’t need to add a 20% tip (or anything at all, unless you want to) for a simple coffee! If you’d rather skip the tip, just decline or select the “no tip” option before confirming your payment.

If you do want to tip, my advice is to keep some small change handy for cash tips.

Taxis

Tipping a taxi driver in Amsterdam or elsewhere is a bit more flexible. 

This doesn’t apply to rideshare apps like Uber, where you already know the fare upfront, and it’s typically taken off your card automatically (though I have noticed that tipping options have started popping up directly in the app after a ride has been completed). It’s still optional, though! 

For regular taxis, if the driver was super helpful or you thought the ride was pleasant, it’s customary to round up the fare or leave a €1–€2 tip.

Hotel Staff

If you’re staying in a fancy hotel with bellhops or porters who help you carry your luggage or get it to your room, then it is pretty standard to tip them.

You really don’t need to spend a lot, though; a few Euros would do.

Tour Guides

If you’re joining a free walking tour, I recommend tipping. Volunteers typically lead these tours, so tips are how they make a living.

Leaving a tip for guided and private tours is more of a kind gesture, especially if you enjoyed the experience. However, some guides may still expect a tip! 

It’s a bit of a tricky one, and I don’t really have a clear-cut answer for you. But, my advice is to use your best judgment. If you thought the guide was fantastic and shared a lot of insightful information, consider tipping €5–€10. 

When Not to Tip in the Netherlands

While tipping is appreciated in many situations, there are definitely times when it’s just not necessary. Here are a few scenarios where you can skip it without feeling guilty.

Takeout or Fast Food

This probably goes without saying, but if you’re grabbing takeout or food from a fast-food place like McDonald’s, there’s really no need to tip since there’s no table service involved.

The only time you might want to consider leaving one is if you got a food delivery.. This is still totally optional, though! Especially since you’re already paying a delivery fee. But if the delivery was prompt and the driver was friendly, a small tip is always nice. 

When Service Charges Are Already Included

At some restaurants, especially the fancier ones, a service charge is likely already included in the bill. It’s always a good idea to double-check, as you don’t need to leave an extra tip unless you really want to. 

Poor Service

The Dutch are pretty straightforward, and they certainly don’t put up with bad service—so neither should you!

If the server was rude, the service was exceptionally slow, or there was a huge mix-up with your order, don’t feel pressured to leave a tip. Seriously, no one expects you to reward poor service.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it—my quick guide on when and how much to tip in the Amsterdam or elsewhere in the county!

As I mentioned, tipping is never a must-do, but feel free to leave something if you had great service. And if the service wasn’t up to par, don’t feel pressured to tip.