Jump to content

Do you tip the porters?


mcatmcat
 Share

Recommended Posts

Tips are not expected but 1 or 2 Euros (depending on the amount of luggage) would always be appreciated by a porter. We would give a similar small tip to a helpful taxi driver and around 5% in a restaurant if we have received good service.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tips are not expected but 1 or 2 Euros (depending on the amount of luggage) would always be appreciated by a porter. We would give a similar small tip to a helpful taxi driver and around 5% in a restaurant if we have received good service.

WE always tip the porters since they seem to work very hard and it feels like the right thing to do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We always tip no matter what country we are in... since we are fortunate enough to travel, a small tip is a good thing to do.

 

I'll respectfully disagree.

Yes, in most countries (incl. Spain) a tip is welcome, but for porters at the dock it's not the norm.

And exporting the US tipping culture isn't appreciated by local folk, just the same as failing to tip in the US isn't appreciated.

 

Tipping for "going the extra mile" makes sense in most countries, but not tipping simply for doing their job.

EU law requires that every job is paid a living wage. In service industries (porters, wait staff etc) that wage is the bread-and-butter - tips are the jelly and have to be earned rather than expected as a right.

When in Rome etc etc.............

 

JB :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yep, totally correct JB. Furthermore -I know this wasn't the original question though- a "far too generous" tip can be considered offensive for that same reason.

 

Different parts of Spain have different customs though. In Barcelona (the whole of Catalonia for that matter), "rounding up" is the custom when someone in the service industries "has gone beyond expected" -but only then. Thus, if a taxi fare is 6.80€, you'll round up to 7; if a restaurant check is 38.60€ you might round up to 40, or if it is 211 you might round up to 220 but if it is 11.20€ you would probably round up just to 11.50... Note that tipping is always discretionary and NOT compulsory at all, and no one will frown upon you for not tipping.

 

If you feel uncomfortable not tipping, do reflect on the above and consider the dignity and professionalism of the people carrying your luggage or serving your drink or carrying you in his taxi, if still you feel compelled, be reasonable and don't offend anyone by over-tipping (or under-tipping).

 

It's a good advice... when in Rome...

Edited by EnricM
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yep, totally correct JB. Furthermore -I know this wasn't the original question though- a "far too generous" tip can be considered offensive for that same reason.

 

Different parts of Spain have different customs though. In Barcelona (the whole of Catalonia for that matter), "rounding up" is the custom when someone in the service industries "has gone beyond expected" -but only then. Thus, if a taxi fare is 6.80€, you'll round up to 7; if a restaurant check is 38.60€ you might round up to 40, or if it is 211 you might round up to 220 but if it is 11.20€ you would probably round up just to 11.50... Note that tipping is always discretionary and NOT compulsory at all, and no one will frown upon you for not tipping.

 

If you feel uncomfortable not tipping, do reflect on the above and consider the dignity and professionalism of the people carrying your luggage or serving your drink or carrying you in his taxi, if still you feel compelled, be reasonable and don't offend anyone by over-tipping (or under-tipping).

 

It's a good advice... when in Rome...

 

 

Hi Enric,

 

Yes, it's quite tough for foreigners to know what's what with tipping in Europe.

You say it varies depending where in Spain - and it varies depending where in the UK too, and that makes it even more difficult.

One thing's for sure, wherever in Europe it's all very different & at a much lower level than in the US.

Just a shame that what's right in Rome isn't necessarily right in Barcelona or Madrid or London or Newcastle :rolleyes:

 

JB :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...