我剛從德國和波蘭北部回來。前一個月論壇很多人討論在歐洲怎麽給小費，甚至是給不給小費的問題。我今天看見Rick Steves寫的tips on tipping in Europe，轉過來作個參考。
另外想說的是，可能有些人說“歐洲餐館的賬單已經包括了小費，所以不用再給小費”是個理解上的錯誤。在歐洲，有少數的餐館是把服務費寫進帳單的，但是為數極少，而且大多是高端的餐館。我最近7年去了10次德國，7次意大利，所有49國我都去過，你說我吃過多少歐洲餐館？我見過的賬單上包括小費的餐館，這些年加在一起不到10家，我記得大多數在南歐。德國法國和整個東歐，我記憶中沒有這樣的。引起誤解的原因，有可能是歐洲餐館賬單上所列的增值稅。在幾乎所有西歐和南歐國家，買東西的賬單上，會列出增值稅的稅率和錢數，但是這個稅是包括在售價裏的，不象美國是在售價以外的，而且它不是小費。比如我買一杯啤酒，3.5歐元，賬單上會列出“啤酒3.1歐元，增值稅率**%，增值稅0.4歐元，總價3.5歐元”。如果不懂當地語言，可能有的遊客會把那個稅率當成是小費。我猜測，僅僅是猜測，也許這就是網上有人謠傳“賬單都包括小費”的誤解來源吧。
這個指南很好，但也不是金科玉律。各人自己掌握。比如我自己一般不在旅館房間留小費，隻在幫助我拿行李的時候給小費。Rick Steves也提到，在歐洲的餐館，如果象美國那樣tipping 15-20%，那就近乎於cutural ignorant了。
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Tipping in Europe
By Rick Steves
Tipping in Europe isn’t as automatic and generous as it is in the United States, but in many countries, tips are appreciated, though not expected. As in the US, the proper amount depends on your resources, tipping philosophy, and the circumstances. That said, there are big tippers and there are misers the world over. Tipping varies by country, but some general guidelines apply.
Restaurants
Restaurant tips are more modest in Europe than in America. At restaurants, check the menu to see if service is included; if it isn’t, a tip of 5–10 percent is normal. In most places, 10 percent is a big tip. If your bucks talk at home, muzzle them on your travels. As a matter of principle, if not economy, the local price should prevail. Please believe me — tipping 15 or 20 percent in Europe is unnecessary, if not culturally ignorant.
Tipping is an issue only at restaurants that have waiters and waitresses. If you order your food at a counter (in a pub, for example), don’t tip.
At table-service restaurants, the tipping etiquette and procedure vary slightly from country to country. But in general, European servers are well paid, and tips are considered a small “bonus” — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number.
In Mediterranean countries, the “service charge” (servizio in Italian, service in French, servicio in Spanish) can be handled in different ways. Sometimes the menu will note that the service is included (“servizio incluso”), meaning that the prices listed on the menu already have this charge built in. When the service is not included (“servizio non incluso”), the service charge might show up as a separate line item at the end of your bill. Fixed-price tourist deals (a.k.a. menu) include service.
In northern and eastern Europe, the menu or bill is less likely to address the “service charge,” but you can usually assume that it’s included in the prices.
Virtually anywhere in Europe, you can do as the Europeans do and (if you’re pleased with the service) add a euro or two for each person in your party. In very touristy areas, some servers have noticed the American obsession with overtipping — and might hope for a Yankee-size tip. But the good news is that European servers and diners are far more laid-back about all this than we are. Any tip is appreciated, the stakes are low, and it’s no big deal if you choose the “wrong” amount.
Typically, it’s better to hand the tip to the waiter when you’re paying your bill than to leave it on the table, particularly in busy places where the wrong party might pocket the change. Servers prefer to be tipped in cash even if you pay with your credit card (otherwise the tip may never reach your server); in many cases, there isn’t even a line on the credit-card receipt for a tip.
In Germanic countries, it’s considered discreet and classy to say the total number of euros you’d like the waiter to keep (including his tip) when paying. So, if the bill is €41, hand him €50 while saying, “45.” You’ll get €5 back and feel pretty European.
Taxis
For taxis, round up to the next euro on the fare (to pay a €13 fare, give €14); for a long ride, to the nearest 10 (for a €76 fare, give €80). If the cabbie hauls your bags and zips you to the airport to help you catch your flight, you might want to toss in a little more. But if you feel like you’re being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip.
Hotels
At hotels with porters, pay the porter a euro for each bag he carries; it’s nice (but not required) to leave a small tip in your room for the housekeeping staff when you depart.
Other Services
Tipping for special service is optional. Guides who give talks at public sights or on bus or boat tours often hold out their hands for tips after they give their spiel. If I’ve already paid for the tour or admission to the sight, I don’t tip extra (but if you want to tip, a euro or two is enough for a job well done). In general, if someone in the service industry does a super job for you, a tip of a couple of euros is appropriate...but not required.
When in doubt, ask. The French and British generally tip hairdressers, the Dutch and Swedish usually don’t. If you’re not sure whether (or how much) to tip for a service, ask your hotelier or the tourist information office; they’ll fill you in on how it’s done on their turf.
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