Vienna is a charming city of historical and cultural wonders, starting from the magnificent baroque architecture in the streets of the old city to the modern cafes, boutiques, and shops. It can be difficult navigating the etiquette of the city when it comes to showing appreciation to those who provide services. To make your journey more enjoyable and hassle-free, this essential guide will help you understand the unique blend of old world charm and modern etiquette when it comes to gratuities in Vienna. It not only provides valuable information on what is expected but tips on how to confidently use these customs while sightseeing and enjoying the city.
The guide will provide insight into the long-standing traditions of respecting those who offer services as well as those who take part in the running and upkeep of the city. By the time you finish reading it, you will be familiar with the customs of Vienna and know exactly how to show respect in the appropriate way. With this knowledge, you can enjoy your trip to Vienna with the confidence and grace it deserves.
When visiting Vienna, it is customary to show appreciation for services rendered through the form of a gratuity. While the etiquette for leaving gratuities varies based on the type of service and provider, there are some general truths that are shared throughout Vienna for showing appreciation.
When eating out, the general rule is to leave between 5 - 10% of your total bill as a gratuity. Waiters in Vienna are highly trained and attentive, and leaving a generous tip will show your satisfaction with the service that was provided. Tipping can either be done in cash or added onto the bill when paying. If paying with a credit card, make sure to double-check before leaving the restaurant that the tip was added properly.
When staying at a hotel, it is common to leave a gratuity for the maids and concierge staff. However, the rules for how much to tip is not as clear as with restaurants and varies greatly on the level of service provided. A good starting figure to consider is €2 - €3 per day for the maid service and depending on the type of service required, up to €10 for the concierge.
When taking taxis within the city, it is customary to round up your fare to the nearest euro as a tip. If the taxi driver provides exceptional service it is also possible to leave a higher gratuity of up to 10%. In addition, cab drivers who help carry luggage or provide an additional service should be thanked with an extra Euro.
When taking a tour guide around Vienna, the general rule is to leave a gratuity of around 10% of the cost. If the tour group is larger, it is also appreciated that the gratuity can be split between multiple tour guides. Tour guides in Vienna are highly trained and knowledgeable, and it is important to show appreciation when they provide exceptional service.
When shopping around Vienna, it is not necessary to leave a tip. However, it is customary to show appreciation for exceptional service from shop assistants by providing a gratuity. A good figure to start with is €1 - €2. It is also important to be aware that shop assistants expect to receive the gratuity in the form of cash.
When visiting bars and cafes in Vienna, it is not necessary to leave a tip. However, if the service was exceptionally good, one Euro per item purchased is a polite way to show appreciation.
In conclusion, Vienna is a city rich in custom and culture. From restaurants to hotels, shops to tour guides, tipping is an important part of the etiquette. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is an excellent way to show appreciation for the service that has been provided. How much to tip varies based on the type of service, however, there are some useful guidelines that will help you make an appropriate tipping decision in Vienna. Always remember that tipping is an appreciated way to show your gratitude, and your generosity is sure to be warmly received.