Tipping in Denmark

Tipping in Denmark - Black Toy Car on World Map Paper

What are the usual rules for tipping in Denmark? I'm especially interested in:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Taxi
  • Barber
  • Other places I had no idea people usually tip?


Best Answer

To slightly disagree with Henning Markholms answer, being a fellow dane.

Tips will not be frowned upon, but are definitely not expected and you would not incur any dirty looks for not tipping. The tipping line is rarely used when paying with credit cards, in some cases it is actually extra work for the server, as he or she will have to get a new receipt for you. If you really want to tip, leave a few coins (the largest danish coin is about USD 3-4).

Some bars will have a large glass on the counter for tips. But nothing is expected.

When paying your hotel bill you never tip. If you buy drinks in the hotel bar, you could tip, but it is not expected.

If you pay cash in a taxi you might find that the driver could be very slow to find the last few coins of your change. Don't worry about that, they give up quickly and find the coins, they just want you to have time to say something like "don't worry".

The only exception I could think of where you might be pressured to tip would be strip clubs or the like. But don't go to places like that unless you really want to waste a few thousand kroner.




Pictures about "Tipping in Denmark"

Tipping in Denmark - Worm's Eye View of City Buildings
Tipping in Denmark - White and Brown House Surrounded by Trees
Tipping in Denmark - Baroque altarpiece decorated with white angels sculptures on marble railing located in Church of Our Saviour Copenhagen Denmark



Is tipping rude in Denmark?

Tipping is uncommon in Denmark, which means it's not necessary and won't be expected of you during your trip. However, if you do feel like showing your appreciation with a tip, your server might be surprised, but should appreciate the gesture.

Is it customary to tip in Copenhagen?

In Copenhagen, tipping is not a tradition. If you receive extraordinary good service, you are welcome to reward it with a tip, but it is not expected. Service is normally included in the bill at restaurants, hotels and taxis. Thus it is optional whether to round up the bill or not.

Is it rude to leave a tip in Europe?

When dining in a restaurant in Europe you should expect to tip a bit more modestly than you would in America. If a service charge is included in your bill then leaving a tip is optional. If it isn't you can often leave a 5-10 percent tip without insulting your waiter or waitress.

What countries consider it rude to tip?

Note, tipping in countries where it is not customary, or where service fees and gratuity are included, is often still appreciated.
  • China. Typically, nobody tips in China. ...
  • French Polynesia. Tipping in French Polynesia is not mandatory or expected. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Korea. ...
  • Hong Kong. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Belgium.




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More answers regarding tipping in Denmark

Answer 2

In addition to the other answers: As Bent already stated, it's sometimes extra work for the server to handle a tip, especially if you're paying with a card (which, by the way, is much more common than paying with cash in Denmark). To avoid the extra hassle, many restaurants give you the bill in a small basket/small plate/something that could just be considered decorative. If you feel like leaving a tip after you've paid the bill, it's easy to drop a few coins in the basket/plate right before you leave and not make a fuss about the tip. The waiter will pick up the tip when he/she clears the table afterwards.

You'll also be spared the, for some, embarrassing feeling of confronting a waiter who sees your tip.

This way you can pay the bill, and drop a few coins before you leave and avoid all feelings of guilt associated with leaving no tip/tipping too little.

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Images: Mihis Alex, Pixabay, Pixabay, Maria Orlova