Tipping in Belgium – What is customary?

Belgium is a fascinating holiday destination that has a lot to offer both culturally and culinarily. From visiting historic cities like Bruges and Antwerp to discovering Belgian cuisine – a holiday in Belgium promises to be unforgettable. But what about tipping in Belgium? This is a question many travelers ask themselves, unsure of how to appropriately reward service without going against local customs.

Compared to other European countries, tipping in Belgium is a rather relaxed affair. Unlike in the USA, where tips make up a large part of service workers' incomes, in Belgium it is not mandatory, but certainly welcome. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about tipping during your holiday in Belgium – from restaurants to taxis to hotels.

Why tipping in Belgium is not that important

In Belgium, service staff generally receive a good salary, and tips are just a small additional recognition for good service. Unlike in countries where tips play a significant role in income, in Belgium it is more regarded as a voluntary gesture of appreciation. This means that during your holiday in Belgium, you don’t have to feel like you constantly need to tip, but you also shouldn’t be afraid to give a tip if you were particularly satisfied with the service.

Especially in larger cities like Brussels, Bruges, or Antwerp, while tips are appreciated, it is not the norm that they are expected. The Belgian system is based on the principle that service is fairly compensated, so tipping is considered optional rather than obligatory here.

When is tipping expected in Belgium?

In general, tipping in Belgium is primarily expected in restaurants and cafés, although the amount is usually significantly lower than in countries like the USA. Tips are more of a recognition for particularly good service rather than an obligation. Most Belgians leave around 5 to 10 percent of the bill as a tip in restaurants, but even that is in no way obligatory.

In touristy areas like Brussels, Ghent, or the popular coastal cities, tipping can happen more frequently if the service meets your satisfaction. Particularly in higher-end restaurants or large hotel chains, a tip may occasionally be expected, but even here it is not a necessity.

Tips in restaurants and cafés in Belgium

As already mentioned, tipping in Belgium in restaurants and cafés is certainly welcome but not compulsory. In many restaurants in Belgium, the service charge is already included in the price, which means you are not required to give additional tips. This service charge varies depending on the restaurant but is usually between 10 and 15 percent of the total amount.

In restaurants where no service charge is included in the price, it is customary to leave about 5 to 10 percent of the bill as a tip. If you are particularly satisfied with the service, you can also give a bit more, but again, tipping is a voluntary gesture and not an obligation. In cafés and less formal restaurants, it is also common to round the amount up to the next whole number rather than calculating a percentage.

Tipping on tours and excursions

In Belgium, there are a wide variety of tours and excursions that are particularly interesting for holidaymakers, whether it’s a city tour through Brussels or a visit to historic castles and fortresses. If you participate in a guided tour, it is customary to tip the guide if you are satisfied with the tour. Typically, the tip is around 2 to 5 euros per person, depending on how much you value the service and how long the tour was.

Especially for longer or more personalized tours, like a day trip through the Ardennes or a special art tour through the museums of Brussels, it is a nice gesture to adjust the tip accordingly. Again, tipping is an acknowledgment and not a necessity.

Tipping in hotels – What should you give?

Tipping in the hotel industry in Belgium is also a voluntary gesture. If you stay in a hotel and use the services of room service or the concierge, you might give a tip of about 1 to 2 euros per day for the cleaning staff. In higher-end hotels in cities like Brussels or Antwerp, where the service is often particularly attentive, it may also be appropriate to give more, especially if the concierge assisted you in planning excursions or with special requests.

Tips for cleaning staff are usually left directly in the room. If you feel that you have been treated particularly well or the service was above average, it is always a nice gesture to leave a tip, but you are not obligated to do so.

Tipping for taxis and ride services in Belgium

As in many other European countries, tipping for taxis in Belgium is optional but still appreciated. Typically, you simply round the fare to the next euro amount. If you are taking a taxi in Brussels or another city, you can give 1 to 2 euros as a tip if you were satisfied with the ride and service. For longer journeys or special requests, such as an airport ride, a slightly higher tip may be appropriate.

If you use private ride services like Uber in Belgium, the same principle applies: tipping is optional, but you can round up or leave a small tip if you were satisfied with the service.

Tipping in Belgium during your holiday – Does it always have to be done?

In Belgium, there is no social pressure to tip, as is the case in some other countries. It is appreciated, but not mandatory. Service staff in Belgium are generally well-paid, and prices in restaurants often already include a service charge. However, if you are satisfied with the service and would like to express your appreciation, a small tip is always welcome.

If you are unsure whether to tip, remember that it is primarily about appreciating the service. In Belgium, there are no fixed rules, and it is up to you to decide how much you would like to give.

Conclusion – Tipping during your holiday in Belgium

During your holiday in Belgium, you will find that tipping is not as deeply ingrained in the culture as in some other countries, but it is still appreciated. In restaurants and cafés, it is customary to tip 5 to 10 percent if no service charge is included in the price. For tours or in hotels, you can also leave a small tip to express your appreciation for the service.

Importantly, you should not feel pressured to tip during your holiday in Belgium. It is a voluntary gesture that reflects your satisfaction with the service. A holiday in Belgium should primarily be enjoyable, and tipping is just a small part of that.