Tips, Christmas table | Should he recommend restaurants in Norway?

The Christmas table season is about to begin, and many Norwegians are wondering how much they should tip. With high wages and a well-functioning salary system, it is not really necessary to go abroad in Norway in the same way as in other countries.

The practice of tipping has become common in Norway, especially at Christmas time. Is it because we have misunderstood what the recommendations should be? Because there are no rules for tipping in Norway. So it is considered voluntary.

While tipping is a vital part of many service workers’ wages in countries such as the US, the situation is different in Norway and other Nordic countries.

In several European countries, a service charge is often included in the price. This is not the case in Norway, but the high basic salary means that the waiters are not dependent on tips to have a decent income.

Read also: Responds strongly to tipping culture in Norway: – Almost

So why are we tipping then?

In Norway, Sweden and Denmark, most people working in the restaurant industry have a basic salary that is well above what waiters in many other countries receive.

They are protected by collective bargaining agreements and laws that ensure good wages without the need for tips to make ends meet. Nevertheless, many Norwegians choose to tip 5-10%, especially in finer restaurants.

Researchers at Høgskolen i Innlandet published their own in 2020 a study of Norwegian tipping practices.. It has been concluded that Norwegians are more likely to go if they feel the service is particularly good, although the tip is rarely higher than 5–10%.

– Service level plays a big role. When we feel we are being well served, we strike more often and much more than we normally do, says Professor Christer Thrane to NRK.

Another reason why travel habits can affect the Norwegian tip. After visiting countries such as the USA, where tips are an important part of the waiter’s income, Norwegians can take this practice home and think that it is needed in Norway.

Read also: Don’t mistake this credit card for the holidays

Tipping abroad

Spain: Large tips are not common, but it is common in cafes and bars to collect the bill or leave small change. In finer restaurants, you can tip 5-10% if you are satisfied with the service.

Italy: Called service charge service often included in the bill, especially in restaurants. If it is not included, you can leave 5-10% for good service. Small change is common in cafes and bars.

France: Service is often included in the bill as service included (15%). Changing or collecting the amount is very common in cafes, although not expected.

Portugal: It is common to collect the bill or tip 5-10% in restaurants if you are satisfied with the service. In smaller places, such as cafes and bars, small change is often enough.

Croatia: Tips are standard but not required. In restaurants, it is customary to tip 10% if the service has been good, and in cafes the bill is usually rounded.

Sweat: It is not expected, but it is common to tip 5-10% at restaurants in tourist areas. In local pubs, it is enough to collect the bill.

Turkey: Recommendations are expected in tourist areas. In restaurants, tipping around 5-10% is common, and small change to taxi drivers and hotel staff is also common.

Germany: A service charge is often included in the bill. It is common to tip or leave 5-10% in restaurants, but large tips are not expected.

United Kingdom: In many restaurants, a service charge of 10-12.5% ​​is added. If it is not included, it is normal to throw 10-15%. In pubs, tipping is rarely expected.

United States: Recommendations are essential in many service roles. You are expected to tip 15-20% in restaurants. Bartenders, hotel staff and taxi drivers also expect tips.

Egypt: Baksheesh (tips) are an important part of everyday life. It is customary to tip small amounts for most services, from restaurants to guides and hotel staff.

Poland: In restaurants, you are expected to tip around 10% if you are satisfied with the service. Small change or gathering is common in cafes and bars.

Australia: It is not part of the culture. Tips are not expected in restaurants or bars, but you can pool for good service in better places.

Japan: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be seen as rude. High quality service is expected without additional reward.