Do you tip in Amsterdam? Etiquette, norms and social customs in the Netherlands - Starboard Boats (2024)

Whether you’re visiting friends in the Netherlands, on business in Amsterdam or just traveling for a holiday, getting to grips with Dutch social norms and customs is a good way to avoid any faux-pas and feel relaxed in the knowledge that you’re behaving in a way that won’t offend the locals!

The Dutch are friendly and pragmatic folk who aren’t burdened by the complex etiquette or social customs of many European nations. They’re also very direct and straightforward so if you do put your foot in it, you’ll quickly find out!

To give you a few hints and tips, we’ve compiled some of the oft-asked questions about how to behave in the Netherlands.

Do people tip in Amsterdam?

Do you tip in Amsterdam? Etiquette, norms and social customs in the Netherlands - Starboard Boats (1)

First off, perhaps the most commonly asked question on the subject – ‘do you tip in Amsterdam?’. This one is pretty simple to answer – the Dutch do not have a tipping culture as strongly-ingrained as much of the English-speaking world.In a bar, restaurant, or private boat tour in Amsterdam, provided the service was good, a tip of around 10% is appreciated but not automatically expected. Do you tip in Amsterdam Nightlife? In a café, nightclub or bar, rounding up the bill or leaving some loose change is fine (if there is a tip jar, you can simply place your tip in there).

Do you tip in Amsterdam taxis? The answer to this question is that people do not generally tip their drivers although if you do receive great service, rounding up the bill will be received well.When it comes to tour guides, or other people directly involved in the tourism industry, a tip is more often expected (assuming that the service has been to a high standard). If you’re unsure, it’s always best to tip around 10% – this way, you won’t be offending anyone but will not be overpaying either!

Social Kissing

This is unlikely to be a bridge you will have to cross as a visiting tourist but for those who are keen to befriend a few locals, the Netherlands has, like much of Europe, a culture of social kissing between friends. As a general rule, on the first-time of meeting someone, a handshake is the normal greeting. Should you meet a friend, it is traditionally three kisses. However, in cities like Amsterdam, it is very common (particularly with younger people) to greet with a single kiss or a hug – perhaps this is down to the fact that Amsterdam is so multicultural and this is easier.

Can you smoke in the street Amsterdam?

Do you tip in Amsterdam? Etiquette, norms and social customs in the Netherlands - Starboard Boats (2)

Given Amsterdam’s reputation for being the Cannabis capital of the world, you may think that wandering through the streets with a joint in hand is perfectly acceptable. Whilst you may well see groups of tourists doing just this it is, at the very least, frowned upon and you may be asked to stub it out by a policeman or given a fine in many areas. Although you’re unlikely to face any problems in very touristy places such as the Red-Light District, it’s best to enjoy from within the comfort of a coffee-shop or smoke-friendly bar.

When it comes to smoking cigarettes, however, the answer is completely different. For many people visiting Amsterdam (from the US or Australia in particular) it is surprising how many people can be seen smoking cigarettes outside restaurants and bars. Although bans are starting to appear and indoor smoking areas are set to close next year, lighting up on a terrace is perfectly acceptable and most tables will have ash trays provided.

Do I need to learn some Dutch?

Assuming you’re just visiting for a short period, it is not necessary – however, just learning a couple of words such as thank you (‘Dank je wel’) or good morning (goedemorgen) will be much appreciated! Unlike in other countries, it’s highly unlikely that you will run into any kind of language barrier when speaking to the Dutch. Over 90% of Dutch people can speak English (this is higher in Amsterdam and the large cities), around 70% can speak German and many speak French, Spanish or other languages.

Made a faux pas? Don’t panic…

Suffered an awkward moment and accidentally kissed someone on the ear? Mixed up your dank je wel with a danke schön? Overtipped or undertipped your waiter, barman or tour guide? Don’t stress it too much. The Dutch are a pretty laidback bunch. Just remember to use the common courtesies that you would use elsewhere in Europe and you’ll be absolutely fine.

For more practical info about Amsterdam visit this blog about the most frequently asked questions.

Do you tip in Amsterdam? Etiquette, norms and social customs in the Netherlands - Starboard Boats (3)

  • do you tip in amsterdam, tip amsterdam
Do you tip in Amsterdam? Etiquette, norms and social customs in the Netherlands - Starboard Boats (2024)

FAQs

Do you tip in Amsterdam? Etiquette, norms and social customs in the Netherlands - Starboard Boats? ›

Tipping culture in the Netherlands is the same throughout all Dutch cities. From Rotterdam to Groningen, tipping is a nice gesture but it isn't compulsory. But if you happened to love your coffee and cake, and the service was excellent, you can always show your appreciation with a tip.

Is there tipping culture in Amsterdam? ›

This one is pretty simple to answer – the Dutch do not have a tipping culture as strongly-ingrained as much of the English-speaking world. In a bar, restaurant, or private boat tour in Amsterdam, provided the service was good, a tip of around 10% is appreciated but not automatically expected.

What is the tipping rule in the Netherlands? ›

As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%. Whether you're tipping with cash or card, always use the local currency to save money.

How much to tip a private tour guide in Amsterdam? ›

Tipping tour guides in Amsterdam

Your tour guide can make or break your experience when travelling - so when you find a great guide in Amsterdam do tip them the standard 10%. Tips are equally welcome whether you're taking a private, multi-day, or walking tour.

Do you tip hotel maids in Amsterdam? ›

In the Netherlands, it's not expected to tip hotel staff. But a few euros is a nice gesture if you receive exceptional service. Leave a note with your tip if it's meant for housekeeping staff to clarify it's a tip otherwise they might feel you tried to trick them into stealing money you left behind in your room.

What is the etiquette in Amsterdam? ›

Tips on culture and etiquette in the Netherlands

Arrive at appointments on time and let people know if you're running a few minutes late. Avoid dropping by someone's house unannounced. Don't make boastful comments that display a sense of superiority. Keep small talk to a minimum at formal and business meetings.

Do I need cash in Amsterdam? ›

Be sure to carry cash

In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them.

Why is tipping frowned upon in Europe? ›

Restaurant tips are more modest in Europe than in America. Servers are paid a living wage, and tips are considered a small bonus — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number. In many countries, 5 percent is adequate and 10 percent is considered a nice tip.

What is the dining etiquette in the Netherlands? ›

It is polite to keep one's hands above the table until all have finished eating. It is recommended to take a small portion as your first helping, so you're able to accept a second helping. The Dutch tend to avoid wasting food. Thus, many appreciate it when their guests finish everything on their plate.

Where in Europe do you not tip? ›

Unlike Asian countries, tips are not considered offensive in Europe except for the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland) so don't be surprised if they choose not to accept the tip, or tell you it is not necessary.

Can you drink tap water in Amsterdam? ›

Is the Tap Water in Amsterdam Safe to Drink? Yes, the tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink according to international standards. According to many Dutch people it's among the best in Europe. The local water provider Waternet continuously monitors water quality to ensure it meets high safety standards.

Is it rude not to tip a tour guide? ›

There are exceptions if your specific tour experience includes gratuities or you simply didn't have a good time, but in general, tipping your guide at the end of the tour is customary in the U.S. and Europe, though it's much more common in the States.

What is an appropriate tip for a private tour guide? ›

Typically, the gratuity rate for guides should be around 10 to 20 percent of the total trip cost. That means if you're paying $500 for a day or two of guided rock climbing, an appropriate tip for your guide would be between $50 and $100.

What is the tipping culture in Amsterdam? ›

That's because, in the Netherlands, there is no social or written requirement to tip a restaurant worker. However, if you received good service or thoroughly enjoyed the food, it's customary to give a small tip — around 5-10% of the bill. If your service was just average, round up the bill or leave some change.

Is it rude not to tip hotel housekeeping? ›

You're not required to do so, but if you do leave a note, just grab the hotel stationery and write some sort of pleasantry and leave the tip on top of that,” Swann said. “And don't just throw a wad of bills on the desk. Open them up and lay them flat, so it clearly is a tip that is meant for the hotel staff.”

Do you tip hotel maid every day? ›

Some guests leave a lump-sum tip on the last day of their stay, but a better practice is doling out incremental tips daily, as hotel housekeepers might have different day-to-day room assignments. A daily tip more closely ensures your gratitude goes to the specific worker who services the room each day.

Are tips included in the bill in Amsterdam? ›

In The Netherlands we barely tip. Most don't tip for delivered food and restaurants receive a 5% tip if they have provided good service. It's very rare for restaurants to include a specific service charge on the bill.

Is it rude not to tip in Europe? ›

While tips are appreciated no matter where you travel, tipping in Europe isn't as automatic nor as generous as it is in the US, and in many countries, tips aren't expected at all. The proper amount depends not only on the country you're in, but also on your resources, tipping philosophy, and the circumstances.

Do you have to pay service charges in Amsterdam? ›

In Amsterdam, tipping etiquette differs slightly from what you may be used to. Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind: Do tip in restaurants: Leaving around 5-10% of the bill is customary for good service. Some restaurants will add a service charge to the bill, in which case tipping is not expected.

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