How does tipping work in Lisbon?
Tipping in Lisbon is genuinely optional, not the social contract it is in the United States. At sit-down restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for decent service is appreciated but never expected; locals often leave nothing or just drop the small change. At a neighborhood tasca where lunch runs €8–12, leaving a euro or two is perfectly appropriate. Skip the bread, olives, and chouriço that arrive unbidden at the table unless you want them — you'll be charged for whatever you eat, which surprises people, but that's separate from tipping. Taxi and Uber drivers don't expect anything beyond rounding up to the nearest euro. For coffee at a café, no tip is standard; the espresso costs around €0.80–€1 and the transaction is quick. Hotel housekeeping is rarely tipped. The one context where generosity reads well is fado houses, where €2–5 per person acknowledges the performers. Nobody will think less of you for not tipping; nobody will be impressed if you overtip American-style.
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