A real gentleman has mastered the art of etiquette under any circumstances and always shows impeccable manners. In German, Austrian, and Swiss restaurants, a service charge or tip is usually included. However, it is still common to give service staff an extra bonus for attentive and personal service. In these three countries, five to ten percent are considered appropriate. Good service and treatment at the hairdresser’s, in the taxi, from the courier or hotel service usually warrants a tip (2-5 Francs or 1-3 Euros) or a rounding-up amounting to approximately five percent of the check. The higher the check the lower the tip can be. If you want your tip to also go to the kitchen staff in a restaurant, you should expressly mention this.

Extra pay for extra service

Additional services that warrant a tip (in the sense of a bonus) amounting to between five and ten percent of the amount billed are: short waiting periods; advice in the menu selection; offering options; an excellent wine suggestion; anticipation and attentive observation; refilling of drinks; being at the right place at the right time; friendly and attentive service from A to Z.

Stumbling blocks

Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. Miserly behavior is just as frowned upon as showy boasting. In the catering business, too, money is also not easily made – the staff might consider an arrogantly dropped tip that is too high as condescending and degrading. Don’t place the tip under small plates, coffee cups or ashtrays where it could easily be overlooked by the staff clearing the table.

Cash or credit card

After asking for the check, you will have the option of paying with cash or credit card. Either you place a large bill on the tip tray together with the check and leave an appropriate amount of the change behind as a tip, or you pay your check with your credit card and also leave behind an appropriate cash amount on the tip tray. At the end, guests express their thanks for the good service and the waiter thanks them for the generous tip. And should you ever be at a loss: simply let your good-will and common sense guide you.

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