There is no standard tipping etiquette in Croatia and generally, a little ‘extra’ given after any service rendered is not really expected. However, if someone decides to tip then it is very much appreciated.
The best rule of thumb that applies to Croatia (or any country with no tipping culture for that matter) is that if it was a great service, then feel free to show your appreciation with a few extra kunas. Otherwise, here are a few things to consider when tipping in Croatia.
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First-Thing You Need To Know Before Tipping in Croatia
1. It may be a sad fact but in Croatia, servers in cafés and restaurants don’t earn much. They generally do not expect a tip, but a little extra really helps.
2. If you want to show appreciation for excellent service but unsure how much to give, just tip whatever you feel is appropriate. Tips may not be expected but a few extra cash does say a lot about how much you appreciate the service.
3. In connection with the previous item, if you’re not satisfied with the service, there is no need to tip. Remember, no strong tipping culture means you’re not obliged to leave anything.
4. In Croatia’s fine dining restaurants, the bill usually includes a service charge. Make sure you read the receipt before leaving anything extra. However, if you feel like the server or staff did a particularly awesome job, then you can always give more extra kunas. The amount should be 10% to 15% of your total bill.
5. Always have a few extra cash ready in cases that you feel like you want to give a tip especially if you’re paying with a credit card.
6. If you’re paying by card, you probably won’t find the facility to leave a tip this way, so you would have to leave cash on the table instead.
Tipping In Croatia By Services
Restaurants Tipping in Croatia
In Croatia do not have a standard rule on tipping, but if you’re wondering how much you should tip a waiter, then here’s a suggestion: Simply round up the total bill and tell your server that they can keep the change. That will be very much appreciated.
Bars & Cafes
Again, no rules here but if you really want to leave a tip, you just have to round up the bill and it will be appreciated.
Café Server
Service doesn’t require a tip but feels free to round up to the nearest kuna. For example, if your order costs 18, leave a 20 to show appreciation.
Bartender
The same rule about rounding up applies here. There’s also no obligation to tip at the counter if its just one or two drinks but if you’re with a group, a 10% tip is good.
Cruise Ships
When in a cruise ship in Croatia, it is customary and expected to tip your crew because gratuities represent about 30 to 50% of their income. The amount of tip should be between 5% to 15% of the cost of your cruise.
If your charter costs 10,000 kunas and you are satisfied with the service you received, you are expected to give between 500 and 1,500 kunas. This may seem like a huge amount for a tip but the crew usually deserves this as their job is quite hard, definitely harder than it looks.
If you’re going on a cruise in Croatia, be sure to make this amount a part of your vacation expense.
Taxis
In Croatia, you’re not expected to tip taxi drivers but if you want to round u your fare, that will be very much appreciated.
Hotels
There are no standard rules on tipping in hotels in Croatia but if you really want to give a few kunas, here’s a quick guide for every hotel person.
Porter
the usual amount is 5 to 20 kunas per bag. If you’re staying in a particularly high-end hotel, you might want to up the amount slightly.
Doorman
A tip isn’t required.
Housecleaning
Giving tips are not required but you may leave 15 to 20 kunas per night for a squeaky-clean stay.
Concierge
A tip is not expected here either but you can always show your appreciation with a few kunas for a special recommendation or hard-to-get reservation.
Tour Guides
If you went on a guided tour and the guide was very helpful and made the excursion more special for you, then you can give them 10 to 15 kunas to show your appreciation.
Stylists
For hairdressers, stylists, makeup artists and the like, a 10 percent tip (of the total bill) is a considerate gesture to show appreciation for your new look. For the usual haircut, pedicure, or wax, tipping is not obligatory.
However, your stylist or nail technician wouldn’t turn down a gratuity either. Meanwhile, for more involved services like hair coloring, extensive waxing or makeup for a special occasion, you may leave a tip that’s 15 to 20 percent of the total service bill.
Spa Service Providers
For spas in Croatia, customers are not obliged to tip, but for exceptional service, you can always leave a tip that corresponds to 10 to 20 percent of the total bill.
Something to consider when tipping a masseuse though: If you’re a tourist in Croatia, definitely tip your masseuse. Gratuities for massages that are offered through a hotel or spa are expected as it’s a more involved service.
Croatia is pretty laid back when it comes to tipping. You don’t really have to feel obligated to give tips for every service but you’re most definitely welcome to leave some and it will be greatly received.