The typical American usually struggles with the amount to tip in Europe.  We are used to tipping anywhere from 10% - 20% depending on the activity and do not feel comfortable leaving only a few cents or not tipping at all.  When in Europe, we feel the need to tip the same amount we do at home and that is why European taxi drivers and wait-persons love us.

In most cases, simply rounding up to the next dollar (Pound or Euro) is completely acceptable.  You need to have a mindset change and realize that leaving only a couple Euros is most cases is the norm as service people in Europe tend to be paid well so not to depend on tips.

As you travel, watch others (locals, not Americans) to see how they tip.

Service Included

Wherever you may be, check the restaurant and especially your bill for something like 'Service Fee' or 'Service Included'.  In France for example, a 15% service charge is automatically included in cafe and restaurant bills so it is not necessary to add any addition tip unless you feel so included for exceptional service.  This money is not given directly to the waiter but to the restaurant owner who pays his staff a fixed salary.

Order at the counter restaurants

In restaurants where you place your order at the counter and wait for your food or even have your food brought to your table, tipping is not required.  If you feel like leaving a tip, we recommend rounding up to the nearest dollar and no more.

Dine-in restaurants

When dinning in restaurants, check the menu when ordering or the print on your bill to see if service is included.  Some bills may have a printed 'Optional tip %' on the bill, but it's not mandatory to pay.  Tip only on what you feel the quality of the service was.  If service has not been included, consider a 5% to 10% tip depending on where you are.

In Europe, a 10% tip is considered a large tip.

Taxis

When paying a Taxi, it's completely acceptable to round up to the nearest dollar and no more.  If you feel inclined, add an additional dollar but that's all.

If you have had an extremely long ride, you may want to round up to the nearest 5 or 10.  If your fare is 22, round to 25; if your fare is 28, round to 30.

Hotels

Most of the time there will be no need to tip at the hotel unless you have had some special extra service.

If you are traveling with a single backpack, there should be no need for someone to carry your bag for you.  If you do have someone carry your bag to your room, you may want to tip only a dollar for each bag.

Pub Pint Example

Having lived in England for 3 years we learned what and when to tip.

In the States, you may order a drink at the bar and tip a dollar without even thinking about it.  In Europe, you would never leave a Pound or Euro when ordering a Pint.  If a Pint cost you 1.95 GBP, you could leave the extra 5 Pents and call it good.  If you order a Pint and it costs you 2.50 GBP, either keep the 50 Pents in change and leave nothing or leave 10-15 Pents but it's not required or mandatory.