SO HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU TIP ON HOLIDAY?

It’s a minefield. But Money Mail’s definitive guide will save you any embarrassment

YOU’VE just had a wonderful meal on holiday, tasted the local delicacies — and Roberto, the waiter, could not have been more helpful.

So the last thing you want when the bill arrives is to accidentally cause offence by getting the tip wrong.

Every country has different customs about when you should tip, when it’s inappropriate and how much you should leave. And even within each country it can be different if you are paying for a meal, taxi, room service or just a drink at the bar.

Here, we ask local experts in major holiday destinations for the insider’s guide to tipping.

A SMILE IS AS IMPORTANT AS CASH FOR THE ITALIANS

In ItAlY, a tip is not expected, but a token gesture is appreciated.

Fabio Datteroni, the general manager of Castello Del nero Hotel & Spa in tuscany, says: ‘If you tip someone it is because that person really made the effort to go the extra mile and has been extra kind and welcoming towards you.’

Restaurants: Any service charge should be included in the bill.

But most Italians will leave an extra couple of euros if the service was very good. Always leave any tips in cash and hand directly to the waiter.

Bars: Italians rarely tip when out for a coffee or glass of wine as most of the time they drink while standing in front of the bar rather than at a table. At most leave a little loose change.

Hotels: If a doorman parks your car or a porter helps with your luggage, tip between five and ten euros. Similarly, if you are pleased with room service, leave between five and ten euros for each day of your stay.

Fabio recommends leaving a thank you note in an envelope with the maid’s name on. You can ask at reception who looked after your room during your stay.

Taxis: Just round up the bill. So if it is 16 euros and 60 cents, for example, make it 17 euros.

Top tip: Smile, say thank you and shake their hand. You don’t have to give money to show your gratitude.

ROUND UP THE BILL FOR TAXIS IN SPAIN

THE Spanish are not big tippers. Remy Arroyo, of Palladium Hotel Group which owns Only YOU Hotel & lounge Madrid, says: ‘Gratuities in Spain are certainly welcomed but not expected. If you don’t tip, you won’t get any nasty looks, and they won’t chase you down.’

Restaurants: It’s normal to leave a few coins. For example, if your meal costs a total of 35 euros, you might leave one euro, two at most.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to add the tip to a card payment so keep some cash with you. In a fancy restaurant you might leave between 5 and 10 pc.

those who dine alone are also usually expected to tip a little extra, especially if the restaurant is busy, as are large family groups.

Bars: If you get table service or you are given free olives or cheese you would usually leave some small change. If you are just having a drink at the bar you wouldn’t be expected to leave anything.

Hotels: You might want to leave chambermaids some loose change, and porters one euro — although Miguel Moreno, of price comparison website HotelsCombined, says bellboys will be very careful not to seem

though they are waiting for it because it is considered rude. Tour guides get good tips — around ten euros from each person in the group.

Taxis: No tip is expected, but most Spaniards would round up to the nearest euro.

Top tip: Alfredo Martinez, head of concierge at Cotton House Hotel Barcelona, an Autograph Collection Hotel, says: ‘When handing over a tip, say “Muchas gracias por la ayuda” — it means thanks for your help.’