How to: tipping
“Let’s make it eighty euros,” sounds generous, but it’s actually rather lame on a bill of € 79.95 (if you were happy with the service, that is). Then perhaps better not to tip at all? Because what actually is the right way to tip in the Netherlands? There are no fixed rules, but we’ll take a guess with these guidelines.
Giving a tip can give you a bit of the same feeling as being on an NS train. “We will arrive at platform 1 completely according to schedule,” is often announced over the speakers. Uh, yes? Isn’t that the whole point of your job, you may have wondered from time to time. Still, things are a little different in restaurants.
What?
In the Netherlands, there is a minimum wage for hospitality staff (although you only count as an adult from the age of 21) that we may be fairly happy with, unlike in other countries. Tipping is therefore not compulsory. Still, the collective labour agreement for the hospitality industry is a bit meh. Working in hospitality is (often) tough and the pay remains fairly low. An occasional extra is therefore certainly welcome.
How much?
But how much should you give? And when? Does the server, for example, know everything about the different wines on the wine list, recommend the perfect dish and make you feel truly welcome? The is customary in the Netherlands.
Of course, you can always tip more. For example, if you’re with a large group, you were helped perfectly with your specific requests or simply had an extremely enjoyable evening (partly) thanks to the service.
Strange but true
Not very common in the Netherlands, but it is possible: tipping in advance. When it is done, this often happens in hotels via the ‘handshake trick’ (quite a tongue-twister). You take a little money in your hand and then shake the hand of the person it is intended for. This shows your gratitude in advance. Light bribery? In any case, it may work in your favour.
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