Tipping in Holland - Amsterdam Tourist Information

Tips Already Included, But…

By law, all restaurants, pubs, cafés, night clubs sightseeing companies, hotels and similar establishments in the Netherlands must include BTW (value added tax) and tips in their published prices.

However, leaving a tip (fooi (sounds like ‘foy’ with a drawn-out ‘o’) is customary in restaurants, bars, and pubs. Don’t overdo it, but don’t be stingy either. 5%-10% of the total amount is a good guideline if you are just having a light snack and something to drink; 10%-15% for a more extensive meal.

If you brought a large group, were otherwise extra-demanding, or received what you consider to be exceptional service, make someone’s day and add a little extra.

While the word ‘tips’ is said to be derived from the phrase, ‘To Insure Promptness of Service,’ tipping is also welcome at those typical Amsterdam pubs where slow service is designed to make you feel at home.

Taxis in most towns have tips included in the rates (which in Amsterdam are outrageously high compared to many other international cities). Still, it is customary to generously round up to the next $5 or $10 amount.

Anton Hein

Publisher at DutchAmsterdam | Website | + posts

Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.

Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.

Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 43 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.