Tipping in Croatia - a Complete Etiquette Guide

Tipping culture is something that varies from country to country. In North America, for example, it seems like you are expected to tip everywhere from hotels, to restaurants, to ubers, and even at coffee shops. When you travel to a new country, it is sometimes difficult to know what is expected in terms of tipping. Croatia's stunning coastlines, breathtaking landscapes and historic cities attract millions of visitors each year, and understanding local tipping etiquette and customs can help travelers navigate social situations with confidence. While tipping isn't as deeply ingrained in Croatian culture and other European countries as it is in places like the United States, gratuities are increasingly common, especially in tourist areas. Many have come to expect tips from foreigners, even when locals would not leave one, so it is important to know when to tip and how much to leave. This article will give you practical advice to help take the guess work out of tipping. 

If you would like me to custom create the perfect Croatian itinerary for you, go to our services page or contact me at stefanie@eurotravelsbydesign.com. 

Local Currency

While the national currency of Croatia has traditionally been Croatian Kunas, in 2023 the country began to use the Euro. Currency rates are always fluctuating, so make sure to check what the exchange rate is when you travel.  If you will be leaving cash tips, make sure you have Euros and do not leave US dollars. If you are wondering what a trip to Croatia will cost, check out this post.

General Guidelines

Tipping in Croatia is generally not expected but definitely appreciated. If you want a fast and easy rule for tipping, 10% would be considered generous in almost any situation. For more specifics on individual situations, lets take a look at the different times tipping is appropriate and talk about how much to tip in the different situations.

Restaurant Tipping

In Croatian restaurants, tipping practices have evolved with growing international tourism. While locals might round up the bill or leave a small tip, tourists are generally expected to tip more generously. A service charge is rarely included in your bill, so tipping is at your discretion. Fancier restaurants and sometimes some bars do include a tip with the bill, so make sure to be aware if this is the case. 

For sit-down restaurants with table service, a 10 percent tip is considered standard for good service, though you can tip up to 15% for excellent service. In fine dining establishments, particularly in larger cities and tourist hotspots like Dubrovnik or Split, servers may expect slightly higher tips. If you're just having coffee or drinks at a café, the general guideline is to round up the bill or leave a cash tip of a few Euro on the table. Of course feel free to leave a bigger tip for great service.

**Remember that in Croatia, it's common to tell your server the total bill amount you want to pay, including the tip, when they come to collect. If paying by credit card, mention that you'd like to add a tip before they process the payment, as some establishments' card machines don't have a tipping option.

Hotel Services

Tipping practices in Croatian hotels vary depending on the service and establishment level. For most hotels tipping is not expected. If you are staying at a higher end hotel, consider tipping the hotel porter who helps with luggage. An appropriate amount would be one or two Euro per bag. If you're staying at a luxury hotel, you might want to give a larger tip.

Housekeeping staff often get overlooked, but leaving a few Euro per day shows appreciation for their service. It's best to leave this daily rather than at the end of your stay, as different staff members might be cleaning your room throughout your visit. Again, you really only need to consider tipping the housekeeping if you are staying at a luxury hotel or if you are impressed with outstanding service. 

For concierge services, tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated for an exceptional experience, such as the concierge securing hard-to-get reservations or creating detailed itineraries. A tip of 5-10 Euro, depending on the service provided, is generous and a great way to express gratitude.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation, Croatian taxi drivers generally don't expect large tips, but smaller tips or rounding up the fare is common practice.  For a longer journey, or if the driver helps with heavy luggage, a standard rule is adding 10% to the fare. Uber drivers will also expect around 10%. 

For private transfers between airports and hotels, or for private drivers to tourist sites, similar principles apply. A typical tip would be around 10%, particularly if the driver provides additional service like local information or assistance with bags.

Public transportation drivers, including bus and tram operators, don't expect tips, and there's no need to tip when using these services.

Tour Guides and Excursions

Tour guides in Croatia often rely more heavily on tips than some other service providers. They can also make a huge difference to your travel experience, adding historical knowledge and insights. For these reasons, the tip amount for a guided tour is usually higher than for other services. For small group tours lasting several hours, a tip of 10 Euro per person is appropriate. If you are on a private tour, where you receive more personalized attention, or on a multi-day tour, consider tipping 10-15% of the cost of the tour.

Adventure sport guides, such as those leading kayaking excursions or climbing trips, should be tipped similarly to tour guides. If they've provided attentive service or gone above and beyond to ensure your safety and enjoyment, a tip of 10-15% of the activity cost is appreciated.

Boat Crew

With miles of gorgeous coastline, as well as hundreds of islands to explore, there is a good chance you will be on a boat at some point on your Croatian adventure. Tipping depends on the type of boat excursion you are taking. Cruise ships have a tipping etiquette all their own which is less dependent on your destination than on the cruise line, so I will leave that discussion for another day. If you are on a smaller cruise or multi-day sailing excursion, consider leaving a tip of around 200 Euro for the crew members per cabin. For shorter private excursions, 10% of the tour price is an average tip.  

Additional Service Jobs

For personal care services like spa treatments or hairdressing, a tip of 10% is a fast rule. In beauty salons, you might want to tip a bit more (15%) if you're particularly pleased with the service.

For food delivery, rounding up the bill to the nearest euro or adding a couple of Euro is the general rule of thumb, especially in poor weather conditions.

General Tips and Considerations

* Croatian service providers generally won't expect the same level of tipping as in North America, so don't feel pressured to tip at American levels.

* Keep some small bills handy for tipping, as breaking large bills can sometimes be challenging.

* In more rural areas or off the tourist track, tipping expectations are generally lower than in major tourist destinations.

* Service charges are rarely included in bills, but it's worth checking to avoid double-tipping.

* If you receive particularly poor service, it's acceptable not to tip, though this should be the exception rather than the rule.

Understanding the proper etiquette and tipping customs will help you navigate Croatia's service industry with confidence, while showing appropriate appreciation for good service. Remember that while these guidelines are useful, tipping is ultimately a personal choice based on the quality of service received and your satisfaction with the experience.

As Croatia continues to develop as a major tourist destination, tipping customs may evolve. When in doubt, observe what locals do or ask hotel staff for current local customs. Most importantly, tip in a way that reflects your appreciation for the service while respecting local practices.

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