Tipping. It’s a social minefield, right? And figuring out whether or not to tip a tour guide can feel especially tricky. How much is appropriate? When is it expected? Is it ever included? And what if you weren’t thrilled with the experience?
We get it. Tipping customs can be confusing. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, drawing on our experience working with countless local tour guides across the United States and Europe. Consider this your friendly guide to navigating the world of tour guide gratuities, whether you’re exploring iconic destinations like Paris, Rome, or New York City. Remember, these aren’t hard and fast rules, as tipping is always at your discretion. However, we aim to clarify the expectations and customs surrounding tour guide tipping so you can feel confident in your decision.
Let’s dive into the most common questions about tipping tour guides (and maybe a few you haven’t even considered). But first, let’s define exactly what gratuities are.
Understanding Gratuities for Tour Guides
A gratuity is a voluntary payment given to a service worker as a gesture of thanks for excellent service. It’s typically a percentage of the total cost or a fixed amount, and it’s genuinely a way to show your appreciation. The word “gratuity” comes from the Latin gratus, meaning thankful, which also gives us the word “gratitude.”
Gratuities are most common in the hospitality industry. We often tip professions like bartenders, cab drivers, hair stylists, bellhops, and valets. While you likely wouldn’t tip your accountant, tour guides belong to that group of hospitality workers who are commonly tipped for their services.
Is Tipping Tour Guides Expected?
Generally speaking, yes, tipping your tour guide is customary. While there are exceptions, such as when gratuity is already included or if you had a truly negative experience, tipping is generally expected in both the U.S. and Europe, although it is more prevalent in the U.S.
Tipping on Vacation: U.S. vs. Europe
Tipping culture varies considerably between the United States and Europe. In the U.S., tipping is ingrained in many service industries, including wait staff, baggage handlers, and more.
Tipping is less common in Europe, which means travelers often tip less as well. For example, restaurant servers often earn a standard wage and don’t rely as heavily on tips.
Regarding tour guides, tipping isn’t mandatory in either region, but it’s more strongly encouraged in the U.S. When given, tips tend to be smaller in Europe. Offering a few euros after a great 1-2 hour walking tour is perfectly acceptable. For longer tours or tours with higher price points because of included tickets, you might tip more, around 5%-10% of the total tour cost per person.
Globalization and the presence of many American tourists in Western European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain have made tour guides more familiar with tipping. Most guides are aware of and appreciate the custom, but remember that even more so than in the U.S., a tip is a sign of exceptional service.
How Much Should I Tip a Tour Guide?
Okay, the big question. You enjoyed the tour, the guide shared great local tips, and enhanced your experience. So, what’s the right amount to tip?
Ultimately, it’s at your discretion, but here are some general guidelines from our guides and tour operators:
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_A trip to see Lady Liberty could warrant a tip if the tour guide makes the experience memorable._
Ranked the #1 cultural tour in the world by TripadvisorStatue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour
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- Walking Tours (1-3 hours):
- U.S.: 15%-20% of the tour cost
- Europe: €5-€10 per person
- Half-Day Tours (3-6 hours):
- U.S.: 10%-15% of the tour cost
- Europe: €10-€20 per person
- Full-Day Tours (6+ hours):
- U.S.: 10%-15% of the tour cost
- Europe: €20+ per person
These ranges are averages. Tipping can be more or less, but they’re practical guidelines that tour guides appreciate.
When Should I Tip My Guide?
The end of the tour is the most common time to tip. You can simply hand the money to the guide as you say goodbye.
“A tip shows that I did an outstanding job, that I exceeded guests’ expectations, especially here in Europe where it’s less common that in the U.S.”
Cristina Carrisi, Barcelona tour guide
Some people prefer a discreet “secret handshake” approach, slipping the money during a handshake. A simple hand-off is also perfectly acceptable.
What If I Don’t Have Cash?
Increasingly, people travel without much cash. Tour guides are aware of this, and most offer alternative payment methods like Venmo or Zelle. Some even have QR codes you can scan.
It’s perfectly fine to ask what electronic payment methods they accept. You’ll find most guides have a way to tip without cash. For example, most of our U.S. guides use Venmo. In Europe, cash is still preferred, so bring some if you plan to tip.
Should I Tip the Driver on a Bus Tour?
This depends on the tour. Bus drivers often have a tip jar near the front of the bus.
For our U.S. bus tours at ExperienceFirst, $5-$10 per guest is appropriate to cover both the guide and driver. The guides share tips with the driver, so giving your tip to the guide is easiest. In Europe, tipping the bus driver is customary, with around 5%-10% of the tour price as a good benchmark.
This aligns with the typical tip for a 90-minute walking tour. While bus tours are longer, buses are often fuller, so a smaller tip amount is adequate. As always, higher tips are appreciated and demonstrate that your guide did a fantastic job.
How Much Do You Tip a Private Tour Guide?
Tipping on private tours generally follows the same principles. While people are sometimes less likely to tip on private tours, it’s a kind gesture to thank your guide unless gratuity is included in the tour cost, particularly if they went above and beyond to make the experience special.
Tips for private tours are usually higher since gratuity is a percentage of the overall cost, and private tours cost more. They’re often longer and include private transportation. For example, for a longer private driving tour, such as a private Los Angeles tour, $50-$100 in tips is common. However, for a larger group of eight people, that’s just around $10 per person.
Do You Tip on Free Tours?
What about those “free” walking tours? Are they really free? In short, no. Locals who lead free walking tours nearly always expect tips, so factor that into your plans.
There are some exceptions. Occasionally, a tour will state “no tips accepted.” This might be offered by the local convention and visitors bureau or another tourism organization. In this case, take them at their word. The walking tour really is free. Here’s one such example of a genuinely free walking tour in Bath, England.
Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Ticket?
Generally, gratuity isn’t included in the tour price since it’s optional. Some tour operators may include gratuities, particularly for multi-day excursions including room and board, but this is usually listed under inclusions. If unsure, ask before or after booking.
Reputable tour operators will clearly state whether gratuities are included or not. After all, we want you to be prepared and avoid surprises.
_A visit to Alcatraz could warrant a tip if the tour guide enriches the experience._The best of the famous waterfront and the infamous prisonFisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour With Alcatraz Ticket
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What If I Didn’t Enjoy the Tour?
If you didn’t enjoy the tour, it’s acceptable not to tip. A gratuity signals that you had a great time and want to show your appreciation.
Conversely, not tipping conveys that you didn’t enjoy the tour. You can view the tip as a way to communicate your feelings about the experience.
Do You Tip for Every Person in Your Group, Including Kids?
Does the tip amount change for solo travelers, couples, or families with children? Good question. Tips are generally per person. While your guide probably isn’t expecting gratuity for an infant, children often require the guide’s attention, so they’re usually factored into the tipping amount.
However, larger families can consider a sliding scale that feels comfortable. A family with six children might tip the same as one with five. As with all tipping, do what feels right.
What If You’re Unsure If Tipping Is Appropriate?
After reading this article, you should have a better grasp of when and how much to tip tour guides. However, you might still be unsure in some situations. Perhaps it’s not even for a tour.
There’s a simple solution: ask. Even the Emily Post Institute says it’s OK to simply ask in advance if unsure about tipping protocols. Calling or emailing ahead with questions can alleviate concerns and allow you to come prepared and decide what you’d like to do.
What Tips Mean to Tour Guides
As mentioned, a tip shows appreciation. Tipping vs. not tipping lets the guide know if you had a good time. We asked some of our guides what tipping means to them. Here’s what they said:
“It is very appreciated when we receive tips,” said Jonathan Mannato, a tour guide in NYC. “For example, there was a tour I gave in pouring rain. We give tours rain or shine, but this obstacle can be hard to keep the guests happy and engaged. We work extra hard because of this. A family of four at the end generously tipped me for my work, and it made me as a guide feel valued. While we know tipping is not required, it is very helpful with our income in this role.”
_An Eiffel Tower image representing the types of iconic destinations where tour guides make a living._
The symbol of Paris as it was meant to be experiencedEiffel Tower Guided Climb
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“A tip shows that I did an outstanding job, that I exceeded guests’ expectations, especially here in Europe where it’s less common that in the U.S.,” said Cristina Carrisi, a tour guide in Barcelona. “I remember one time as I was giving a tour, a 5 year old accidentally broke a small statue inside a shop. Her mother had stepped away to look for the rest of the family. I patiently took care of the child while still giving the tour. The tip her family gave me at the end of the tour showed me how well I had handled the situation.”
Final Thoughts on Tour Guide Tipping
Hopefully, this guide has helped demystify the ins and outs of tipping tour guides. Navigating cultural norms around tipping can make people anxious, which is the last thing we want. You’re on this trip to explore and enjoy yourself, not worry.
Now that you understand how to tip your tour guide, share this knowledge with a friend or join the conversation on Facebook if you have further questions. We’d love to hear from you.
