Tipping can be a minefield, and figuring out What Do You Tip A Tour Guide can feel particularly tricky. What’s the customary amount? When is it appropriate to tip? Are tips ever included? What if the service wasn’t great? Does the type or length of tour affect the tip?
We’ve collaborated with numerous local tour guides, providing tours in many cities across the United States and Europe. Based on this experience, we’ve developed some insights into tipping practices in popular tourist destinations like London, New York, and Rome. While these aren’t hard and fast rules – tipping is always at your discretion – our goal is to clarify the topic of tour guide gratuities, whether you’re touring with us or another company.
Let’s explore some of the most frequently asked questions about tipping tour guides (including a few you may not have considered). First, let’s clarify what gratuities are.
Understanding Gratuities for Tour Guides
A gratuity is a voluntary payment given to service workers as a token of appreciation for excellent service. It’s a supplement to their regular compensation, usually calculated as a percentage or a fixed amount. The word “gratuity” stems from the Latin word gratus, meaning thankful.
Tipping is prevalent in the restaurant and hospitality industries. It’s common to tip taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers, bellhops, and valets, but not typically accountants or plumbers. Tour guides, who lead us through new places and curate memorable experiences, often receive tips for outstanding service.
Is It Customary to Tip a Tour Guide?
Generally, yes, it’s customary to tip your tour guide. While there are exceptions if gratuities are included in the tour price or if you had a negative experience, tipping is expected in the U.S. and Europe, particularly in the United States.
Tipping Customs: U.S. vs. Europe
Tipping is more ingrained in American culture than in Europe. In the U.S., it’s common to tip for various hospitality services, from restaurant servers to baggage handlers.
Tipping is less common in Europe, as hospitality workers often receive a standard wage and don’t rely heavily on tips.
Regarding tour guides, while tipping isn’t mandatory in either region, it’s more expected in the U.S. When given, tips are generally lower in Europe. A few euros after a well-conducted 1-2 hour walking tour is adequate. For longer or more expensive tours (including entrance tickets), you might tip around 5%-10% of the total cost per person.
With increasing globalization and the influx of American tourists in Western European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, tipping is becoming more familiar. Most tour guides are accustomed to the practice and appreciate it. However, even more so than in the U.S., tipping in Europe signifies exceptional service.
How Much Should I Tip a Tour Guide?
This is the most common question: how much do you tip a tour guide? If you enjoyed the tour and your guide enhanced your experience, how much should you tip?
Ultimately, the amount is at your discretion. However, here are some general guidelines from tour guides and operators:
- Walking Tours (1-3 hours): $5-$10 per person
- Half-Day Tours (3-6 hours): $10-$20 per person
- Full-Day Tours (6+ hours): $20-$30 per person
These ranges are averages. Tipping can be more or less depending on your experience.
When is the Right Time to Tip?
The most common time to tip is at the end of the tour. You can hand the money directly to the guide as you say goodbye. Some people prefer a discreet handshake, but a simple hand-off is perfectly acceptable.
What If I Don’t Have Cash?
Many people no longer carry cash. Most guides are aware of this and offer alternative payment methods like Venmo or Zelle. Some may even have a QR code for easy scanning.
It’s perfectly acceptable to ask what electronic payment methods they accept. Most guides have a way to tip without cash. In Europe, however, cash is still preferred, so bring some if you plan to tip.
Should You Tip the Bus Driver on a Bus Tour?
This varies depending on the tour. Bus drivers often have a tip jar near the front of the bus.
For U.S.-based bus tours, $5-$10 per guest is appropriate for both the guide and the driver. The guides typically split the tips with the driver. In Europe, tipping the bus driver is also customary, with 5%-10% of the tour price being a good guideline.
How Much Do You Tip a Private Tour Guide?
The same principles apply to private tours. While some people are less inclined to tip on private tours, it’s a thoughtful gesture to thank your guide, especially if they went above and beyond.
Tips for private tours are often higher because they’re usually a percentage of the total service cost, which is higher for private tours. These tours are also often longer and include private transportation. For a longer private driving tour, $50-$100 in tips is common.
Tipping on Free Tours: What’s the Deal?
Are “free” walking tours really free? Generally, no. Guides who offer these tours expect tips, so factor this into your budget.
There are exceptions where tours explicitly state “no tips accepted.” This might be the case with tours offered by local convention and visitors bureaus. In such cases, take them at their word.
Is Gratuity Included in My Tour Ticket?
Gratuity is usually not included in the tour price, as it’s optional. Some tour operators may include gratuities, particularly for multi-day excursions with room and board, but this will be listed under inclusions. If you’re uncertain, inquire before or after booking.
Reputable tour operators will clearly state whether gratuities are included.
What If I Didn’t Enjoy the Tour?
If you didn’t enjoy the tour, it’s acceptable not to tip. A gratuity is a sign of appreciation for a positive experience.
Not tipping communicates that you were dissatisfied with the tour.
Do I Tip for Everyone in My Group, Including Kids?
Tips are generally per person. While you don’t need to tip for infants, children often require the guide’s attention and are typically factored into the tipping amount.
For larger families, it’s understandable to use a sliding scale. Ultimately, tip what you feel is appropriate.
What If I’m Still Unsure About Tipping?
After reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of what do you tip a tour guide. However, if you’re still uncertain, simply ask. It’s perfectly acceptable to inquire about tipping protocols in advance to avoid any confusion.
What Tips Mean to Tour Guides
Tips express appreciation. They let guides know whether you enjoyed the tour. Here’s what tipping means to some tour guides:
“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…A family of four at the end generously tipped me for my work, and it made me as a guide feel valued.”
“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.
Conclusion: Making Tipping Less Confusing
Hopefully, this guide has clarified how, when, and what do you tip a tour guide. Understanding tipping customs reduces anxiety and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip.
