I once read on a website for people visiting the Netherlands that Dutch waiters tend to be offended by guests leaving a tip.

Let me tell you once and for all: that is absolutely not true.

I have worked in bars and restaurants since I was eighteen and I have still to meet that one waiter who doesn’t like it when guests show their appreciation by leaving a little extra money to thank you for the service.

True, waiters here do not depend on tips for providing in their living as waiters in for instance the United States do. But even so it is normal to leave a tip if you are happy with service (and only then! If your waiter is screwing up, don’t feel obliged to leave a tip!).

So what is a normal tip? 

If you have lunch somewhere, you can add one to two euro fifty to your bill. When it is just a coffee you are having, anywhere between twenty to fifty cents is fine.

When you order a round of drinks in a bar it is normal to give your waiter somewhere between fifty cents to an euro (depending a bit on the amount of work involved with your order. Think three beers versus six different cocktails that are made for you on the spot).

A normal tip in a restaurant usually is 5% to 10% of the total amount of your bill.

Pin or cash?

You can of course tip in cash, but you can also add a little bit to the amount you are charging your card with. If you are tipping with a debit or credit card, please tell your waiter to add your tip to your bill before you insert your card.

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