Tipping in Mallorca: A comprehensive guide for holidaymakers

The question of how to tip properly on vacation is always a source of uncertainty. Especially when you are in a foreign country and don’t know the local customs, it can lead to confusion. On Mallorca, Spain’s popular vacation island, there are certain rules and traditions that have been established around the topic of tipping. In this article, we explain how tipping is handled on Mallorca and provide useful tips to help you be well prepared for your next visit.

How much do you tip in Mallorca?

In Mallorca, tipping (“propina” in Spanish) is paid in a similar way to Germany as a sign of appreciation for good service. In most cases, the tip ranges from 5 to 10% of the bill, depending on the level of satisfaction with the service provided. There is no legal obligation to tip, but it is seen as a nice gesture and is widespread.

In some cases, the service may already be included in the invoice. This is usually indicated by the note “Servicio incluido”. If the service is not included, the note “Servicio no incluido” will appear on the invoice.

Tipping in a restaurant: how it works

One striking difference to Germany is the way in which tips are given. In Mallorcan restaurants, it is customary to pay the full amount of the bill first. Rounding up, as we know it from Germany, is less common here. Instead, the tip is left on the table after the change has been given.

Many waiters accept the tip without saying a word, which may seem unusual at first. The bill is often served on a small plate, which also serves as a discreet place for the tip. It can even happen that the waiter only returns to the table to accept the tip after leaving the restaurant.

Professions that usually receive tips

In Mallorca, it is mainly those professions that offer traditional services that receive tips. The most frequent recipients of tips include:

• Waiters/waitresses in restaurants and cafés
• Cab driver
• Bellboys and chambermaids
• Hairdressers or other service providers in the personal care sector

In these professions, it is considered polite to leave a small tip, especially if you were satisfied with the service. An amount of 1 to 2 euros for smaller services or up to 10% of the invoice amount for larger amounts is appropriate here.

Tipping in hotels and cabs

In hotels on Mallorca, it is customary to tip the bellboys or room staff, especially if they offer you additional services such as carrying luggage or leaving the room particularly tidy. An amount of 1 to 2 euros per day for the room staff or per suitcase for the bellboy is appropriate.

Cab drivers are also happy to receive a small gift. You can round up the fare or give a tip of 5 to 10 %, depending on the length of the journey and satisfaction with the service.

Locals and tipping: Differences to tourists

Interestingly, there are differences between the tipping habits of tourists and locals in Mallorca. While many tourists are more generous, locals tend to tip significantly less or sometimes none at all. Older people tend to leave more tips, while younger locals often only pay the bare minimum.

However, this trend does not mean that tourists are always obliged to be generous. Above all, it is important to see tipping as a sign of appreciation for good service and only give it when you are really satisfied. As there is no social obligation to tip in Mallorca, nobody will be offended if you don’t leave a tip.

Tipping when paying by card: how does it work?

In recent years, the use of credit and debit cards has increased significantly on Mallorca, even in smaller restaurants and cafés. If you pay by card and still want to give a tip, there are two options: Either you give the waiter the desired tip amount directly in cash or you ask if it is possible to pay the tip amount by card. In many cases, the tip can be added during the payment process, but some waiters still prefer cash.

Useful phrases and vocabulary for paying

To make paying and tipping easier for you, we have put together some helpful phrases and vocabulary that you can use the next time you visit a restaurant in Mallorca:

• Propina – Tip
• Dejar una propina – Give a tip
• Camarero/a – Waiter/waitress
• Servicio incluido – Service included
• Servicio no incluido – Service not included
• La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please
• Efectivo – Cash
• Tarjeta – Map
• Quiero pagar – I would like to pay
• Vamos a dividir la cuenta – We would like to split the bill

Conclusion: Tipping in Mallorca – a question of tact

Even though there are no set rules for tipping in Mallorca, it is a nice gesture to express your satisfaction with a good service. With the knowledge of local customs, you can now tip confidently and appropriately without feeling insecure.

A rule of thumb of 5 to 10 % as a tip in restaurants, for cab drivers and in hotels is a good guideline. It is important that you feel comfortable and only tip if you are really satisfied.