Do You Tip in Spain?

Do you tip in Spain?

Tipping in Spain is modest and not obligatory, and locals tip lightly. For a sit-down restaurant meal with good service, rounding up the bill or leaving around 5 to 10 percent is appreciated, and for tapas, drinks, or coffee, leaving a few coins of small change is perfectly normal. Service is generally not added to the bill, but the American habit of 15 to 20 percent is not expected and can seem excessive. Tip is best left in cash, even when you pay by card. Round up for taxis, and leave a euro or two for hotel housekeeping. A small, genuine gesture for good service is the Spanish norm.

What currency is used in Spain?

Spain uses the euro (EUR), as part of the eurozone. Cards, including contactless, are widely accepted in cities, restaurants, hotels, and shops, so you can travel largely cashless. That said, carry some euros in cash for small bars, tapas spots, markets, tips, and rural areas, where card minimums or cash-only policies still exist. Withdraw euros from a bank ATM for a fair exchange rate rather than using an airport currency booth, and when an ATM offers to charge you in dollars, decline and choose euros. A card with no foreign transaction fee will save money over a trip full of small purchases.

What power adapter do you need for Spain?

Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs, the round two-pin design common across continental Europe, on a 230-volt supply. Travelers from the United States, the UK, and elsewhere will need a plug adapter to fit Spanish sockets. Mind the voltage as well: at 230 volts, Spain runs higher than the US 120 volts, so confirm each device accepts 230-volt input. Nearly all phone, tablet, and laptop chargers are dual voltage and just need the physical adapter, while single-voltage US appliances like some hair dryers can be damaged, so bring a dual-voltage travel version or buy one after you arrive.

Can you drink the tap water in Spain?

Yes, tap water in Spain is safe to drink. It is treated to European Union standards and is clean and safe across the country, including Madrid and Barcelona, so you can drink from the tap, refill a bottle, and use it freely. In some coastal towns and on certain islands the water may taste more strongly of chlorine or minerals, which leads some people to prefer bottled water for taste, but this is a preference rather than a safety concern. In restaurants, you can ask for tap water, agua del grifo, though bottled is more commonly served. For everyday drinking, Spanish tap water is fine.