Tipping in Mallorca

In Mallorca tips are an important component of employees' incomes in the service industry even though service is officially included in most bills. However, that said, with regard to the amount of tips, American-style lavish tips are not expected at all but somewhere between 5-15% is about right although 15% is relatively rare.

Tipping with good service

Some professional groups in Mallorca are dependent on tips and calculate the extra amount firmly in the monthly budget. As in most of Europe, these are employees in service-oriented professions such as waiters, porters, Taxi in Mallorca drivers, hairdressers and chambermaids. Tipping is nevertheless voluntary in Mallorca, and is simply a way of showing that the customer is satisfied with the service.

Conversely, this means that with unsatisfactory service the tip may well be withheld. Depending on the level of satisfaction, an amount of 5-15% of the invoice amount is appropriate. If you take part in an organised excursion during your Holiday on Mallorca, run by a local tourist guide, the guide's efforts should be rewarded by a small tip of 1-2 Euro after the trip has ended.

Typical customs in restaurants

You have had a delightful meal in a restaurant, enjoyed excellent wine and the staff were thoroughly courteous. Of course, every diner wants to reward first class service with a reasonable tip. Unlike in many northern European countries, the bill in Mallorcan restaurants and cafés is not simply rounded up. As in all of southern Europe you first pay the amount stated on the invoice and after the waiter/waitress has left the table, place the tip on the prepared plate.

You may leave or choose to finish your coffee before you leave and waiters may often wait till you have gone. In restaurants of the upper price range, the service staff returns to the table after you have left the catering business. Also in Mallorcan restaurants the principle that applies in most places is the order of the day: Excellent service - high tip, poor service - no tip.