In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Europe, tipping is not as habitual, although tips are more commonplace in a popular tourist destination such as Gibraltar.

This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Gibraltar pounds?

The currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound (written like the British pound, with the symbol £). Both Gibraltar pounds and British pound sterling are legal tender and are worth the exact same amount when spending in Gibraltar. U.S. dollars are not accepted as payment anywhere in Gibraltar.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

Tipping culture in Gibraltar, as far as restaurants, cafes, and bars are concerned, is a melange of tipping customs from Spain, just across the border, and customs of the United Kingdom, of which Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. Service charges (typically in the neighborhood of 8 to 12 percent) are added to restaurant bills in Gibraltar, so check your bill before deciding on your final tip. Tips for restaurant service in Gibraltar is typically around 10%, so if you are in a more informal restaurant that has a service charge, just round up to the closest £5 and that will be sufficient. For more expensive restaurants, tips are expected in the 15 to 20% range, but never more than that, so factor in at most an extra £10 on top of a service charge at fancy restaurants. Tipping at bars and pubs is similar to the UK, where you leave change as tips, no more than £2 per round is necessary, even with table service.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

Tipping for hotel porters who transport your luggage to your room is similar to how you would tip in the United Kingdom, between £1-£2 per bag depending on size or weight (use your best judgment). For room service, tip at your discretion, usually up to £5 per order, but consider tipping £10 if the order is elaborate or expensive. Hotel maids should be tipped £1-£2 per day, unless you are in more upscale lodgings, then you should tip closer to £5 per day. Leave these tips on the bedside table or on the bed. Hotel concierges should be tipped for their attentive service; a good gauge is to tip them £5 per service requested/arranged.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

With taxi rides being as short as they are in Gibraltar, at most you will tip £5 to a taxi driver, and that`s if they helped you with your bags in any way. A tip of approximately £3 is usually sufficient for everyday taxi rides. Tip as much as you feel is appropriate if the taxi driver is also conducting a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar. (At least £5.)

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

As covered previously, the most likely tour you will be taking in Gibraltar is the Rock of Gibraltar taxi tour, which is the only way you can experience much of the Rock of Gibraltar by automobile. Our recommendation is that you tip at least £5 or as much as £10 if you liked your tour; your guide will appreciate it, especially since that kind of tip is not required and shows your gratitude for their time and expertise.

Miscellaneous: Is there anyone else I should tip?

Other Services: Tipping for other services such as catering, hairdressing, spa services, etc. are similar to best-judgment rules you would use while traveling in the United Kingdom. If you are happy with the service provided, tip them approximately 10% of the cost of services rendered.

Final Thoughts:

Tipping culture is more and more entrenched in Gibraltar because of its tourist status, but this guide should help take some of the guesswork out of gratuities. Do not feel bad for not tipping if you did not enjoy a service rendered, but if you honestly did partake and like the service you received, do tip, please.