by Christy Kranjec 
May 24, 2023
Given the varying wages of workers in Croatia’s service sector, many individuals in this industry receive relatively low incomes. Interestingly, tipping is not as prevalent in Croatia compared to other European countries, and it holds less significance. Unlike the US, where tips often constitute a significant portion of a service worker’s earnings, this is not the norm in Croatia. Nevertheless, offering tips for efficient and friendly service is appreciated, considering the modest compensation provided to these workers. To assist you during your travels in Croatia, here is a concise guide on tipping practices in the country.
When it comes to hotels in Croatia, tipping is generally not mandatory. In high-end establishments in Croatia with daily maid service or attentive porters, it is customary to express gratitude through tipping.
Offering a tip in Croatia’s high-end establishments can motivate staff and maintain a pristine room. To express gratitude for exceptional service, leave around 5 Euros per day for the housekeeping staff with a note. Ideally on your nightstand. As per other staff, it is custom to leave your 15-20% cash tip when paying for your stay.
These amounts are considered generous and are more than enough to acknowledge the efforts of the hotel staff. Remember, tipping in hotels is a personal gesture and should be based on your level of satisfaction with the services provided.
In Croatia, asking for the bill at restaurants is common practice as it is typically brought to you only if requested. It is important to note that the bill already includes service charges. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided, it is customary to leave a tip as a gesture of gratitude.
Tipping etiquette in Croatian restaurants follows a fairly standard guideline. Showing appreciation through a tip is always welcomed. When dining at a pizzeria or konoba, a tip of 5% or more is appropriate. For a nice restaurant dinner, we recommend leaving a tip of 10% or more. In cases where the service was exceptionally excellent, a tip of 15% is considered generous.
It is worth mentioning that adding a tip to your bill when paying by credit card is not an option in Croatia. Therefore, tips in restaurants must be left in cash so make sure you have some handy.
Croatia, it is customary to tip your waiter. You can do so by leaving the gratuity under a small plate or inside the receipt wallet. This ensures that the waiter will collect the tip when clearing the table for the next customer. This method is considered the most sophisticated and practical way to show appreciation to your server in Croatia.
Tipping taxi drivers in Croatia is a matter of personal discretion. It is divided among the population, with approximately half choosing to tip while the other half does not. A common practice is to round off the fare amount as a general guideline. For instance, if the fare is 4,70 Euros, it is customary to give the taxi driver 5 Euros. However, if you do not have additional funds to tip the driver, there is no need to worry. Tipping is not generally expected in this segment.
Let us talk about the proper etiquette for tipping your boat crew. First, it is important to recognize that the boat crew works tirelessly. That often exceeds 12 hours a day, seven days a week, with minimal rest. Tipping is a meaningful way to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication, especially on private tours.
The guidelines start at €200 for the crew and €150 for the cruise manager, and that is per cabin.
Remember, you are on vacation, and the boat crew plays a crucial role in delivering a memorable experience. Therefore, try not to avoid tipping the individuals who contribute to making your time on the boat enjoyable, no matter the destination.
Tipping Your Tour Guides
Tipping your tour guide is highly recommended, and the specific amount is not set in stone. Several factors come into play when determining the appropriate tip for your tour guide.
However, if you had an exceptional experience that exceeded your expectations, we recommend increasing the tip amount accordingly. By considering these factors and expressing your appreciation through a tip, you acknowledge the efforts of your tour guide and reinforce their dedication to providing exceptional service.
Remember, tipping is a personal choice, and the amounts mentioned are guidelines. Ultimately, it is important to consider the level of service you received, your own satisfaction, and your ability to tip. Tipping, when done, should be done with gratitude and appreciation for the service providers’ efforts to make your cruising experience in Croatia enjoyable.
