In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette that is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. The question `when?` or `how much?` can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies.

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.

The European country of Kosovo is slowly embracing a tipping culture and is becoming more widespread throughout the country. Kosovo is a country with low-paid salaries for people in the service industry who live for tips, and most will accept a tip for good service. It is common to tip 5-10% for general service, and up to 15% for exceptional service. Having cash to leave tips is essential as most of the time you will not be able to tip on your credit card.

Since tipping is so new in Kosovo not many people will be offended if you don’t leave a tip, however, a euro or two goes a long way. The same goes for many of the common things you might tip for in any other country, taxi drivers, hotels, restaurants, and guides, the wages here are low and tips are always appreciated by the staff.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?

The currency of Kosovo is the Euro, and the Servian Dinar is sometimes accepted, although the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for Rwandan Franc, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in Pristina (beware of the hidden ATM fees), tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred. The Serbian Diner may be accepted in the majority of Serbian areas. Cash is normally used more than credit or debit cards.

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

The average tipping percentage in Kosovo when dining at restaurants runs between 8-15% and is determined by the level of service you received in the restaurant. It is recommended that you tip at least 8-10% if the service was good. You should go 10% or higher in more upscale restaurants, there will never be a service charge on your bill. You can always leave a small tip for bartenders, but it's normally not expected.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

At hotels in Kosovo tipping your hotel staff is customary. You should tip the hotel maid around 5 Lei a day, or an accumulation over your entire stay. Tipping the bellman around 2 Lei per piece of luggage is a good amount to show your appreciation. Tipping the hotel concierge around 15 Lei is considered average for excellent services.The average tip at a hotel in Kosovo is between 2-5 Euros. The tips are according to the level of service given in the hotel and can go above if service was superb. The bellboy usually gets around 2 euros per bag.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Tipping Taxi Drivers in Kosovo isn’t common or expected, however, if you wish to leave a tip a few Euros will go a long way. You can always round up the change on a taxi ride. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

Tour guides should usually receive a tip of 10% or more for your tour. The tip will be greatly received and appreciated by these hard-working tour guides. Miscellaneous: other services

If visiting a spa or hair salon in Kosovo, you should tip up to 10% of the bill if you received great service. You can always tip more if you feel as if the service deserved it.

Final Thoughts:

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Romania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.