Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Everything you need to know about tipping in Sweden

In Sweden, there is no widespread culture of tipping. In other countries, there is more of a tipping obligation.

» Updated: 25 September 2024, 16:38

» Published: 19 August 2024

Everything you need to know about tipping in Sweden
Photo: Envato

For example, in Spain, it's common to tip 5-10%, and in Italy, up to 15%. USA is the tipping capital in the world, with expectations ranging from 15-20% and even up to 25%! [1]

Should you tip in Sweden?

The answer is that it's up to the individual to decide. If you think someone has earned a tip, for example, at a hotel or restaurant visit, you can leave a tip. However, it's not like in some other countries, such as the USA, where tipping is expected. In Sweden, you tip if you feel like it.

Specify a voluntary amount on the restaurant bill?

Many restaurants have started allowing customers to specify their own amount that exceeds the amount to be paid. It's a way to encourage tipping, but don't feel pressured to specify a higher amount and involuntarily leave a tip.

Is tipping included in the restaurant bill?

No, tipping is not included in the restaurant bill and is never included in total amount.

When is it common to tip?

Absolutely most common is during dinner at a restaurant. Often, the staff has worked a little "extra" to provide service to the dinner party. But even here, don't feel pressured to tip, only do it if you feel that the restaurant staff has earned it. For lunches and smaller meals or services, it's usually not tipped at all.

How much should you tip?

Just rounding up the restaurant bill from 455 SEK to 460 SEK is too little, it can even be considered offensive, so in this case it's better to pay the exact amount. Think around 5-10% of the bill amount when planning to tip.

Tips should be taxed by the recipient

According to the Tax Authority (Skatteverket), tips should be reported by the recipient in their tax return, regardless of whether the employer reports it or not.

So now you know more about what applies to tipping in Sweden.

Michelle KimM
By Michelle KimEditor-in-chief

More news

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden

Five Swedish Superstitions: Tips for Keeping Your Luck in Sweden

Five Swedish Superstitions: Tips for Keeping Your Luck in Sweden

How to Unregister from Searchable Registers in Sweden

How to Unregister from Searchable Registers in Sweden

Selling food on social media without a permit can lead to imprisonment

Selling food on social media without a permit can lead to imprisonment

Sweden's NATO membership and its impact on Swedes

Sweden's NATO membership and its impact on Swedes

Autumn Break in School - find your activities

Autumn Break in School - find your activities

Useful Swedish Greetings Phrases

Useful Swedish Greetings Phrases

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday

Cheapest Countries for Swedes to Vacation In

Cheapest Countries for Swedes to Vacation In

Language Café - a perfect way to practice your Swedish

Language Café - a perfect way to practice your Swedish

34 milljon SEK in research grants awarded to SLU

34 milljon SEK in research grants awarded to SLU

All Saints' Day, All Hallows' Day, and Halloween?

All Saints' Day, All Hallows' Day, and Halloween?

Report: Decrease in Sausage Consumption in Sweden

Report: Decrease in Sausage Consumption in Sweden

Time to switch to winter tires?

Time to switch to winter tires?

Be aware of wildlife on the roads during autumn and winter

Be aware of wildlife on the roads during autumn and winter

Inflation Rate - KPIF in Sweden 1.1% in September

Inflation Rate - KPIF in Sweden 1.1% in September

6 things that make Sweden absolutely fantastic!

6 things that make Sweden absolutely fantastic!