Tipping Guidelines in Denmark

In Denmark, the service charge, or tip, for restaurant servers and others who perform services that require tipping in the United States is included in the bill because it is the law. So it follows that tipping isn't common, is totally unnecessary, and not expected (but always appreciated).

Additionally, restaurant servers, cab drivers, porters, bartenders, and any others who provide similar services are paid fair wages in Denmark and also receive benefits from the government or their employer, so they are less dependent on tipping than their U.S. counterparts.

The benefits Danes receive include 52 weeks' paid maternity leave that can be divided between both parents; a payment made by the government into an account for their children, called a child and youth allowance; five weeks' paid vacation each year; sick leave pay; and disability coverage.

At a Restaurant

If you're at a restaurant, it's a good practice to leave at least a small tip in any case. If you feel you've received really good service, the appropriate amount to tip in Denmark would be up to 10 percent of your bill or rounding up the total amount. For example, if the bill for your dinner is 121.60 and you received excellent service, it would be appropriate (but not expected) to give them a total of 130 in the local currency, Danish kroner. Any tip you do leave may be split among the restaurant staff, so if you only want to leave a tip for your server, give it to him or her personally in cash.

Cabs and Hotels

Offer a cab driver or a hotel porter, bellhop, valet, or maid a tip if you get good service or just feel like it's appropriate. Round up the charge for a cab driver or give hotel staff members a couple of kroner here or there.