Do You Tip Madrid Taxi?

By Robert Palmer

If you are planning a trip to Madrid, one of the questions that may come to your mind is whether or not you should tip the taxi driver. Tipping etiquette can vary from country to country and even from city to city, so it’s important to know what is expected in the particular place you are visiting.

In Madrid, tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory. Unlike in some other countries, taxi fares in Spain already include a 10% service charge. This means that you don’t need to feel obligated to leave an extra tip unless you received exceptional service.

However, if you do decide to leave a tip, it’s generally considered polite to round up the fare. For example, if your fare comes out to €9.50, you could round up to €10 as a gesture of appreciation for the driver’s service.

It’s worth noting that some locals in Madrid do not tip taxi drivers at all and instead rely on rounding up their fares as mentioned above. Others may leave a small tip of €1-2 for exceptional service or assistance with luggage.

Ultimately, tipping is a personal decision and should be based on the level of service provided and your own discretion. If you feel that your driver went above and beyond in making your ride comfortable and pleasant, then leaving a small tip may be appropriate.

In conclusion, while tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory in Madrid due to the included service charge in fares, rounding up the fare is considered polite and leaving a small tip for exceptional service is also acceptable. Remember that it’s ultimately up to your discretion as a customer whether or not to leave a tip.