Tipping

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 2:27 pm

Does anyone offer advice to holiday makers on appropriate levels of tip for the villa/apartment maid ?

Michael Crane · Post by **Michael Crane** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 2:43 pm

Our maid is fantastic. She doesn't speak a word of English - and we speak the same amount of Portuguese

We give 20 euros usually.

Graham · Post by **Graham** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 3:07 pm

Interesting question - equally applies to restaurants.

I understand from talking to a few waiters (who really ought to learn to be less honest) that tipping is not expected - just leave the coins.

I still tip as in the UK (10-15%) if the service was good.

I would be interested in resident's views

Lesley Jean · Post by **Lesley Jean** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 4:14 pm

Must say we always tip at restaurants if the meal has been good and the service, would think myself rude if I didn't.

John1 · Post by **John1** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 6:15 pm

We live in Carvoeiro and always leave a tip at restaurants and cafes, usually an amount equal to 10% of the total. As for tipping the maids...my wife and I clean apartments and villas here for a living and find that very few people leave a cash tip - most leave leftovers in the fridge!

digger · Post by **digger** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 6:19 pm

I’d say a fiver is enough for a maid, but they sometimes come in pairs don’t they? … so a fiver each.
Restaurants? The Portuguese tend to leave just a few coins, but not copper, a few (2 or 3) euro coins. I do know some who go over the top at xmas, maybe leaving a 20 note at their fave eatery. Never tipping at a cafe.