💵 Should you tip in Norway: etiquette rules and tips for tourists

Tipping is a common way of showing gratitude for good service in many countries, but each culture has its own rules and traditions for leaving tips. Norway is a country where the attitude towards tipping differs from what many travellers are used to. Understanding local customs will help tourists avoid awkward situations and better integrate into Norwegian society. In this article, we will explain in detail whether it is customary to tip in Norway, what amounts are considered normal, and in which establishments it is appropriate to leave a small gratuity for service. Useful links to blog sections: ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’, ‘Cuisine and gastronomy’, ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

❓10 FAQs about tipping in Norway for tourists

1. Is it customary to tip in Norway?

Tipping in Norway is not mandatory, as the cost of service is usually already included in the bill. Unlike other countries where tipping is mandatory and strictly regulated, in Norway it is left voluntarily as a sign of special gratitude for good service. However, many Norwegians consider it normal to round up the bill to the nearest 5–10% of the total cost if they really enjoyed the service. If the service was standard, Norwegians usually pay the exact amount indicated. Tourists should follow this practice to avoid awkward situations and act correctly. For more information about the service culture, see the section ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’.

2. How much is it customary to tip in restaurants and cafes?

If you want to tip in restaurants and cafés, it is considered reasonable to add about 5-10% of the total bill. For example, if the bill is 380 NOK, you can round it up to 400 NOK. If the bill is 200 NOK, you can leave about 210 NOK. However, this is always voluntary. In high-end restaurants where the service is particularly attentive, tips can be as high as 10% of the bill. In ordinary cafés and snack bars, tips are less common and usually only given for really good service. For useful recommendations on local cuisine, see the ‘Cuisine and gastronomy’ section.

3. How best to tip: cash or card?

In Norway, it is convenient and acceptable to tip in cash or by card. Most establishments offer the option of including a tip when paying by card via a terminal.

The waiter will usually ask you if you want to include a tip in the bill, after which you can specify the amount or percentage. Cash tips are less common, but also acceptable, especially if the bill is paid in full in cash. The choice of payment method depends on your preference, but it is worth remembering that cash is becoming less common in Norway. For more information on financial matters, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

4. Is it necessary to leave tips in bars and pubs in Norway?

Tips are rarely left in bars and pubs in Norway. Visitors usually just pay the price of the drink as indicated on the menu or at the bar. If you want to leave a tip at a bar, rounding up the amount slightly (e.g. by 5–10 kroner) is perfectly acceptable and will be appreciated, but it is not mandatory. Tipping is even less common in pubs than in cafés and restaurants, so you should not feel obliged to do so.

5. Do people tip in taxis in Norway?

Tips in taxis are not mandatory but are welcome. Most often, passengers simply round up the fare to the nearest 10–20 NOK. For example, if the fare is 186 NOK, you can round it up to 200 NOK.

Drivers see this as a nice gesture of gratitude for good service, especially for help with luggage or advice about the city. However, if you do not leave a tip, it will not be considered rude or a violation of local etiquette.

6. Should you tip hotel staff?

It is not customary to tip in Norwegian hotels. Exceptions may be made if the staff has provided you with special assistance (e.g., delivered luggage to your room or fulfilled a special request). In such cases, you can give 10–20 NOK as a token of appreciation, but this is entirely voluntary. In most cases, staff do not expect tips, as salaries in the hotel industry in Norway are quite high.

7. Should you tip tour guides in Norway?

Tour guides in Norway do not expect tips, but they are always happy to receive a small reward for a particularly interesting and professional tour. It is appropriate to tip a guide, especially if you enjoyed their commentary or the service exceeded your expectations. Tourists usually leave the guide 50–100 NOK per person or simply a small amount from the group.

8. What tips are considered indecently small?

In Norway, it is not customary to consider tips indecently small, as tips are not mandatory. Any amount is considered a nice bonus. Even if you just round up the bill by a few kroner, it will be appreciated.

9. How do waiters react if tourists don't leave a tip?

If you don't leave a tip in Norway, it won't cause a negative reaction. Waiters receive a decent salary, and tips are considered a nice extra, but not a prerequisite for payment. Tourists are not required to leave tips and should not worry about the reaction of the staff.

10. Are there any establishments in Norway where tipping is mandatory?

No, there are no mandatory tips in Norway. In some expensive restaurants, it is customary to leave 5–10%, but even there it is always voluntary.

By knowing the rules for tipping in Norway, you can comfortably and confidently enjoy your trip, showing respect for local traditions and avoiding awkward situations!