Tipping In Scotland: A Guide to Scottish Tipping Customs (2024)

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Scotland to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get GBP in cash in Scotland, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

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Is Tipping Expected in Scotland?

Tipping in Scotland is not as common as it is in England. It's not expected, but leaving a small tip for exceptional service is an appreciated gesture.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Scotland, it is acceptable to tip 10% of the bill. £10 would also be considered a good tip, although you do not need to feel pressured to do so.

When visiting bars and cafes, letting the bartender keep the change is a nice gesture. Feel free to do so if the service was attentive.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Scotland?

For hotel staff in Scotland, tipping is not mandatory but much appreciated by service staff. It is a nice gesture to tip porters around £1 per bag, £5 to valet, and £5 per night to cleaning staff.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Scotland

For taxi drivers in Scotland, tipping is common, although not mandatory. You can round up to the nearest pound, or tip up to 10%.

Tour guides in Scotland may expect a small tip for walking tours, especially if the tour was informative and enjoyable. It is not a hard and fast rule, since pricing rules will vary by each provider. However, a tip of 10% is typical (especially for free walking tours).

Practical Tips for Tipping in Scotland

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Scotland, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Scotland.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Scotland, you'll be prompted to pay in GBP or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (GBP) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Scotland:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With theWise Account, convert currency at themid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

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N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, anN26account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 8.1

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Starling Bank

TheStarling Bankcard is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

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