In Portugal, tip is not a must but always appreciated.

While studying in the United States, I always wondered how much tip I should leave.

As an expat, you are the representative of your own country.
So I was afraid if I leave a small tip, it may leave a bad impression.

Even though I didn't have much at that time, I always left a VERY VERY generous tip.

Here in Lisbon, I don't worry about tipping at all.

Unlike the States, Portugal doesn’t have a tipping culture.
No fixed rules at all.

Of course, when I am happy with the service, I leave a tip as a token of my appreciation.

But at least I don't feel obligated to say "keep the change" to a taxi driver.
I do it with my own free will,
Not because I HAVE to
But because I WANT to.

In restaurants, you have to pay attention to your bill.

As Lisbon attracts more and more tourists,
some restaurants started to add a service charge to the bill.
In this case, you don't have to leave a tip.

However, this doesn't mean your waiter or waitress is getting the tip.
The owner of the restaurant might keep it.

So ask the manager to remove the service charge from the bill and leave a tip in cash.

I know it's a hassle to do so but this is the surest way to show the appreciation to the right person.

There are many street performers on Rua Augusta, Lisbon, Portugal.

A surprise present from my husband always brightens my day.
Like that present, leaving a gratuity can brighten up the day for someone.