The Trojan Horse of Tipping Culture in Spain
Recent discussions led by lawyer Andrés Millán and influencer Pablo Cabezali highlight a concerning trend in Spain, particularly in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, where restaurants are automatically adding suggested tips to bills. This practice can mislead customers, especially tourists, into believing the total includes only food and drink costs, violating consumer protection laws.
While tipping has always existed in Spain, it has not been as institutionalized as in the U.S. The rise of digital payments and the impact of COVID-19 have accelerated the inclusion of tips in bills, with some establishments offering predefined options for gratuities. However, the legality of this practice is under scrutiny, as it can lead to confusion about final prices.
Experts emphasize that tips in Spain are voluntary and should not be presented as mandatory. The ongoing debate reflects broader cultural differences in tipping practices between Spain and countries like the U.S., where gratuities are often expected.