The single biggest myth
"Tip 20% in Europe" is wrong. American 20%-tip norms are badly out of place in most of Europe. Service is often included by law or by social custom, and over-tipping marks you as a confused tourist. Here's the real map.
UK
Service charge typically auto-added (12.5%) at restaurants. If yes, tip nothing more. If not added, 10–15% acceptable. Pubs: never tip the bartender (instead "have one for yourself" — they pocket the cost of a half-pint). Taxis: round up.
France
Service compris (service included) on 100% of restaurant bills. Round up €1–5 for excellent service or leave nothing — locals leave nothing. Bars: zero. Hotels: €1–2/bag, €1–2/night for housekeeping if extended stay. Cab drivers don't expect.
Germany / Austria
Round up bill 5–10% rounded to the nearest euro. €43 → €45 standard for friendly service. Say the rounded total when paying ("Funfundvierzig" / "Forty-five"). Don't leave change on the table. Service is included but rounding up is universal.
Italy
Coperto (cover charge €1.50–4 per person) on most restaurant bills already. Servizio sometimes added. Beyond that — a few euros for excellent service is plenty. Bars: no tip; cafés round up to €1.
Switzerland / Iceland / Scandinavia
Do not tip. Service is built into prices and minimum wages high. Rounding up is acceptable; expecting tips is not standard.
Spain / Portugal
Round up €1–5 for restaurant tables. Tapas counters: zero. Hotels: €1/bag light tip.
Greece / Turkey / Balkans
10% standard at restaurants if no service charge. Higher informal tip culture especially Turkey. Hotels expect more than Western Europe.
Strategy
When in doubt, ask: "Is service included?" — direct question is normal. Don't tip in restaurants where bill includes 10–15% service. Always carry small bills/coins for tipping.