Just got back from Germany. Everything I read before I went said that a tip was ALWAYS included in the bill; but at one restaurant, the waitress said "tax included, tip is not". I'm not sure if she confused her English or was trying to scam us? Any thoughts? Thanks,

Jennifer, it's been six years, but I seem to recall that tips were not included in a new very upscale restaurant I went to but it was included at the more traditional. I'll be interested in what others say since I leave for Germany in 6 weeks! Did you happen to notice if there was any notation on menus?

Look on the menu or on the bill. It should be noted. We have lived there and have traveled there many times. The custom seems to be to leave your lose change at all times and leave more for very good service but the German waiters are included in the bill. That is why you have older professionals in Germany versus high school kids in the US.

Sounds like you were scammed. I think, by law, it's included in restaurant prices. The bill says something like MWST 16% which is tax and tip. In general people round the bill up a few marks. I've found that waiters expect bigger tips from us because we're American (or just foreign?) and act disappointed when we don't leave what they expect. We had a waiter in Berlin tell us 3 times that tip wasn't included, but the MWST was on the bill. We often eat at the Ratskeller in Munich and the waiters assume we're tourists (we live here) and suck up big time, then mope when we leave the normal tip.

hi there, <BR>dont know what You have read before, Jennifer, but tips are NEVER included in any bill. The service is, so they cant charge You any more. And the tip, well it is on You. If You are satisfied give one. If not dont leave a penny. Shure the waiter will look a bit disapointed, but perhaps doing better next time. So if You have asked the waitress, she was right by telling "tip is not included". <BR>MwSt is just the tax, not service, not tip or something else. Shure a few guys (mostly in the tourist points) know that Americans give a lot of (too much) tips and act like this. But there is nothing that could make You leave a tip if You dont want this. The stuff get's well payed, so tip is just an extra for doing the job better as usual. Let's keep it like this. <BR>have fun and good service <BR>Gar

From my American perspective, I consider 'service' and 'tip' the same thing which may have made my post confusing. In Germany, service is included. The waiters are paid a decent salary and don't depend on tips to survive. You can round the bill up and give them a tip if you want. Anyway, I think the waiters that make a big deal out of saying that tips aren't included are trying to screw tourists.

Jennifer, <BR> <BR>In my experience living in Germany tips were never included in the final total of the bill. MWst is Value added Tax and that would have been included on your bill. Most people just rounded off their bill to add a tip. a lot of students work in bars and cafes and restuarnst to supplement their income and while the wages are good in most places they do depend on their tips as well, <BR> <BR>Cathy