Tipping is, without a doubt, one of the most complex things you could ever do. In the U.S., there is a debate about what the ideal tipping rate is and if tipping should still be a thing. In other countries, the debate is still being waged.
From one country to the next, tipping is a highly contested procedure that is expected in some cultures while being seen as an insult in others.
This uncertainty is most prominently displayed in countries like Croatia, where it's never expected yet greatly appreciated.
This can make a situation very confusing if you are coming in.
For example, tipping is neither expected nor implied by the server, yet giving them the equivalent of $10 can completely change their lives.
The simplest rule of thumb is basically to tip if you feel a tip is warranted. If you've got a server that's been very attentive to your needs, by all means, give them something for their trouble.
Ultimately, however, there are people (present company included) that feel almost obligated to tip no matter the place.
This can be pretty expensive in places like Germany, where gratuity is already included in the price, meaning you could find yourself tipping twice!
In Croatia, it's not nearly as stress-inducing. So, if you do want to tip, what is the ideal amount you should give?
Below, I'll go over what you should expect to tip here in Novalja and all over Croatia so you make their day while still feeling good about the process.
#1. Tipping in Restaurants
Probably the place you are most likely to tip at, restaurants don't have a definite rule when it comes to gratuities.
You'll often see people regularly get up and leave without paying a tip so it's hardly an expectation.
If you did want to offer a tip in a local restaurant, either leaving them the change or adding in 15% to the cost of the meal is more than enough in nearly any restaurant, regardless of the price.
Two things you should be aware of. The first is that most restaurants primarily accept cash.
Those that do allow cards may not have a tipping feature added, so keep that in mind.
Secondly, large tables don't have a built-in gratuity fee added to the price of the meal.
This means that you'll want to factor that in if you've got a large group.
#2. Tipping on Cruise Ships
When on a cruise ship, like at hotels and restaurants, there is somewhat of an expectation of tipping.
Again, it is not required, so don't feel put out if you don't do it.
For those that do want to tip, you'll want to ideally offer at least 20-40 Kuna (3 - 6 USD) per day and per guest.
This means a 4-night stay on the cruise with three separate rooms can cost between 240 and 480 (36 and 72 USD).
While not super pricey, it can be a potential showstopper for some things you want to do while in Croatia.
#3. Tipping Your Taxi Driver
Your taxi drivers are very much in the same vein as a U.S. driver, so don't expect anything outside of a lower fare.
I don't tip my taxi drivers so much, but that's a persona situation. If you do feel the need to, spending 10-15 Kuna (1.50 - 2.25 USD) should be a perfect amount.
If you are looking for the equivalent of Uber in Croatia, you'll want to check out Octopus Transfers.
They work slightly better than taxi drivers and are much more accommodating overall.
#4. Tipping at a Cafe Bar
Like most places, bars and cafes don't have a hard and fast rule when it comes to tipping nor is it altogether an expectation from the customer.
If you do want to add a tip, generally it could be as simple as leaving them the change from a sale.
For example, if your coffee costs 9 kunas (1.35 USD) and you pay with a 10 Kuna note (1.50 USD), simply leaving the change is fine enough 99% of the time.
#5. Tipping Your Tourist Guide
Heading out on tour generally won't require a tip since they're often paid a portion of the tour cost fee.
That said if you feel your tourist goes above and beyond, tipping them around 15+ Kuna (2.25 USD) can be a great way of showing your appreciation.
Again, they naturally don't expect it, so that extra couple of dollars will show them they're doing a good job.
#6. Tipping Your Hotel Porter and Hotel Maid
When it comes to your hotel staff, you should understand that, while the cost of living in the country is very low, so too is the amount of money they make from their jobs.
Whether it's your hotel porter or your room maid, if you're inclined to give them a tip, you'll ideally want to give at least 20 Kuna (3 USD).
Bag porters should be tipped between 5 and 20 Kuna per bag while maids should be given around 20 Kuna per night of your stay.
You can raise this a bit depending on the quality of the hotel you're at as well as how good they are.
Final Thoughts on Tipping in Croatia
As you can see, the reduced cost of living compared to the US makes tipping here incredibly easy on your wallet.
Not only are the people not expecting a tip all that much, but even when they are you know you're not going to have to give more than a couple of dollars.
Hopefully, this will result in you feeling more comfortable while in the country and don't feel the need to give a person a $20 tip for average work.
You can even make a "Tip Fund" and give it a cap of a certain amount. From there, just use that as the money you'll tip out.
It's super easy and you'll find you are more eager to tip more people out while you're about.