Tours by Locals tipping question

newfamilyman

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 7, 2005
Messages
689
For those of you who have booked Tours by Locals for European ports, how did you handle the tips? I know the American- and Canadian-based guides have expected and appreciated tips, but I wasn't sure if the European culture to not expecting tips included Tours by Locals guides. Thanks
 
While I havent used tours by locals, in Europe if I am paying for a tour, either through a company or have paid online in advance, then thats it, I dont give a tip. If it is one of the so called free tours, where you pay in cash on the day and there is not set price advertised then I research what similar tours cost and give the guide that amount.
 
For those of you who have booked Tours by Locals for European ports, how did you handle the tips? I know the American- and Canadian-based guides have expected and appreciated tips, but I wasn't sure if the European culture to not expecting tips included Tours by Locals guides. Thanks
Europeans in general accept tips and are not insulted if offered.
 
For those of you who have booked Tours by Locals for European ports, how did you handle the tips? I know the American- and Canadian-based guides have expected and appreciated tips, but I wasn't sure if the European culture to not expecting tips included Tours by Locals guides. Thanks
I’ve tipped maybe 10%, rounded up or down if needed. It depends on the tour length of time, number of people, how much guide interaction prior to the tour, and how the guide was on the tour. TBL website says guides price their tours to not expect tips.
 

I booked a guide/driver through Daytrip.com in December to take us from Passau to Neuschwanstein castle and back (3 hours each way). Their website suggested a guide gratuity amount of 10%. Our guide (Marion from Czech Republic) was exceptionally accommodating so I tipped him all of the cash euros that I had left (A 30% tip).
 
I’ve tipped maybe 10%, rounded up or down if needed. It depends on the tour length of time, number of people, how much guide interaction prior to the tour, and how the guide was on the tour. TBL website says guides price their tours to not expect tips.
Thanks; I didn't notice that before you wrote that. The website seems to suggest that it would be more helpful to write a good review for the guide than to tip him or her.
 
Thanks; I didn't notice that before you wrote that. The website seems to suggest that it would be more helpful to write a good review for the guide than to tip him or her.
Re the tipping not expected, my guess would be since it is not in all countries or in places where it might not be practical to get gratuity funds in a local currency. And the reviews are what get people to book thru TBL.

I have learned through research in coming across some guides’ non-TBL websites, that the TBL markup is anywhere from 20%-28%, to cover both the TBL percentage they take plus what I’d guess is an imbedded gratuity. It’s why I go lower with any gratuity on those bookings. TBL is great when there is a problem with a guide, so worth the markup in some cases. Other times, if a guide has a lot of stellar TBL ratings, or if it’s a repeat booking on a return visit, I have recently found myself booking direct a couple of times when the guide’s personal site cancellation policy is a good one.
 
Re the tipping not expected, my guess would be since it is not in all countries or in places where it might not be practical to get gratuity funds in a local currency. And the reviews are what get people to book thru TBL.

I have learned through research in coming across some guides’ non-TBL websites, that the TBL markup is anywhere from 20%-28%, to cover both the TBL percentage they take plus what I’d guess is an imbedded gratuity. It’s why I go lower with any gratuity on those bookings. TBL is great when there is a problem with a guide, so worth the markup in some cases. Other times, if a guide has a lot of stellar TBL ratings, or if it’s a repeat booking on a return visit, I have recently found myself booking direct a couple of times when the guide’s personal site cancellation policy is a good one.
Thanks for the feedback. I've never thought to look up the guides' non-TBL websites.
 
Every TBL guide we've used so far has exceeded our expectations, and we've gladly tipped 15–20%. They've all been more than willing to offer suggestions and recommendations in advance of our visits — helping with hotel and restaurant ideas, and pointing out other areas we could explore on our own to make the most of our time. I have no problem paying for their expertise beyond the tour itself — it's been well worth it every time.
 
In Europe we still tip American Dollars no matter what the custom is.
They can deposit American currency in their bank accounts for full value with no Vig on the exchange rate taken out.

If we convert to local currency and tip that's fine, but have to pay the conversion fee that can be very steep in some situations.
$20 US currency may get you the equivalent 16 local after the fee. I've seen worse.

Last few DCL cruises we took they no longer exchanged currency on board.
 
Let's remember, name calling and personal attacks are not allowed here on the Dis. If you can't be civil, just move on.
 

GET UP TO A $1000 SHIPBOARD CREDIT AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIFT!

If you make your Disney Cruise Line reservation with Dreams Unlimited Travel you’ll receive these incredible shipboard credits to spend on your cruise!















Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top