Tipping Tour Guides in Iceland

Many tourists go on at least one day tour while on vacation in Iceland. Multi-day adventures and private guides are also popular ways to experience Iceland. Whether you visit the geysers, see the whales, explore an ice cave or go on a puffin tour, you will want to know if the local tipping etiquette says you should tip your tour guide. So, do you tip tour guides in Iceland?

Answered: Do you tip tour guides in Iceland?

You don’t need to tip your guide because Iceland has no tipping culture. That said, some foreigners do tip, either in appreciation for great service or because they weren’t sure if they should or not.

While it is not necessary to tip your tour guide, they will appreciate the gesture of a small tip even if they are initially surprised by the offer. Recent years have seen an increase in foreign visitors from countries with a strong tipping culture, like the USA. As a result, more and more people have begun tipping tour guides. So you’re unlikely to run into awkwardness or discomfort on the part of the tour guide receiving your tip. Just a few years ago, it would have been common practice for a tour guide to decline your tip politely.

How much should you tip your tour guide in Iceland?

Tipping your tour guide in Iceland is not required or expected. It is optional and up to the guest what they would like to leave as a gratuity. A good rule of thumb is not to tip more than 5%. Your small change and coins will be appreciated.

Some Iceland tipping guides and at least one Iceland travel guide suggest that you tip 10%, but that’s excessive and is bad advice! Tipping in Iceland is not common, and your high tour price reflects this reality. Like all employees in the Icelandic service industry, Tour guides receive decent wages that are based on not receiving tips. It is common for businesses, such as restaurants, to have a service charge built into the fee charged in Iceland.

Wages in Iceland are based on sector-wide collective wage agreements. These agreements guarantee workers a minimum living wage. It is common for businesses, such as restaurants, to have a service charge built into the fee charged in Iceland.

How should I leave our tour guide the tip?

If you want to leave a tip to your tour guide, you should tip in cash at the end of the tour. Tipping in Icelandic Krona, the local currency, is best, but other currencies will also be accepted.

Can I tip in US dollars in Iceland?

While you can tip in US dollars in Iceland, tipping in Icelandic Króna (ISK) is appreciated. Businesses and service providers are accustomed to handling transactions in ISK, and using the local currency avoids potential confusion or inconvenience. If you decide to tip in US dollars, it’s best to use small denominations.

Tipping taxi drivers in Iceland

In Iceland, tipping taxi drivers is not customary and drivers do not generally expect additional tips. However, if you receive exceptional service or wish to show your appreciation, rounding up the fare to the nearest convenient amount is a nice gesture.

Tipping in hotels in Iceland

Tipping in hotels in Iceland is not customary or expected. Hotel staff are paid a living wage and do not anticipate additional gratuities. However, if you receive exceptional service and wish to show your appreciation, leaving a small tip can be a nice gesture.

Does the Wise card work in Iceland?

Yes, the Wise card (formerly known as TransferWise) works in Iceland. This makes the Wise card convenient for transactions at places like shops, restaurants, and ATMs. The Wise card is particularly useful for travelers as it offers competitive exchange rates and low fees for currency conversion.

What to see in Iceland

Iceland is a popular destination for international tourists, with more than 2.3 million foreigners visiting the country in a normal year. In Iceland, the busiest time of year for tourism is from June to August, but the country has much to offer throughout the year. While 60 percent of the population lives in the capital of Reykjavik, there is much to do throughout the country. Popular attractions are the Northern Lights, hot springs spas such as the Blue Lagoon, whale watching tours, geysers, otherworldly landscapes, driving through the highlands, countless waterfalls, lava caves, ice caves, glaciers, glacial lagoons, snowmobiling, ATV tours, hikes, walks, and birdwatching. It’s a beautiful, unique place that you’re sure to enjoy, no matter when you visit.

Conclusion

In conclusion,  you don’t need to tip your tour guide in Iceland. However, if you decide to leave a tip, don’t tip more than 5% of the tour cost. This approach respects local customs while allowing travelers to acknowledge the efforts of their guides in enhancing their Icelandic experience.