Add organization

Is service included in restaurant bills in Denmark?

No hidden extras on the bill.

Answered at: Checked at:

Short answer

Yes, service is normally included in the bill at Danish restaurants, so you do not need to add a service charge yourself. Prices in Denmark also include 25 % VAT, which means the price on the menu is the final price. Leaving a tip is optional and meant only for exceptionally good service, and in Copenhagen about 10 % is seen as plenty. Major cards are widely accepted in restaurants, but it is wise to ask first in small places.

Practical info

Why

  1. The menu price already covers service and VAT.
  2. You can compare menu prices directly.
  3. A tip is a free choice, not part of the bill.

Details

Many cafés and restaurants work mainly with cards and mobile payments such as Apple Pay.

Tip

Check the bill before you pay, and if you want to tip, say the total amount before the staff enter it on the terminal.

What may differ

Some places charge a fee for foreign cards, so ask before you pay if you use a card from outside the EU.

Common misconception

Some visitors think a service charge is added at the end, as in some other countries.

What actually happens

In Denmark service is normally part of the price, and nothing extra is expected.

People also ask

  • Do you tip in Denmark?
  • What is the VAT rate in Denmark?
  • Which credit cards are accepted in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

Practical info
Help