🇬🇧United Kingdom · Valet Parking
How much to tip a valet in the United Kingdom (2026 Guide)
AppreciatedCash preferred
£2–5 on return of vehicle
Tipping calculator
£
Cultural notes
Valet parking is rare outside top-tier London hotels, members' clubs, and a few restaurants. A £2–5 tip on retrieval is the norm at luxury hotels (Claridge's, The Savoy, Dorchester); skipping it is not rude in the way it would be in the US. Cash is required — there is no terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I tip when dropping off too?
Only on return is typical in the UK.
What if I just paid a valet fee?
A small tip is still customary at high-end hotels.
Tipping other services in the United Kingdom
- Sit-down restaurant10–12.5% — check bill first; many restaurants add a discretionary service charge
- Counter / takeaway£0 — not customary; round-up or tip jar appreciated
- Café£0 — round up or drop change in tip jar
- Bar£0 — or offer "one for yourself" (~£1)
- Housekeeping£2–5 per night for mid- to high-end stays
- Porter£1–2 per bag
- Concierge£5–20 if they secure something hard to get
- TaxiRound up to nearest £ or ~10%
- RideshareOptional — £1–2 or ~10% via app
- Food delivery£1–3 or ~10% via app
- Grocery delivery£0 for supermarkets (Tesco/Sainsbury's policy bars it); £1–2 for app couriers
- Hairdresser10% standard
- Spa0–10%; many high-end spas add service charge
- Tour guide10–15% of tour cost, or £5–10 per person for free walking tours
- Tattoo artist£0 — not customary; 10–20% if you do tip
- Airport baggage£1–2 per bag (porter service is rare at UK airports)
- Busker£1–5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers£20–50 per mover for a good job
- Tradesperson£0 — not customary; tea and biscuits preferred
Tipping a valet in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: wise.com, getawayguide.co.uk