Is tipping at a restaurant polite in Netherlands?

Optional but appreciated. In the Netherlands, tipping at restaurants is considered polite but not obligatory, as service charges are typically included in the bill. A small tip of 5-10% or rounding up the total is a common way to show appreciation for good service, especially in sit-down dining. It is not expected for poor service, and leaving no tip is socially acceptable without causing offense.

Round up the bill or add 5-10% in cash, handing it directly to the server, as this is more personal and ensures they receive it.

In Amsterdam and other tourist-heavy areas, tipping may be slightly more expected due to international norms, but the same general etiquette applies nationwide.