Tom has been our driver for our family’s 12 day trip in Ireland. He works for a small family owned company run by his daughter. He’s done a fantastic job. The trip was expensive, made more so by a fuel surcharge due to rising costs this spring. One site I read suggested a 10% tip to driver/guide, which would put us well over 1000 euros and which we cannot afford. Should we tip Tom? If so, what is an appropriate range?
Posted by
Ireland
219 posts
€50 if you feel it's well deserved.
Posted by
Calgary
1740 posts
I would tip at least 10 Euros per day per person.
Posted by
Florida
3 posts
What is the name of the tour company. I’m looking for a guide in Ireland.
Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
8164 posts
No tip necessary. You already paid the agreed upon price they charged you. They don't expect a tip and it will seem awkward.
Posted by
1045 posts
The suggestions above for tipping, 10€ day per person and 50€ pales in comparison to the 1000€ the OP notes. Is that a typo?
Posted by
TN, USA
2158 posts
We hired a private driver who worked for himself for a few days of our longer itinerary. I think (do not recall exactly...it was about 10 years ago, I think), but I think the tip we gave him was a little over 10%...maybe about 12%.....and he was blown away appreciative. The over 10% was to really reimburse him for little kind things he purchased (as surprises) for us along the way...our first Guiness (sp?) , chocolate, a little paper book about fairy rings (my husband had been fascinated by them), and the extra care he gave us (spouse had just finished chemo the month prior). We tried to buy his lunches along the way, but he did not accept that. He also handled his own overnight cost the one night the itinerary needed such. He had quoted a daily rate...please do not ask, as he is now retired (I believe) and a rate from a decade ago would not apply today (fuel costs higher, etc.)
But, I guess he was really pleased, as we remained friends for years (recommended him other friends), and he even came to our home for dinner when he was in the States.
For a different private driver from a town about 1.5 hours from the airport, we did a bit lower than 10% and she was extremely appreciative, positioning it as "enjoy a nice lunch on us, please." We got the impression for non-limo type companies....the mom/pop type drivers, who were often the taxi drivers for locals, too, tips were exceptions. Maybe someone who is Irish (on the Forum) can weigh in with advice.