Tipping is not expected. In the brief days of a workers’ republic at the beginning of the Civil War, tipping was considered an insulting assumption of class superiority. While no-one is likely to be insulted today, it still doesn’t happen. Some say this is a throw back to the last republic or a demonstration of the city’s left-leaning, alternative outlook. Others say it’s because Catalans are tight. Either way, taxi drivers, bar staff and waiters expect nothing. If you want to leave a little extra, 2-3% is reasonable and 10% or more is considered very generous.

However, charges do appear on restaurant bills for bread. Often it is served before a meal arrives, whether requested or not, and a charge for each person's portion will be added to the bill. If you want to avoid this, send the bread away before anyone gets their fingers on it. Once it’s been nibbled, you’ll be charged.