At many bars and restaurants in Rio, the bill comes with an extra line: the 10% serviço. If you're visiting from abroad, the question is whether you have to pay it, whether it's the tip or whether you should leave something more. This guide explains what it is, what Brazilian law says and how to handle it without awkwardness.
At a glance
- What the 10% is: the taxa de serviço, a tip for the staff that the restaurant adds to the bill.
- Is it mandatory? No. Idec, a consumer protection institute, explains that it's optional even if it appears on the menu.
- Where it goes: by law, what's charged as service isn't the owner's income: it goes to the workers.
- If you don't want to pay it: politely ask them to remove it from the bill.
- Outside restaurants: tipping is voluntary.
What the taxa de serviço is
It's the percentage the restaurant adds to the bill, usually 10%, as a tip for the people who serve you. It usually appears as serviço, taxa de serviço or 10%. Check the bill: if it's already included, in practice it's the tip.
Is it mandatory?
No. Idec ↗, the Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection, explains that the taxa de serviço is a tip for the waiter and is optional, and that the restaurant can't make you pay it even if it's written on the menu or posted in the dining room.
If you felt the service was good, paying it is how you leave a tip. If you'd rather not, ask them to take it off the bill before you pay.
What the law says
Law 13,419/2017 ↗, known as the Tipping Law, amended Brazil's labor legislation. It treats as a tip both what the customer spontaneously gives an employee and what the business charges as a service fee or surcharge. That money isn't the employer's own income: it's shared among the workers according to the collective agreement, and the business must record it on the bill.
The law governs who gets the money; it doesn't require the customer to pay it.
The couvert artístico
Some bars with live music charge a couvert artístico. According to Idec, it can only be charged if there's a live performance and if you're told about the charge when you enter. If you weren't told, ask before paying.
Tipping for other services
Outside restaurants there's no set percentage. In taxis, ride-hailing apps, with guides or at the beach, tipping is voluntary. If you want to leave something, do it in cash or by whatever method the person indicates. For handling cash and payments, see Pix, cards and cash in Rio.
How to ask for the bill without confusion
- Ask for the bill: "a conta, por favor".
- Check the service line: if it says 10% or serviço, the tip is already included.
- If you want it removed: "pode tirar o serviço, por favor?".
- Splitting the bill: ask whether you can pay separately before ordering.
Looking for places to eat? See what to eat in Rio and the restaurant directory.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to leave something on top of the 10%?
There's no need. The 10% already works as the tip. If the service was exceptional, you can add something, but it's voluntary.
Can they refuse to remove the 10%?
According to Idec, the restaurant can't make you pay it. Ask politely and, if there's a problem, you can turn to the consumer protection agencies.
How much should I budget for eating out?
It varies a lot by place. To plan your budget, use the budget template.
Sources: Law 13,419/2017 (Planalto) ↗ and Idec: your rights at bars and restaurants ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.