Is the word garçom the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and basic meaning of "garçom" are the same in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "garçom" is the standard, everyday term for a waiter. In Portugal, although "garçom" is understood, it is much less common; the natural and standard term used is "empregado de mesa" (or "empregado de restaurante"). Additionally, related vocabulary often differs, such as the Brazilian use of "cardápio" versus the Portuguese use of "menu."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. "Garçom, você pode trazer o cardápio?" (Waiter, can you bring the menu?)
2. "O garçom esqueceu a nossa bebida." (The waiter forgot our drink.)
3. "O garçom foi muito atencioso." (The waiter was very attentive.)
4. "Chame o garçom, por favor." (Call the waiter, please.)
5. "A gorjeta para o garçom já está incluída." (The tip for the waiter is already included.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. "Empregado de mesa, pode trazer o menu?" (Waiter, can you bring the menu?)
2. "O empregado de mesa esqueceu a nossa bebida." (The waiter forgot our drink.)
3. "O empregado de mesa foi muito atencioso." (The waiter was very attentive.)
4. "Chame o empregado de mesa, por favor." (Call the waiter, please.)
5. "A gorjeta para o empregado de mesa já está incluída." (The tip for the waiter is already included.)