The Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Turkey: What You Need to Know

Tipping is an important part of the culture in Istanbul and Turkey. It is customary to give tips or gratuities to waiters, taxi drivers, barbers, and other service providers when they provide satisfactory service.

Tips are expected in certain places in Turkey, such as Istanbul. The amount to tip varies depending on the service received. Generally speaking, it is not expensive to tip in Istanbul but should only be done when the service has been satisfactory.

Not tipping or giving less than the expected amount can be used to show dissatisfaction with the service. This should be done carefully as it could lead to a confrontation with the service provider. It is also important to note that tipping is not mandatory and should only be done if you feel that you have received good service.

In any case, it is always best to ask locals for advice on how much and when to tip in Istanbul before engaging in any kind of transaction with a service provider.

city near body of water - Tipping in Turkey
Tipping in Turkey

How Much and When to Tip in Istanbul – Istanbul Insider

General Tipping Rules

When it comes to tipping, there are some general rules that should be followed. In restaurants, cafés and bars, a 5-10% tip is expected. This rule of thumb applies to most places where service is not included in the bill.

It is also custom to tip hotel staff, porters, hairdressers and musicians for their services. When taking a taxi in Turkey, it is customary to round up the fare instead of tipping. Hamam attendants however expect 25% of the bill as a tip for their services.

Tipping etiquette varies from country to country and it is important to research the customs before travelling abroad.

In places where service is not included, it is custom to tip for the table services you received. For example, if you have been served by waiters or bartenders then they should be tipped accordingly. Tipping taxi drivers is not custom unless he helped you load the luggage or provided an exceptional service. By following these general tipping rules you can

How to Tip?

Tipping is an important part of the culture in Turkey. It is customary to tip in bars, cafés and restaurants with cash money, preferably Turkish Liras but foreign currency is also accepted as long as it is paper money. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged into Turkish Liras. At airports, a tip of 2-3 TL per suitcase should be given to porters for their assistance.

For taxis, round up the fare and tip for luggage assistance. In hotels, 5 TL should be given to porters and room service; 5-10 TL for housekeeping; 20-50 TL at reception; 5-15% in restaurants, cafes and bars; and a 5 or 10 lira note for strolling musicians.

At Turkish baths, a tip of 10-20% of the total amount spent should be given to the workers there. Tour guides don’t expect tips but it is common courtesy to give them 20-30 TL as a token of appreciation which should be divided among

Where and How Much to Tip?

Tipping is a common practice in Turkey, and it is important to know where and how much to tip.

Airports/Train & Bus Stations

Airports, bus stations (otogar), and train stations (gar) in Turkey all have an official tariff for porters. Tourists should be aware of this when using a porter, as it is customary to tip $1-$2 per bag. If you underpay according to the official tariff, the porter will let you know. It is also important to note that tipping is not expected on public transport buses (dolmus).

When taking taxis in Turkey, locals usually round fares upwards and may give a small extra tip if the driver has been particularly helpful. This is a nice gesture but not mandatory. Tipping at airports, bus stations, and train stations is more common than in other places in Turkey. It is polite to show your appreciation for any help with bags by giving a small tip of $1-$2 per bag.

Tipping in Turkey Taxi

Taxis are a convenient way to get around, but it is important to know the customs of tipping. In many countries, such as the United States, it is customary to tip taxi drivers for their service. However, in Turkey this is not the case.

Instead, it is common to round up the fare as a form of tip. For short rides, it is polite to round up to the next euro and for longer rides, round up to the nearest 10 euros. This small gesture will be appreciated by your driver and can make all the difference in terms of service quality.

It is also important to remember that drivers may try to return change if you do not keep it. If you receive good service from your driver then feel free to tip more than just rounding up the fare; however, if you feel like you’re being taken advantage of then don’t feel obligated to tip extra. By following these guidelines when taking taxis in Turkey, you can ensure that both

Tipping in Turkey Hotels

Hotels are a great way to enjoy a vacation or business trip, but it is important to remember that the staff at these establishments work hard to make sure your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. As such, it is customary to show appreciation for their services by leaving tips.

Paying porters at hotels with porters a euro for each bag they carry is one way of showing gratitude. It is also optional to leave a small tip in your room for the housekeeping staff when you depart.

Tipping hotels in Turkey is a common practice, and tips are usually calculated based on the number of days stayed and the services provided.

Some hotels have a separate paper for indicating how much tip should go to each person, which makes it easier for guests to show their appreciation. By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure that hotel staff feel valued and appreciated for their hard work and dedication.

Restaurants

When dining out in Europe, it is important to know the tipping etiquette of the country you are visiting. In Mediterranean countries, the menu may note if service is included or not. I

n northern and eastern Europe, prices on menus usually include service. Generally, restaurants in Turkey do not add a tipping fee to the bill. If there is no statement about service in the bill, customers may choose to leave a 10% tip.

It is better to hand the tip to the waiter when paying the bill than to leave it on the table. Servers prefer to be tipped in cash, even if you pay with a credit card. In Germanic countries, locals usually pay directly by handing over paper money and stating the total they’d like to pay. Tips can be left in the book that contains the bill or in a designated tip box at the cashier.

In general, a tip of 5-10% is normal at restaurants where service is not included. This amount can vary depending on

Guided Tours

Guided tours are a great way to explore a new destination and learn about its culture, history, and attractions. However, it is important to know the etiquette for tipping guides and drivers on organized tours. Generally speaking, tips should be at your discretion depending on the quality of service you receive.

A good guide or driver should not be thought less of for not tipping, while a bad guide or driver deserves no tip. 

Whether or not to tip your tour guide is a personal decision, but it is important to be aware of the customs in the country you are visiting. In Turkey, tour guides do not expect tips, but they will appreciate them for good service. A suggested amount is 10-15 Turkish Lirah.

For European tours, tour guides should be tipped if they provide an informative and enjoyable experience. For group tours, a tip of €2-5 per person is appropriate.

For private tours, a tip of €10-20 for the group is recommended. It is important to remember that tipping is not mandatory but rather an act of appreciation for services rendered. 

Tipping your tour guide can be a great way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to providing an enjoyable experience. It also helps ensure that they will continue to provide excellent service in the future. However, it’s important to remember that tipping should never be expected or required; it should always

Turkish Bath (Hamam)

The Turkish bath, or Hamam, is a traditional bathing experience that has been around for centuries. It is popular throughout Turkey and involves a steam room followed by a cold water splash and full body scrub-wash and massage. Visitors are usually required to undress fully and will be given a peştamal (cotton wrap).

At the end of the bath, attendants will line up to say goodbye and expect a tip. It is customary to tip 15% of the total cost of services used.

The Turkish bath experience is one that should not be missed when visiting Turkey. It is an opportunity to relax in an environment steeped in tradition while enjoying the benefits of a full body scrub-wash and massage.

The attendants are friendly and professional, making sure visitors have everything they need during their stay. Afterward, visitors can leave feeling refreshed and invigorated with memories of this unique cultural experience that will last for years to come.

Archeological Sites

brown concrete dome building at night - Tipping in Turkey
Tipping in Turkey

Archeological sites are a great way to explore the history of a place and learn more about its culture. Turkey is home to some of the world’s most famous archeological sites, including the ancient city of Troy, Ephesus, and Hierapolis. When visiting these sites, it is important to remember that many require a tip for special services such as a personal tour. This should be taken into consideration when budgeting for your trip.

In addition to tipping for special services, travel in Turkey can be expensive and should be budgeted accordingly. The Turkish Lira exchange rate can fluctuate significantly so it is important to keep an eye on current rates before travelling.

ATMs are widely available throughout Turkey but it is recommended to have some cash on hand just in case. With careful planning and budgeting, you can make sure you get the most out of your visit to these amazing archeological sites in Turkey!

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Should you tip your taxi driver?

Tipping Driver in Turkey
Tipping Driver in Turkey

Tipping taxi drivers is a common practice in many countries, but it is not customary to tip taxi drivers in Turkey. Rounding up the fare is appreciated but not expected. However, if the driver helps with luggage or provides exceptional service, tipping is appreciated.

It is customary to tip 10% for a longer journey and round up the bill for a short journey. When using local taxis, it is important to agree on the fare before your journey begins.

For travelers looking to save on currency conversion fees when traveling in Turkey, Wise travel money card can be an excellent option. This card allows you to pre-load funds in multiple currencies and use them at ATMs or merchants worldwide without incurring any additional charges. With this card, you can easily manage your budget while enjoying your trip without worrying about exchange rates or hidden fees.

Tips for tipping in Turkey

Tipping in Turkey is a common practice and is expected in many places. It is important to be aware of the customs when travelling to this country so you can show your appreciation for the services you receive.

So let us get some Tips about Tipping in Germany

  • Tip in the local currency, preferably Turkish Liras, to avoid confusion.
  • Check if the tip is already included in the bill before adding an extra gratuity.
  • Consider using a Wise travel card to manage your budget and avoid currency conversion fees.

Tip in the local currency

Tipping in the local currency is a great way to save money on currency exchange when travelling. With a travel money card, you can get free ATM withdrawals and hold and spend 50+ currencies with the same card. This makes it easy to top up in your local currency and switch to Turkish lira whenever you need it. The Wise debit card also allows you to manage your account on the go using their app.

Before deciding whether or not to tip in the local currency, it’s important to double check your bill as service charges may be automatically added in some countries. By tipping in local currency, you can avoid paying extra fees for converting foreign currencies into your own. With a travel money card, you can easily access cash from ATMs around the world without any additional fees or charges.

The tip may already be included in your bill

When travelling to Turkey, it is important to familiarize yourself with the tipping standards in order to avoid any awkward situations. In general, it is customary to tip 5-10% at restaurants, cafes and bars, with higher amounts in more expensive establishments.

Musicians should be rewarded with 5 or 10 lira notes. Tour guides do not expect tips, but a token of appreciation of 20-30 TL is often given as a group. At airports, you should tip 2-3 TL per suitcase and when taking a taxi, round up the fare and tip for luggage assistance. When visiting a Turkish bath, it is customary to tip 10-20% of the total amount spent.

It is also important to be aware that the tip may already be included in your bill so make sure to check before adding an additional gratuity. To save money on meals while travelling in Turkey, consider using a Wise travel card which can help you manage your budget better. By following these simple tips and

Tipping on a business trip

Tipping on a business trip to Turkey is an important way to show appreciation for good service. If the service charge is not already included in the bill, tipping is at your discretion. Staff working in restaurants and hotels in Turkey often have low wages, so consider leaving a gratuity tip as a way of showing your appreciation for their hard work.

Tour guides in Turkey do not expect tips, but they appreciate it when you leave one for good service. A suggested amount is 10-15 Turkish Lirah. This small gesture can go a long way towards making your business trip more enjoyable and memorable.

When deciding whether or not to tip, always take into account the quality of service you received and how much it meant to you. Tipping should be done out of gratitude and respect, not obligation or expectation. It’s also important to remember that tipping etiquette varies from country to country, so make sure you research the customs before embarking on your business trip. With these tips in

Use your own judgement

Turkey is a country of stunning beauty and generous people. From the majestic mountains of the east to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in the west, Turkey offers something for everyone. The culture is vibrant and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore a new place.

However, it is important to be prepared for any negative experiences while travelling in Turkey. Crime rates are higher than in other countries, so visitors should take extra precautions when out and about.

Turkey also offers great value for money and an affordable living experience. Prices are generally lower than in other European countries, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to hostels, so there’s something to suit every budget. Food is also inexpensive and delicious;

Turkish cuisine is renowned around the world for its unique flavors and spices. With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and affordable prices, Turkey is a great destination for those who want to experience something different without breaking the pocket.

Guides for Turkey

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Things to do in Turkey


In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the tipping customs in Turkey and to show appreciation for good service. Tipping is generally expected in restaurants, hotels, and for other services, and it is customary to leave around 10-15% of the total bill.

FAQs: Tipping in Turkey

Is 100 lira a good tip in Turkey?

In Turkey in 2024, a tip of 100 Lira was considered generous. It could be given to tour guides, private drivers, or for excellent service in a fancy restaurant. The usual tip in Turkey now is between 150 and 200 Turkish Lira, about $5 or €5.


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